In this section we give detailed information on the healthcare services in the Cayman Islands; we describe each of the hospitals and list all the medical professionals on Grand Cayman in order of their chosen specialty. We also list all the dentists, orthodontists, optometrist, ancillary medical professionals and alternative medicine professionals on Grand Cayman. Finally we list all the pharmacies. This information is taken from the Medical & Dental Practitioners Board of registered doctors and health care workers and it is then checked and double checked and finally listed by the doctor’s specialty. It is the easiest, most accurate and up to date place to find an Opthalmologist, Podiatrist or a Urologist!

A broad range of medical services are available on Grand Cayman with two fully-equipped hospitals, numerous clinics and many private specialist doctors and general practitioners. We also attract a wealth of visiting specialists. Healthcare and medications are quite costly. It is advised that you secure your health insurance immediately, as health insurance coverage is mandatory on the Island.

 In addition to a wide array of medical services and procedures available on-Island, it is also possible to have advanced radiology, CTs, an MRI, digital mammograms, 3D-ultrasound, echocardiography, GI endoscopy, cystoscopy, chemotherapy, hospice and in-home nursing. Pharmacies are well-stocked and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance is required by law. The law stipulates that employers must take out health insurance for their employees from the very first day of employment regardless of the type or length of their work permit. The cost of coverage can be split 50/50. Plans vary from the basic to the all-inclusive, which covers prescriptions, dental, optical and most outpatient services. The cost also varies with age. Pre-existing conditions are sometimes excluded so be sure to ask before cancelling your insurance at home – it is possible you could get global coverage on your existing health insurance which will cover you in Cayman. The average cost of a basic plan for an individual is CI$100–$120 per month. The premier plan costs between CI$300–$320 per month per individual. Almost all insurance companies have a deductible that must be met before the plan starts paying either 100% or 80% of the costs. It is worth discussing with your health insurance provider exactly what is and what is not covered. Medical services are very expensive in Cayman and it is better to be educated and covered than face the alternative.

 Some medical and dental practitioners accept local insurance ‘on assignment’ provided that the insurance company guarantees payment and your deductible has been met. This means that they will claim directly from the insurance company for work done on your behalf. Be aware that all charges may not be paid by the insurance company as some private practice fees may exceed the ‘Reasonable and Customary Fees’. You are advised to always confirm with the medical practitioner the cost of the impending treatment. For large items it is not unreasonable to ask for a written quote. Almost all medical practitioners will verify your insurance coverage with the insurance company before they carry out any service.

Health Insurance Providers

Tel: (345) 949 5811 Fax: (345) 949 7192

Email: rmackenzie@baico.ky

British Caymanian Insurance

Tel: (345) 949 8699 Fax: (345) 949 8411

Fidelity Bank (Cayman) Ltd.

Tel: (345) 949 7822 Fax: (345) 949 4079

Email: bank@fidelitycayman.com

Tel: (345) 946 2273 Fax: (345) 946 7322

Email: info@quikcareinsurance.com

Vaccinations for Cayman

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that no vaccinations are required for international travel to the Cayman Islands. However there are routine immunisation schedules for children and adults which local doctors recommend: For example tetanus toxoid is recommended, as is the MMR vaccine and Hep B. However, currently none of these are required for entry into the Islands.

HOSPITALS

As mentioned above, Grand Cayman has two fully-equipped hospitals and there is also a hospital on Cayman Brac.

The Cayman Islands Hospital

Tel: (345) 949 8600 

The George Town Hospital, as everyone refers to it locally, is located in the heart of George Town. It is a modern 124 bed hospital, encompassing 139,066sq ft on two storeys and is the principal healthcare facility in the country. It offers accident and emergency services; general practitioner clinics; full maternity services; daily general practice surgeries; haemodialysis; wellness clinics; mammograms; paediatrics; operating theatres; physiotherapy; a pharmacy and laboratory services, including a DNA forensic unit – along with other facilities one would expect in a modern healthcare setting.

 Specialist services include: gynaecology and obstetrics; paediatrics; cardiology; internal medicine; dental clinic; eye clinic; dermatology; occupational therapy; dieticians; clinical psychologists; gastroenterology; rheumatology; radiology; neurology; ophthalmology; orthopaedics; ear, nose and throat; reconstructive surgery and urology.

The Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital (CTMH)

Tel: (345) 949 6066

CTMH is a private 18 bed facility offering personalised, high quality healthcare. CTMH opened in May 2000 and offers a wide range of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services. These include:

> 24 Hour urgent care (A&E)

> Family Practice services open all week

The CTMH also has a private satellite clinic, Savannah Medical Clinic, located in Unit #3, Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah (Tel: (345) 749 6066). Please note that doctors from the CTMH are listed further along in this chapter according to their specialty. They also bring in many visiting specialists on a regular basis. Check the Caymanian Compass newspaper.

Faith Hospital, Cayman Brac  

Tel: (345) 948 2243

Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac is currently undergoing major renovations that are expected to be completed by early 2009. They do not expect these renovations to upset normal operations, but some patient services will be temporarily relocated to the Kirkconnell Community Care Centre. Faith Hospital serves the residents of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The 18 bed facility provides primary, secondary and emergency care. Physicians provide services in the fields of general medicine, surgery, anaesthesia and obstetrics and gynaecology. Regular visits by specialist physicians from the George Town Hospital on Grand Cayman supplement these services by providing paediatric; orthopaedic; internal medicine; ophthalmology; urology; mental health; nutritionist and ENT services. Emergency Medical Service provides emergency care and transport.