Dominican Republic Healthcare Overview
The Dominican Republic has a two-tier healthcare system: public hospitals for those without insurance, and private facilities that most expats use.
The Good News
- Quality private care: Modern facilities with U.S.-trained doctors
- Affordable costs: 50-80% less than U.S. prices
- No wait times: See specialists same week, often same day
- Medical tourism hub: International standards at major hospitals
- Many English-speaking doctors: Especially in tourist areas
What to Know
- Private healthcare recommended: Public hospitals are underfunded
- Insurance essential: Private care without insurance gets expensive
- Major cities have best facilities: Santo Domingo, Santiago have top hospitals
- North coast adequate: Puerto Plata has good facilities for most needs
Top Hospitals by Region
Santo Domingo (Best Facilities)
Centro Médico UCE (CEDIMAT)
- Specialties: Cardiology, oncology, neurology
- Standard: JCI accreditation pending, international standard
- Notes: Preferred for complex procedures
Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud
- Specialties: Full-service, emergency, surgery
- Standard: Modern facility, good reputation
- Notes: Popular with expats in Santo Domingo
Clínica Abreu
- Specialties: General medicine, diagnostics
- Standard: Long-established, trusted name
- Notes: Multiple locations
Santiago
Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS)
- Specialties: Full-service, cardiac surgery, oncology
- Standard: Best in northern DR
- Notes: Many north coast expats go here for major procedures
Clínica Corominas
- Specialties: General, OB/GYN, pediatrics
- Standard: Good mid-range option
Puerto Plata / North Coast
Centro Médico Bournigal
- Specialties: Emergency, general surgery, diagnostics
- Standard: Best in Puerto Plata
- Notes: 24/7 emergency, English-speaking staff
Hospiten Puerto Plata
- Specialties: General, emergency, tourist-oriented
- Standard: Part of Spanish hospital chain
- Notes: Familiar to European expats
Clínica Brugal
- Specialties: General medicine, minor procedures
- Standard: Local clinic level
Punta Cana / East
Hospiten Bávaro
- Specialties: Full-service, emergency, surgery
- Standard: International chain, tourist-focused
- Notes: Most expats in Punta Cana use this facility
Centro Médico Punta Cana
- Specialties: General, emergency
- Standard: Good local option
Healthcare Costs Comparison
Out-of-pocket costs without insurance show the dramatic savings:
| Procedure/Service | Dominican Republic | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor visit (GP) | $25-$50 | $150-$300 |
| Specialist visit | $40-$80 | $200-$500 |
| Blood panel (comprehensive) | $30-$60 | $200-$500 |
| MRI | $150-$300 | $1,000-$3,000 |
| CT scan | $100-$200 | $500-$1,500 |
| Emergency room visit | $50-$150 | $500-$3,000 |
| Appendectomy | $2,000-$4,000 | $15,000-$35,000 |
| Knee replacement | $8,000-$12,000 | $40,000-$70,000 |
| Dental cleaning | $25-$50 | $100-$200 |
| Dental crown | $150-$300 | $1,000-$1,500 |
Why So Affordable?
- Lower labor costs (including physician salaries)
- Less administrative overhead
- Lower malpractice insurance costs
- Government price controls on some services
- Competition among private providers
Health Insurance Options for Expats
Option 1: Dominican Local Insurance
Best for: Full-time residents, budget-conscious expats
Top Local Providers
- ARS Humano: Largest network, good coverage
- ARS Universal: Comprehensive plans available
- Senasa: Government plan (residents only)
- ARS Palic: Popular with expats
Typical Costs
- Age 30-40: $80-$150/month
- Age 50-60: $150-$300/month
- Age 65+: $250-$500/month
Pros
- Very affordable premiums
- Good local hospital networks
- Covers routine care
- No claim hassle—direct billing
Cons
- Coverage limits (often $50,000-$200,000 annually)
- May not cover medical evacuation
- Pre-existing condition exclusions common
- May have age limits for enrollment
Option 2: International Health Insurance
Best for: Part-time residents, frequent travelers, those wanting evacuation coverage
Top International Providers
- Cigna Global: Excellent coverage, premium pricing
- Aetna International: Strong network
- IMG Global: Good value for expats
- GeoBlue: Backed by Blue Cross
- Allianz Care: European standard
Typical Costs
- Age 30-40: $150-$400/month
- Age 50-60: $300-$700/month
- Age 65+: $500-$1,200/month
Pros
- Higher coverage limits ($1M+)
- Medical evacuation included
- Coverage worldwide (including U.S.)
- Better pre-existing condition options
Cons
- Higher premiums
- May require upfront payment + reimbursement
- Deductibles can be high
Option 3: Self-Insurance + Catastrophic
Best for: Healthy individuals, those with savings, budget minimizers
- Pay out-of-pocket for routine care (very affordable in DR)
- High-deductible plan for emergencies/hospitalization
- Consider medical evacuation rider separately
Insurance for U.S. Medicare Holders
Important: U.S. Medicare does NOT cover you outside the United States (except limited border situations).
- You'll need separate coverage for DR
- Some expats maintain Medicare Part A (free) for U.S. visits
- Consider international plan or DR local insurance
Pharmacies & Medications
Good News About DR Pharmacies
- Widespread availability: Pharmacies everywhere
- Many meds OTC: Items requiring prescription in U.S. often available over counter
- Lower prices: Generic medications very affordable
- 24-hour pharmacies: Available in cities
Major Pharmacy Chains
- Farmacia Carol: Largest chain, many locations
- Farmacia Los Hidalgos: Good prices, wide selection
- La Sirena: Supermarket chain with pharmacies
Medications to Know
- Available without prescription: Antibiotics, blood pressure meds, many others (consult pharmacist)
- Controlled substances: Require prescription (pain medications, anxiety medications)
- Bring supply of specialty meds: Some brand-name drugs harder to find
Cost Examples
| Medication | DR Price | U.S. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Generic blood pressure (30 days) | $5-$15 | $20-$50 |
| Generic cholesterol (30 days) | $10-$25 | $30-$100 |
| Generic antibiotics (course) | $3-$10 | $20-$50 |
Dental & Vision Care
Dental Care
Dental care in the DR is exceptionally affordable with quality comparable to the U.S.:
- Many dentists trained in U.S. or Europe
- Modern equipment and techniques
- Dental tourism is common
Some expats fly to DR specifically for dental work—the savings pay for the trip.
Vision Care
- Eye exams: $25-$50
- Glasses: $50-$150 (frames + lenses)
- Contact lenses: Similar to U.S. prices
- LASIK: $800-$1,500 per eye (vs. $2,000-$3,000 U.S.)
Emergency Situations
Emergency Numbers
- 911: General emergency (works in DR)
- National Police: 809-682-2151
- Fire: 809-682-2000
What to Do in Emergency
- Go to nearest private hospital: Don't wait for ambulance if possible
- Bring ID and insurance card: Speeds admission
- Cash/credit card: May need deposit for admission
- Call insurance company: Most have 24/7 lines
Medical Evacuation
For life-threatening situations requiring care not available locally:
- Evacuation to: Miami typically (1.5-hour flight)
- Cost without insurance: $25,000-$100,000+
- With evacuation coverage: Included in most international plans
Recommendation: Ensure your insurance includes medical evacuation, or purchase standalone evacuation coverage.
Plan Your Healthcare Coverage
Quality, affordable healthcare is one of the Dominican Republic's biggest advantages for expats and retirees. With proper insurance and knowledge of the system, you can access excellent care at a fraction of U.S. costs.
Moving to the Dominican Republic?
Healthcare is just one piece of your relocation puzzle. Let us help you find the right property in a location with good access to medical facilities and the lifestyle amenities you need.
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