Healthcare and insurance in the Dominican Republic

When visiting the Dominican Republic, you have the option to utilize international insurance from your home country. However, if you plan on residing in the Dominican Republic for an extended period and wish to save on insurance costs, it’s wise to consider life and health insurance from local providers.

The Dominican Republic’s healthcare system has a three-tiered structure to help people get the care they need:

1. Support for Those in Need: The first tier is there to assist people who might be struggling financially, like the less fortunate, those with disabilities, or folks who are currently unemployed. They receive financial help from the Dominican government to access healthcare.
2. Contributions from Employers and Workers: The second tier is all about teamwork. Both employers and employees pitch in to cover healthcare costs, ensuring that everyone gets the care they deserve.
3. Support for Skilled and Self-Employed: The last tier, known as “contributive subsidized,” is for technical workers and self-employed individuals with incomes above the national average. They also contribute to the healthcare fund.

For expats living in the Dominican Republic, you’ll typically fall under the “Support for Skilled and Self-Employed”. It’s always a good idea to double-check with your employer or directly with the insurance company just to be certain. Before making your move to this beautiful country, make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, diphtheria, chickenpox, and polio.

Additionally, getting medical insurance is a must for expats. Public healthcare may not meet your expectations, and there’s a higher risk of diseases like malaria. That’s why many global nomads and expats opt for international private healthcare policies. These policies ensure you’ll receive top-notch medical care, especially during emergencies. Your health and well-being are worth it!

For instance, Humano insurance offers a variety of plans, including personal, family, full, or partial coverage. They even provide car insurance options. Opting for a more comprehensive plan can yield greater benefits. Humano’s extensive insurance not only safeguards against injuries incurred after signing the contract but also covers treatments for chronic illnesses like cancer.

If you’re looking to expand your business in the Dominican Republic, Humano offers insurance options for all your employees. Their comprehensive private plan grants you access to an array of healthcare services, encompassing outpatient care, diagnostic support, hospitalization, surgical procedures, and maternity services. You’ll enjoy direct access to an exclusive network of healthcare providers, along with the convenience of receiving a 90% reimbursement of your expenses.

Another large and trusted company providing insurance services is Universal. A reputable and well-established insurance company with more than 58 years of experience, offers a wide range of insurance plans, including comprehensive coverage for families. One of their notable innovations is the Unit service, which was launched in 2019 as the region’s pioneer in digital insurance. Unit provides simple and easily accessible protection solutions through a fully digital platform, revolutionizing the insurance experience.

There are many insurance companies in the Dominican Republic, but Humano and Universal have the largest number of offices, are time-tested and have English-speaking staff.