The phone number to call for an ambulance in the case of a medical emergency is 511 but it is important to be aware that you may have to wait some time for it to arrive. There are two main hospitals on the island.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is quite large and has a good range of services and specialties. Treatment is not free and it is necessary to either have medical insurance or ensure that you have sufficient money with you when you go as treatment will have to be paid for before you are dealt with. Bayview hospital is a private facility which although small also deals with a lot of different types of illnesses as well as having a very busy maternity unit. Again, the fees can either be covered by insurance or paid in cash by the patient or their family. There are also some smaller clinics and many doctors on the island. There is also a psychiatric hospital.

Medical insurance is important and it is well worth checking before you arrive in Barbados that your insurance will cover any expenses incurred. Before travelling to Barbados it is necessary to have been vaccinated against yellow fever and to have a certificate of proof. Travellers should also routinely have been vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus. Another problem could be dengue fever and it is wise to protect yourself with a mosquito repellent containing Deet.

Normal hygiene procedures should be enough to keep you healthy in Barbados but there are some dangers such as the sea urchins in the sand that can cause intense pain and would leave you needing medical treatment. It is advisable to be careful when catching fish and eating them unless you know what you are doing, as some fish can cause health problems. The water can be a problem for people with delicate stomachs as the chlorination process required to comply with the WHO regulations can cause stomach upsets. Visitors are advised to stick to bottled water.

It would seem that if you need a doctor or dentist then you just find one and visit them. As you have to pay it may be a good idea to ask for advice from workmates or friends and keep trying until you find medical practitioners that you trust. Barbados’ health care has been rated as 31 out of 151 countries in the world.