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Saint Kitts and Nevis International Health Insurance / Healthcare System
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 The Federation
of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two island country located in the
Carribean, approximately 1,285 kilometers north of the South
American continent. The country is comprised of two islands, the
island of Saint Kitts and the island of Nevis, located 3.22
kilometers from each other. Saint Kitts and Nevis has a population
of approximately 50,300 people and has a total land area of 261
square kilometers, with Saint Kitts comprising 168 square
kilometers and Nevis comprising 93 square kilometers. Around 70
percent of the population lives on Saint Kitts, confined to the
capital city Basseterre. Tourism is the largest industry in Saint
Kitts and Nevis, followed by transportation, agriculture and
manufacturing.
Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983, following a
long history of conflict. Saint Kitts and Nevis was settled by the
British in 1623 but suffered periods of fighting. It was later
seceded by the island of Anguilla in 1971, before establishing
peace in 1983.
Today, Saint Kitts and Nevis has achieved political stability and
has strengthened its economy through its tourism sector. The
healthcare system has improved since the country gained
independence, with adequate access to primary health care services
and hospital facilities. Water treatment and sanitation is
considered adequate and safe in most areas of Saint Kitts and
Nevis, reducing the burden of communicable diseases throughout the
country.
However, Saint Kitts and Nevis experiences challenges that
continue to weaken the nation’s economy and potential financial
growth. Lack of education and job opportunities have increased
emigration, resulting in an unskilled workforce which in turn has
had the effect of limiting the healthcare services the country can
provide. Lack of job opportunities have forced some St. Kitts and
Nevis citizens to resort to drug trafficking, a problem which the
Government has yet to resolve.
Hurricanes in Saint Kitts and Nevis have wiped out agriculture,
property and infrastructure, placing a large burden on the
country's economy. Hurricane season in Saint Kitts and Nevis
typically occurs between the months of June to November, with
severe storms occurring during the months of August to October.
Major events include Hurricane Georgia in 1998, which accumulated
around USD$458 million in damage. Buildings and infrastructure in
Saint Kitts and Nevis have been destroyed and rebuilt over the
years due to severe hurricanes. After hurricane Georgia, the
Joseph N. France Hospital was severely damaged. Around 90 percent
of the Joseph N. France General Hospital was unable to operate due
to destruction of storage and sterile facilities. The country's
effort to rebuild was later destroyed when hurricane Lenny swept
through Saint Kitts and Nevis a year later in 1999.
There are limited doctors and modern medical equipment within
Saint Kitts and Nevis. In the event of a serious illness or
accident emergency evacuation will be required to provide the
adequate level of medical care. Saint Kitts and Nevis does not
have the equipment to perform CT scans, MRI scans and other
specialized diagnostic tests. There are units for serious burn
injuries in some of the healthcare facilities located within the
country, however, complex surgery is not available; patients
requiring open-heart surgery, orthopedics or brain surgery must
travel overseas to Puerto Rico or Miami. There are no hyperbaric
chambers available in Saint Kitts and Nevis for divers with
decompression illness. Serious diving incidents are evacuated to
Saba Island, located in the Netherlands Antilles, 8 kilometers
from Saint Kitts, where the closest hyperbaric chamber is
available. Expats living in Saint Kitts and Nevis are highly
recommended to obtain a comprehensive health insurance plan that
includes coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation, as
well as medical services in Saint Kitts and Nevis and overseas in
Puerto Rico and Miami.
There are three large hospitals in Saint Kitts including the
Joseph N. France General Hospital, Hospital Molineux, and the
Pogson Hospital. There is one hospital in Nevis called the
Alexandria Hospital. There are no private hospitals in Saint Kitts
and Nevis, although there are some private doctors that work in
private clinics in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The Joseph N. France General Hospital is the main referral
hospital on Saint Kitts. It has the largest emergency and trauma
department, with doctors and specialized surgeons available. The
Joseph N. France General Hospital has basic diagnostic equipment
including x-ray, laboratory, and blood supply. Dialysis equipment
is also available. Staff are experienced in providing adequate
emergency stabilizing services such as cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) and insertion of intravenous (IV) lines. The
Joseph N. France General Hospital hopes to improve its healthcare
services by expanding its radiology unit, laboratory, surgery,
medical records and administration.
The only hospital located within Nevis is the Alexandra Hospital.
The Alexandria Hospital is not as advanced as the Joseph N. France
General Hospital. It can provide basic emergency services
including IV insertion and basic CPR. Surgery is limited to
general procedures. Diagnostic services and laboratory are
limited, and include X-rays and CAT scan. There are no blood
supply services on Nevis, patients must travel to the Joseph N.
France General Hospital located in Saint Kitts.
Due to the limited medical facilities available on Saint Kitts and
Nevis, the Government has emphasized preventative health measures
in the delivery of health care in the country. Government
initiatives have allowed primary health care services affordable
and easy to access by the entire population. Vaccinations and
health screening services are free and available at nearby health
care centers throughout Saint Kitts and Nevis. Charitable and
government organizations provide health awareness to the community
through fund raising events and mobile screening services in the
public. Patients are referred to Joseph N. France General Hospital
or the Alexandria Hospital where basic biopsies and diagnostic
services are available.
Severe hurricanes are characterized by strong, violent winds that
can exceed 119 kilometers per hour. Hurricanes can destroy
buildings, particularly those located near the coast line.
Injuries associated with hurricanes are usually as a result of
flying debris. Expats need to know how to stay safe during a
hurricane to reduce their risk of injury. An emergency evacuation
kit should be prepared and made easily accessible. The kit should
include emergency contact numbers, cash, first aid, medications,
clothing, water and food supplies. It is important to listen to
media for hurricane warnings and evacuation instructions. Safe
areas of a house during a hurricane may include the bathroom and
away from windows.
Communicable diseases are relatively controlled in Saint Kitts and
Nevis, compared to other neighboring countries in the Caribbean.
However, there are reports of Hepatitis A, dengue fever and
bacterial infections, with occasional outbreaks occurring from
time to time. Expats and resident should monitor the media for
health warnings relating to outbreaks that may occur within Saint
Kitts and Nevis, as well as neighboring countries in the
Caribbean. The quality of water may not be potable outside urban
areas, as such it is advised to drink bottled or sterilized water.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required prior to
entering Saint Kitts and Nevis for those who have recently visited
affected areas.
Expats and residents living in Saint Kitts and Nevis are highly
recommended to adopt emergency protocols in the event of a
hurricane, criminal event, or medical emergency.
For ambulance services in Saint Kitts and Nevis dial 9-1-1.
Local police services can be contacted on 465-2241 in Saint Kitts,
and 469-5391 in Nevis .
Local fire services can be contacted on 465-2515 in Saint Kitts,
and 469-3444 in Nevis.
The contact number for the Joseph N. France General Hospital,
located in Saint Kitts, is 465-2551.
The contact number for the Alexandra Hospital, located on Nevis,
is 469-5473.
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Saint Kitts and Nevis International Health Insurance |
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For more information about Saint Kitts and Nevis medical insurance
plans, or to receive a free International Health Insurance Quote,
please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.
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