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 Barbados
- The Welcome Stamp visa (12 months, $50,000+ income required) mandates health insurance coverage.
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is the only public hospital—free for emergencies, but long waits for elective care.
- Private options (Bayview Hospital, Sandy Crest) cost BBD 200-400 ($100-200) per consultation.
- International plans cost $150-350/month and should include Miami evacuation for complex cases.
- UK citizens have reciprocal emergency coverage; US/Canadian citizens need private insurance.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Barbados?
The Barbados Welcome Stamp visa—popular with digital nomads and remote workers—requires proof of health insurance as part of the application. Work permits and investor visas also require coverage. While tourist visas don't mandate insurance, it's strongly recommended given limited local specialist capacity. UK citizens have a reciprocal healthcare agreement for emergency treatment, but it doesn't cover routine care or evacuation.
Insurance is required for:
- Welcome Stamp visa holders (mandatory requirement with $50,000+ income threshold)
- Work permit and investor visa applicants—insurance required
- US and Canadian citizens—no reciprocal agreements, home coverage invalid
- Anyone needing specialist care beyond general medicine
- Divers, surfers, and water sports enthusiasts—hyperbaric chamber access requires insurance
Public vs Private Healthcare in Barbados
Public Healthcare
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH)
- Access: All residents for emergencies, nationals for free routine care
- Cost: Free emergencies; BBD 50-100 ($25-50) for non-national consultations
QEH in Bridgetown is the only public hospital on the island—167 beds serving 290,000 people. Emergency care is good, but elective surgeries have 3-6 month waits. Polyclinics across the island provide primary care. Specialist availability is limited—many patients fly to Miami, Trinidad, or the UK for complex cases.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: BBD 200-400 ($100-200)/consultation; BBD 2,000-5,000 ($1,000-2,500)/night hospitalization
Bayview Hospital is the main private facility with 24/7 emergency and surgical services. Sandy Crest Medical Centre and FMH Emergency Medical Clinic offer outpatient care. For major surgery, cardiac care, or cancer treatment, most expats fly to Miami (3.5-hour flight)—Cleveland Clinic and Jackson Memorial are common destinations.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Barbados. 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 Barbados
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 Barbados
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 Barbados
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Small island = limited specialists—expect to fly to Miami for cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, or complex procedures.
- Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt medical evacuations—ensure your plan covers alternative arrangements.
- Hyperbaric chamber at Bayview Hospital requires insurance for diving accidents—verify scuba/freediving coverage.
- Welcome Stamp requires proof of insurance at application—budget this into your annual costs.
- Pre-existing conditions face standard 12-24 month waiting periods with most international insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Welcome Stamp visa require health insurance?
Yes. The Barbados Welcome Stamp—a 12-month visa for remote workers earning $50,000+ annually—requires proof of health insurance as part of the application. International coverage meeting standard requirements is accepted. The visa costs $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for families.
How good is Queen Elizabeth Hospital?
QEH provides solid emergency care and basic surgical services. It's the only public hospital on the island with 167 beds. Emergency treatment is free for everyone, but elective surgeries have long waits. For routine care, the island's network of polyclinics (health centers) handles primary care. Complex cases—cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, transplants—require evacuation to Miami or Trinidad.
Do UK citizens get free healthcare in Barbados?
UK citizens have a reciprocal healthcare agreement covering emergency treatment at QEH. However, this doesn't cover routine care, prescriptions, or medical evacuation. UK expats staying long-term should still get comprehensive international coverage—especially given the need for Miami evacuation for specialist care.
What's the best health insurance for digital nomads in Barbados?
Welcome Stamp holders typically choose international plans from Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or SafetyWing. Key features to prioritize: Miami evacuation coverage, hurricane disruption provisions, and water sports/diving coverage. Plans cost $150-350/month depending on age and coverage level.
Is diving covered by travel insurance in Barbados?
Standard travel insurance often excludes scuba diving below 30m or recreational freediving. Barbados has excellent dive sites, so verify your policy explicitly covers diving activities. Bayview Hospital has the island's only hyperbaric chamber—ensure your plan covers decompression treatment, which can cost $3,000-5,000 per session without insurance.
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.