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 Dominican Republic
- Santo Domingo has excellent private hospitals—HOMS, CEDIMAT, Plaza de la Salud rival US facilities at fraction of cost.
- Local ARS insurance (Humano, Universal, MAPFRE) is affordable and covers private hospitals—popular with long-term expats.
- Tourist areas (Punta Cana, Puerto Plata) have limited healthcare—serious cases go to Santo Domingo or Miami.
- Retirement visa is straightforward—$1,500/month income proof, no health insurance requirement.
- Miami is 1.5 hours away—many expats include US coverage for complex cases.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic doesn't require health insurance for visas, but coverage is essential for quality care. The retirement/pensionado visa requires $1,500/month income proof but no insurance mandate. Local ARS (Administradora de Riesgos de Salud) insurance is affordable and accepted at private hospitals. Many US expats keep international coverage that includes the US for complex cases—Miami is only 1.5 hours away.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone—public healthcare is not recommended for expats
- US/Canadian retirees—Medicare doesn't work abroad, need local or international coverage
- Residents of tourist areas (Punta Cana, Sosua, Puerto Plata)—limited local healthcare
- Those wanting US hospital access for complex conditions—include US in coverage
- Expats with chronic conditions requiring consistent, reliable specialist care
Public vs Private Healthcare in Dominican Republic
Public Healthcare
SeNaSa (Public Insurance) / Public Hospitals
- Access: Dominican citizens and legal residents
- Cost: Nearly free (subsidized)
Public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded—expats avoid them. SeNaSa public insurance covers public facilities only. Quality varies widely; some public hospitals are acceptable for emergencies, but most expats use private facilities. The DR has invested in healthcare, but the gap between public and private remains large.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $50-150/month local ARS, $100-250/month international
Santo Domingo hospitals: HOMS (Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud), CEDIMAT (cardiac specialty), Centro Médico UCE, Clínica Abreu. Quality approaches US standards at 30-50% of US prices. Local ARS insurers: Humano, Universal, ARS Palic, MAPFRE BHD. English available at major private hospitals. Santiago has Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Dominican Republic. 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 Dominican Republic
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 Dominican Republic
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 → |
Ready to Compare Quotes?
Find the right plan for your move to Dominican Republic.
Compare Plans Now →Common Watch-outs for Dominican Republic
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Tourist areas have very limited healthcare. Punta Cana has Hospiten (adequate for emergencies), but serious cases require Santo Domingo or evacuation.
- Spanish is essential outside Santo Domingo's major private hospitals. Bring a translator or Spanish-speaking friend for care in smaller facilities.
- US Medicare does NOT work in DR. US expats must get local ARS, international insurance, or pay out-of-pocket.
- Miami backup makes sense. Complex cases (cancer, cardiac surgery, transplants) may do better in Miami (1.5 hour flight). Include US in coverage if budget allows.
- Dengue and other tropical diseases are endemic. Ensure coverage without tropical disease exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARS insurance and should I get it?
ARS (Administradora de Riesgos de Salud) is local health insurance. Major ARS companies: Humano, Universal, ARS Palic, MAPFRE BHD. Costs $50-150/month depending on coverage level. Accepted at private hospitals throughout DR. Good value for long-term residents. Limitations: typically doesn't cover pre-existing conditions initially, and no coverage outside DR. Many expats combine ARS for local care with international insurance for travel and evacuation.
How good are Santo Domingo's hospitals?
Very good. CEDIMAT is a world-class cardiac center. HOMS/Plaza de la Salud handles complex surgery, oncology, and has a strong ICU. Centro Médico UCE and Clínica Abreu are also excellent. US-trained doctors are common. Costs are 30-50% of US prices. For routine and moderately complex care, Santo Domingo is fully capable. For cutting-edge treatments or very rare conditions, Miami is the backup.
What's healthcare like in Punta Cana?
Limited but improving. Hospiten Punta Cana is the main private hospital—handles emergencies, minor surgery, routine care. For anything serious (cardiac, complex surgery, cancer), expect transfer to Santo Domingo (2-hour drive) or air evacuation to Miami. Many Punta Cana expats maintain international insurance with evacuation coverage specifically because local options are limited.
Is DR good for retiree healthcare?
Yes, for healthy retirees or those with manageable conditions. Santo Domingo has excellent hospitals at affordable prices. Local ARS insurance is cheap ($50-100/month). Challenges: Spanish language needed outside major hospitals, Medicare doesn't work, and complex conditions may benefit from US care. Many US retirees keep international coverage including US access, visiting Miami for annual check-ups or complex care.
Should I include US coverage in my plan?
If budget allows, yes—especially for those with chronic conditions or over 60. Miami is 1.5 hours away with world-class hospitals (Baptist Health, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Jackson Memorial). Including US in your coverage area adds $50-150/month but provides access to cutting-edge care. Many expats use DR for routine care and Miami for complex issues or second opinions.
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.