Jacob, one important thing is, that there is waiting period in a health insurance in the DR, UNLESS you have emergency OR you contribute to TSS and have health insurance via your employer via TSS. Usually, waiting period is: emergency - immediately (most of health insurance, but some have waiting period 1 month), lab work and doctor's consultations (outpatient care) - 1 month or 2 months, specialized exams - 3 to 6 months, ambulatory procedures - 6 months, and elective (meaning non-emergency) surgery 12 months. What this means is that during the first 12 month of your health insurance you can basically only get covered minor health incidents and emergency care, and any emergency surgery that may arise out of the emergency situation. Anything that is non life-threatening and can be postponed will NOT be covered by th DR health insurance in the first 12 months of your plan, for voluntary (private) plans.
IF you have residency, and cedula, AND are employee (even by your own company) you can (and should when employed) contribute to TSS (tesoreria de seguridad social) and you will get BASIC health plan with immediate coverage (1200 pesos room, 90% up to 1800, 80% of inpatient and outpatient care, pharmacy, etc.). Not only you but your spouse as well, as well as any underage children, without paying and additional contributions.
But the VERY NICE POINT comes here that you can pay a SUPPLEMENT (very minor cost) and you will get additional coverage. For example, with ARS CONSTITUCION (the 4th largest health insurance company) you get TSS coverage (same in all insurace companies) but for a supplement of RD$100 per month you get same coverage as their 2nd best private plan, and for RD$200 per month supplement get coverage same as their best private plan.
Health insurance via TSS contributions PLUS a supplement through a private insurance IS MUCH MUCH BETTER than any PRIVATE VOLUNTARY health insurance plan. ALSO, there are NO WAITING PERIODS, meaning after you start contributing to TSS and get your insurance card, you can undergo open-heart surgery without any waiting period!!!! With a private insurance plan (in the same health insurance company) you would need to wait 12 months.