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Saint Lucia International Health Insurance / Healthcare System
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Saint Lucia is
a small island nation located in the Lesser Antilles. The western
coast of the island is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the
Atlantic Sea borders the east coast. To the north/northeast lies
the island of Saint Vincent, Barbados to the northwest and
Martinique to the south. Saint Lucia covers a land mass of 616
square kilometres. The capital and largest city is Castries and
the country’s estimated population is thought to stand at 173,765
people. The local currency is Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).
Saint Lucia gained independence from the United Kingdom on the
22nd of February 1979. Executive power lies with the Prime
Minister and the Prime Ministers cabinet while the Head of State
is the reigning member of the British Royal Family.
According to 2010 estimates GDP was US$1.789 million, a real
growth of 1.1 percent on the previous year’s figures. The per
capita income during 2010 was US$11,100. Agriculture, industry and
services made up 5 percent, 15 percent and 80 percent of the local
economy respectively in 2005. The labour force was estimated at
79,700 people in 2007. Estimates for 2002 indicated that 21.7
percent of the labour force was engaged in the agricultural
sector, 24.7 percent industry and 53.6 services. The unemployment
rate in 2002 was 20 percent. The total expenditure by government
on health care services, as a percentage of GDP, is currently 3
percent.
The St Lucian Ministry of Health is responsible for the
organisation and delivery of public health care services in Saint
Lucia. The main objectives of the health care system are
preventative services, health education and promotion,
environmental health, hospital and curative services.
Responsibility for delivery of primary and public health services
lies with the country’s Chief Medical Officer.
Primary health care services are provided by 34 health centres
that are distributed across the island within easy reach of the
population. Secondary services are provided by district hospitals
offering limited in-patient treatment options due to downgrades in
recent years. Two tertiary hospitals, St. Jude and Victoria take
direct referrals from health centres. There are two privately
owned hospitals, Tapion Hospital and Golden Hope Psychiatric
Hospital. Services at health centres are performed on a no fee
basis, however, there is a nominal fee charge for pharmaceuticals,
and all patients that have the financial means to pay for their
medical treatment must do so.
According to government policy no one should be denied access to
health centre services. Patients must pay to access services at
district hospitals; therefore, it is imperative that one has
comprehensive medical insurance, if a serious accident should
occur you maybe referred transferred overseas by air ambulance for
treatment usually Miami or Martinque. If you are in possession of
an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) then you are entitled to
the same emergency medical treatment as a resident of Martinique.
70 percent of emergency health cover in Guadeloupe can be claimed
on your return to the UK.
According to 2011 estimates the population growth rate of Saint
Lucia is set at 0.389 percent while birth rate was set at 14.63
births per 1,000 people. The death rate in Saint Lucia during 2010
was 7 deaths per 1,000 people, while the infant mortality rate is
12.72 deaths per 1,000 live births. Life expectancy at birth is an
average of 78.84 years; 74.15 years for males, 79.68 years for
females. In Saint Lucia the total fertility rate is 1.81 children
born per woman, with school life expectancy at 13 years for males
and 14 years for females; consequently the literacy rate of the
population is 90.1 percent. In 2008 access to clean water was
improved by 98 percent in urban and rural areas, sanitation
facilities also improved by 89 percent.
Dengue fever is common in all areas of Saint Lucia. Preventative
measure such as wearing insect repellent, long pants and sleeves,
sleeping in air-conditioned rooms and using bed-nets are
recommended. However, it is important to be aware that there is no
vaccine or medication that prevents contracting the disease.
Before you travel you are advised to consult with your health care
professional, preferably one experienced in travel medicine, about
the various health risk posed by regional and communal diseases.
You should also ensure that all routine vaccinations are
up-to-date especially for tetanus, hepatises A, hepatises B,
diphtheria. Malaria is not known to be an issue in Saint Lucia.
The climate of Saint Lucia is tropical with moderate northeast
trade winds. The dry season runs between December 1st to May 31st
while the wet season occurs between June 1st and November 30th.
Hurricane season in the Caribbean also occurs during this time.
For detailed and up-to-date information regarding hurricanes and
local conditions you can check out the World Meteorological
Organisation web-site and the US National Hurricane Centre, it is
also advised that you stay tuned to local radio bulletins.
Saint Lucia is considered a friendly, welcoming nation with low
crime rates. There has, however, been a rise in violent crime with
one murder occurring in 2010, this type of violent crime is
usually confined with the local community but be aware you could
get caught in the cross fire should any outbreaks of unrest occur.
Avoid poorly-lit areas in the Rodney Bay Village and avoid
venturing outside the main village areas. One should also be aware
that there have been incidents of muggings and thefts from hotels,
yachts, and holiday homes. Some of these incidents have been of a
violent nature. You should avoid the Anse La Raye waterfall due to
the occurrence of armed robberies. Avoid walking alone on beaches
and during the hour between dusk and dawn.
In order to hire a car in Saint Lucia you must be in possession of
an international driver’s license which will enable you be buy a
local driving permit which cost $20. Roads are considered narrow
by European standards and are in a questionable state of repair as
with the driving standard of other drivers. In mountainous areas
roads lack clear markings, are steep and have hairpin bends. It is
common for locals to hitch-hike. One should exercise care on the
main east coast road to/from Hewanorra International Airport due
to hurricane Tomas damage in October 2010. Buses provide regular
services but some are dangerously fast. Before taking a taxi agree
on the price.
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Saint Lucia International Health Insurance |
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If you are considering spending any time in Saint Lucia contact
Globalsurance to discuss free of charge, a range of health care
services available to you or your groups. Globalsurance can offer
a wealth of professional expertise and services. Our tailor made international health insurance policies suit every budget and
health care need no matter what state of life you are at. For
secure peace of mind for the duration of your stay contact Globalsurance today.
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