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 Jamaica
- Health insurance not required but strongly recommended—Kingston has good private hospitals, but complex cases need Miami evacuation.
- Digital Nomad Visa available for remote workers earning $50,000+/year—no insurance requirement but essential to have.
- Retirement Visa for those 55+ with $2,000/month income—popular with American and Canadian retirees.
- Kingston has the best healthcare; tourist areas (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios) have limited facilities.
- US Medicare does NOT work in Jamaica—Americans need private international coverage.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Jamaica?
Jamaica does not require health insurance for visas, including the Digital Nomad Visa. However, private coverage is essential in practice. Jamaica's public healthcare has significant limitations, and complex medical needs require evacuation to Miami (1.5-hour flight). Kingston has reasonable private hospitals, but tourist areas and rural Jamaica have very limited healthcare. US Medicare and most US insurance do not cover care in Jamaica.
You likely need private insurance if:
- All expats—public healthcare is limited and often crowded
- Digital nomads—no visa requirement but essential for practical reasons
- American retirees—US Medicare doesn't work in Jamaica
- Those living outside Kingston—Montego Bay and rural areas have limited healthcare
- Anyone with chronic conditions—specialist care availability is limited
Public vs Private Healthcare in Jamaica
Public Healthcare
Ministry of Health / NHF
- Access: Jamaican citizens and residents; limited access for foreigners
- Cost: Low fees at public hospitals; NHF subsidizes medications
University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is the main teaching hospital in Kingston—handles complex cases but often crowded. Cornwall Regional Hospital serves Montego Bay area. Public hospitals are under-resourced with long waits. NHF (National Health Fund) subsidizes medications for residents. JAMDicare is a government health insurance scheme. Most expats avoid public hospitals except for emergencies.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $80-180/month (local plans); $120-280/month (international)
Private hospitals in Kingston include Medical Associates Hospital (best equipped), Andrews Memorial Hospital, and Nuttall Memorial Hospital. Montego Bay has Hospiten Montego Bay. Private care offers reasonable quality for routine issues and minor procedures. Complex cardiac surgery, oncology, neurosurgery, and major trauma typically require Miami evacuation. Many Jamaican doctors trained in US, UK, or at UWI—English is the primary language.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Jamaica. 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 Jamaica
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 Jamaica
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 Jamaica
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Miami evacuation is the standard for serious conditions. Kingston can handle routine care and stabilization, but cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, serious trauma, and complex cases go to Miami (1.5 hours by air ambulance). Ensure coverage includes at least $100,000 evacuation.
- US Medicare does NOT cover healthcare in Jamaica. American retirees must purchase private international coverage—this is a common misconception.
- Healthcare outside Kingston is very limited. Montego Bay has Hospiten, but rural Jamaica and resort areas have only basic clinics. If living on the north coast, plan for Kingston or Miami for serious care.
- Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt evacuation options. Ensure your insurer has contingency protocols for natural disaster scenarios.
- Crime in certain Kingston areas can affect healthcare access. Private hospitals are in safer areas, but emergency situations in high-crime zones are more complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jamaica's Digital Nomad Visa work?
Jamaica's Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Jamaica while working for non-Jamaican employers. Requirements: Proof of employment or self-employment, minimum $50,000/year income, clean criminal record. Duration is 12 months, renewable. No health insurance requirement, but coverage is essential. Apply online through the Jamaica Immigration website. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Dependents can be included.
What is the Retirement Visa for Jamaica?
Jamaica offers a Retirement Permit for those 55+ with guaranteed income of at least $2,000/month (pension, investments, or annuity). Requirements include clean criminal record and health certificate. The permit allows you to live in Jamaica without working locally. Popular with American and Canadian retirees for the climate, English language, and proximity to US. Health insurance not required but essential—US Medicare doesn't work abroad.
What are the best hospitals in Jamaica?
For expats: Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston (best private facility, most international standards), Andrews Memorial Hospital (Kingston), Nuttall Memorial Hospital (Kingston). In Montego Bay: Hospiten Montego Bay (part of international chain). University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is the main public teaching hospital—handles complex cases but crowded. For anything serious, Miami hospitals (1.5-hour flight) are the standard.
How much does private healthcare cost in Jamaica?
Jamaica healthcare costs are moderate: GP consultation J$3,000-8,000 ($20-55), specialist J$5,000-15,000 ($35-100), private hospital room J$15,000-40,000/day ($100-270), emergency room J$10,000-25,000 ($65-170). These costs make out-of-pocket viable for routine care. Insurance is valuable for hospitalizations and essential for evacuation coverage.
Do I need evacuation coverage for Jamaica?
Yes, strongly recommended. Kingston's private hospitals handle routine care and stabilization, but Jamaica lacks advanced cardiac surgery, comprehensive cancer treatment, advanced neurosurgery, and neonatal ICU capabilities. Miami is 1.5 hours by air and has world-class facilities. Air ambulance to Miami costs $15,000-30,000. Ensure your policy includes evacuation coverage of at least $100,000.
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.