Warning on Hospiten
I just wanted to report to the board that they should be very careful when using some - perhaps all of the private hospitals here - if they do not have local insurance coverage or a comprehensive international policy. I was referred to the emergency room Hospiten - a slick modern hospital-with a branch in Punta Cana- for a blood test for maleria when I returned ill from the Haitian border with flu symptoms and diarrhea.
I asked for just that test - a blood test on maleria, but gave the desk my VISA card. When I was discharged, they gave me a bill for over $300 for a complete blood work up. Now, it was ok since I had not had a complete work up in a couple of years but it was not what I asked for.
After that experience, I stick with Clinic Abreu, which is the hospital that the US government uses for all its peace corps volunteers. It is not a shiny new facility but I have had friends who have had advanced surgery there - hysterectomy - broken pelvis - with complete sucess.
So, as in everything here - caveat emptor.