Health Care in the DR

RonS

Bronze
Oct 18, 2004
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A major consideration before deciding to move to the DR is the health care system. I would really appreciate you guys' comments on the health care system there.
 

Matilda

RIP Lindsay
Sep 13, 2006
5,485
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Depends on where you live. In tourist areas there are good private clinics, and in most major towns too. You need good insurance though, which you can get here, or no doubt a good international one too. there are good specialists in all areas, although it can take you a while to find one. Compared to many countries I have been in the healthcare systm here is fine if you have insurance or you can afford it.
 

anitaemma

New member
Aug 25, 2006
134
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Does anyone know the prices of insurance for oldies (more than 66) and which companies are offering them?
 

Ken

Platinum
Jan 1, 2002
13,884
495
83
Ron, your question is much to broad. Having lived here 20 years, I have a lot of info I could share if it is relevant to your situation. But a question like "tell me everything there is to know about health care in the DR" is not going to get it.

Where are you thinking about living if you move to the DR? If we start with that, then we have something to work with.
 

dv8

Gold
Sep 27, 2006
31,266
363
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read few last entries in chiri's blog, they will give you an idea about dominican health system.
shortly - it's crap. or expensive.

first thing you'll have to get is a good insurance. in DR not all insurance companies have contracts with all doctors and labs, not to mention the procedures so you may find yourself having to pay regardless of the insurance you may have. when getting one make sure it covers everything you can think of. the basic approach here is to do as many tests as they can even in the simplests of cases. also prepare for a long wait at the doctors office.

minovio's grandma (RIP) had to travel to miami for some of her treatments as american hospitals are better equipped and prepared.

as an european/american you may find yourself more prone to infections plus bacterial and viral diseases due to the lack of immunity. don't be surprised if you have to go to the doctor more than often.
guess it gets better in time....
 

RonS

Bronze
Oct 18, 2004
1,457
65
48
Thanks for all your helpful info! I will probably end up living in the capitol, although Santiago is still being discussed. I can't imagine relying on hospitals outside of the larger urban centers. Even if I settled in one of the smaller towns I would most certainly travel for health care.
 

trueheart

New member
Oct 31, 2006
9
0
0
What about holistic health care? I'm coming to DR for 2-6 months. I do not use western medicine. I'll be living in Sosua. What about something like a health food store for supplements, etc. i've been assuming that stuff was going to be unavailable. Thanks for all the info