Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Bahamas
- The BEATS visa (1-year remote work permit) requires proof of health insurance for application.
- Healthcare is concentrated in Nassau—Princess Margaret Hospital (public) and Doctors Hospital (private).
- Out Islands (Family Islands) have only basic clinics—evacuation to Nassau or Miami is essential.
- International plans cost $200-450/month; Miami evacuation coverage is critical (45-minute flight).
- No income tax makes Bahamas popular for retirees, but healthcare costs are high.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Bahamas?
The BEATS (Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay) program—a 1-year visa for remote workers—requires proof of health insurance. Annual Residence Permits and Permanent Residence applications also benefit from showing insurance coverage. Given the archipelago's 700 islands with only 2 having proper hospitals, comprehensive coverage with evacuation provisions is essential for anyone living outside Nassau.
Insurance is required for:
- BEATS visa applicants—health insurance is a mandatory requirement
- Anyone living on the Out Islands (Family Islands)—only basic clinics available
- Retirees choosing Bahamas for tax advantages—high-quality coverage for aging needs
- Boaters and sailors—marine evacuation coverage essential for island-hopping
- US citizens—Medicare and most US insurance invalid internationally
Public vs Private Healthcare in Bahamas
Public Healthcare
Public Hospitals Authority (PHA)
- Access: All residents; Bahamians receive free basic care
- Cost: BSD 25-75 ($25-75) per consultation for non-Bahamians
Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Nassau is the main public facility with 400+ beds. Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport (Grand Bahama) is the second largest. The Out Islands (Eleuthera, Exumas, Abaco, Long Island, etc.) have only small clinics staffed by nurses—serious cases require air evacuation to Nassau. Public hospitals have long waits and limited specialist availability.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: BSD 150-300 ($150-300)/consultation; BSD 1,500-3,500/night hospitalization
Doctors Hospital in Nassau is the main private facility—JCI-accredited with modern equipment and shorter waits. Walk-In Clinic Nassau handles urgent care. For major procedures (cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, transplants), patients fly to Miami—Jackson Memorial, Cleveland Clinic, and Baptist Health are 45 minutes away. Some specialists visit from Miami on rotation.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Bahamas. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Bahamas
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Bahamas
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Bahamas
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- 700 islands, but only Nassau and Freeport have real hospitals—Out Island residents face 1-3 hour flights to reach care.
- Hurricane season (June-November) can strand you—ensure your plan covers alternative evacuation arrangements.
- High cost of living extends to healthcare—expect to pay 2-3x US prices for private care.
- Air ambulance from Out Islands to Nassau costs $5,000-15,000 without insurance.
- Diving and water sports are common—verify your policy covers hyperbaric treatment and marine evacuations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BEATS visa require health insurance?
Yes. The BEATS (Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay) program requires proof of health insurance as part of the application. This 1-year visa is designed for remote workers and digital nomads. The fee is $1,025 for individuals or $1,525 for families (up to 4). International coverage with evacuation provisions is accepted.
What healthcare is available on the Out Islands?
The Out Islands (also called Family Islands—Eleuthera, Exumas, Abaco, Long Island, Harbour Island, etc.) have only small clinics staffed primarily by nurses. Doctors visit periodically from Nassau. Any serious condition requires air evacuation to Nassau or directly to Miami. This makes medical evacuation coverage absolutely essential for Out Island residents.
How good is Doctors Hospital in Nassau?
Doctors Hospital is JCI-accredited and the best private facility in the Bahamas. It offers surgery, maternity, cardiology, and diagnostic imaging. Wait times are much shorter than public PMH. However, for complex procedures—open heart surgery, cancer treatment, organ transplants—patients still typically fly to Miami. Many Miami-based specialists visit Doctors Hospital on a rotating basis.
Is Miami evacuation really necessary?
Yes, for anyone with serious health needs. Miami is only 45 minutes by air from Nassau. Cleveland Clinic, Jackson Memorial, and Baptist Health provide specialist care unavailable in Bahamas. Air ambulance services (like MEDJET or SkyMed) should be part of your insurance—emergency evacuation without coverage costs $20,000-50,000.
What does health insurance cost for retirees in Bahamas?
Retirees (55+) should budget $350-600/month for comprehensive international coverage including Miami evacuation. The Bahamas' no-income-tax status attracts wealthy retirees, but healthcare costs are high. Pre-existing conditions face 12-24 month waiting periods. Local insurers like BAF Health and Colina offer plans but may have lower coverage limits.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.