Bermuda – Doctors

How do I find and register with a doctor in Bermuda?

Unlike systems where a government authority assigns you a family doctor, Bermuda lets you choose your own GP from a pool of private practitioners. All medical doctors in Bermuda must be licensed locally before they qualify, and — except for those in the public sector working at a hospital — all are private. This means your first step is finding a reputable, licensed practice near you and contacting them directly to register as a patient.

The best starting point is the Bermuda Health Council’s Health Facility Directory, a comprehensive table of all known health providers and clinical laboratories offering clinical services in Bermuda, including a facility’s general information, addresses, phone numbers, administrator names, and registration status, with facilities classified by type, specialty, and business category. You can access it at bhec.bm/health-facility-directory and search for “General Practice” to filter GP surgeries specifically.

Another useful tool is the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s physician database. The “Find a BHB Physician” database includes BHB-employed physicians, local community physicians with privileges to treat patients at BHB facilities, and privileged overseas specialists. You can search this directory at bermudahospitals.bm. It is particularly useful for identifying specialists and understanding which community doctors have hospital admitting privileges — useful context if you ever need hospital care.

Bermuda has a relatively small pool of doctors for its population. There are a number of locally-registered private medical doctors (general practitioners, or GPs), several clinics and pharmacies spread across the island’s parishes. Some popular private clinics include Bermuda Healthcare Services in Paget Parish and the Bermuda Medical Specialties Group on Reid Street in Hamilton. It is worth calling a few practices to confirm they are accepting new patients before making a final choice.

To verify that a doctor is legitimately licensed to practise, check with the Bermuda Medical Council, which registers and regulates medical practitioners in Bermuda. Only individuals registered as a medical practitioner with the Bermuda Medical Council can practise as a medical practitioner and use the title “medical practitioner” or “physician” in Bermuda under the Medical Practitioners Act 1950. Registration can be verified through the Government of Bermuda’s official gazette or by contacting the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.

Once you have chosen a practice, registration is typically straightforward: contact the clinic by phone or email, confirm availability, and attend a first appointment. You will usually need to bring proof of identity and evidence of your health insurance — see the payment section below for why insurance is essential before you book.

How are doctors’ appointments paid for in Bermuda?

Bermuda’s healthcare system is largely private, and most residents and expats, including retirees, are responsible for covering the costs of their own healthcare. There is no social security contribution model that automatically entitles you to free GP visits, as exists in countries like France or Germany. Instead, healthcare access depends almost entirely on the insurance policy you hold.

For those moving to Bermuda for work, employers are legally required to provide health insurance plans to their employees, whether they are Bermudian citizens or foreigners. The extent of that health insurance coverage can vary from one employer to another, which means that taking out a private health insurance plan can help fill in any gaps. If you are employed, your employer will typically register you with their chosen plan on your behalf.

Employers are free to select their own health insurance plan, as long as they comply with certain minimum requirements imposed by the government. Employees are required to accept and sign up for the plans offered by their employers. All health plans must be offered by majority-Bermudian owned and operated companies licensed by the Bermuda Government. Approved Bermudian health/medical private sector insurance companies include BF&M Life Insurance Company Ltd., Colonial Medical Insurance Company Ltd., Freisenbruch-Meyer Insurance Ltd., and Somers Isles Insurance Company Ltd.

As the healthcare system in Bermuda is insurance-based, access is based on the health insurance policy you have in place. The rules are the same for expats as they are for Bermudian residents. The medical service provider will claim directly from the relevant insurer for many costs incurred, although there may be occasions where you are required to make payment and claim the money back yourself.

Medical costs in Bermuda are high by international standards. Charges at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital are higher than those in the USA. Serious and complex medical treatments often require medical evacuation to the United States, which makes international health insurance a desirable choice. When selecting a policy, confirm whether it covers medical evacuation and treatment abroad, as this can represent a very significant out-of-pocket cost without coverage.

The Standard Premium Rate (SPR) underpins all health insurance premiums in Bermuda. The Standard Premium Rate was last increased on 1 November 2021, when it was set at $400.31 per member per month. The $39.24 per member per month increase effective from 1 April 2026 represents the adjustment directly associated with government policy decisions and the funding needs of the Mutual Reinsurance Fund. This brings the baseline SPR to approximately $439.55 per member per month as of 2026. Individual insurer premiums may be higher, depending on the plan and provider.

What government health plans are available in Bermuda?

If you are not covered by an employer plan — for example, if you are self-employed, retired, or between jobs — the Bermuda Government offers two public insurance schemes administered by the Health Insurance Department (HID). These are not free public healthcare but subsidised insurance plans you pay into. The Health Insurance Plan (HIP) and FutureCare are plans provided by the Health Insurance Department. The two plans offer dental benefits, doctor’s visits, in-patient and out-patient care at the hospital, and overseas care. Enrolment in the different plans is based on the age and benefit needs of the applicant.

The HIP and FutureCare plans cover the costs of many inpatient and outpatient services and doctor’s visits, with some covered in full and others at subsidised, capped rates. In practice, HIP is generally aimed at working-age residents who are not covered through an employer, while FutureCare is designed for those aged 65 and over.

Coverage under these plans has been expanding. As of December 2025, one free annual healthcare visit was introduced for all HIP and FutureCare policyholders, with physical examinations reimbursed at 100 per cent to providers and at no cost to patients, expected to range from $250 to $350 depending on patient complexity. Additionally, HIP prescription drug coverage has increased from $1,000 to $3,000 annually, while FutureCare coverage has increased from $3,000 to $5,000 annually.

Bermuda is in the process of making Universal Health Coverage operational by the year 2026, which represents a significant shift in how healthcare is funded and accessed across the island. Expats who arrive during this transition period should monitor announcements from the Bermuda Health Insurance Department and seek advice on which plan applies to their situation.

Even with a government plan in place, many expats choose to supplement it with international private coverage. The government-sponsored system is designed to provide essential healthcare benefits; however, expatriates may still need comprehensive international health plans that include coverage the basic national plan lacks. This is particularly relevant if you anticipate needing specialist care or medical evacuation.

How do I transfer my medical records to a doctor in Bermuda?

Bermuda does not have a centralised national patient record system that links automatically to overseas records, so transferring your medical history requires proactive steps on your part. Unlike, for example, the NHS Summary Care Record in England — which can be shared digitally between registered providers — Bermuda’s private GP clinics each maintain their own patient records independently.

The most reliable approach is to request a full copy of your medical records from your current or previous doctor before you move. In most countries, patients have a legal right to request their records. Ask your doctor for a printout or digital export covering:

• Your complete medical history and any chronic condition summaries
• Current and recent prescriptions and dosages
• Vaccination and immunisation records
• Results of any significant investigations (blood tests, scans, biopsies)
• Letters from specialists or hospital discharge summaries
• Any mental health or psychological assessments, if relevant

Request these in both digital format (PDF or secure file transfer where possible) and printed form. Having a paper copy provides a useful backup, especially in the early weeks of settling in when digital access may be limited. Note that some pharmaceuticals available without prescription elsewhere require prescriptions in Bermuda from registered local medical doctors, so bringing a clear record of all your medications — including generic names, not just brand names — is particularly important.

Once you have registered with a GP in Bermuda, book an introductory appointment specifically to review your medical history rather than to address an acute concern. Bring all your documents to this appointment. Your Bermudian doctor will use this information to set up your local patient record. If your records are in a language other than English, arrange for a certified translation before your appointment.

For ongoing specialist care — such as for a chronic condition managed abroad — ask your overseas specialist to write a formal referral or clinical handover letter addressed to your new Bermudian doctor. This letter should summarise your diagnosis, treatment history, current treatment plan, and recommended follow-up. A structured handover letter carries more weight than raw test results alone and helps your new doctor understand your care pathway quickly.

Bermuda’s medical facilities, while good, are limited by the island’s size. Bermuda’s medical facilities are good for a 21-square-mile island but are not equipped for very serious conditions, such as heart, stroke, and other complex conditions. If you require extensive and/or intensive treatment you will likely be air-lifted to good hospitals in the USA. If you have a complex or serious condition, make sure your overseas specialist’s documentation includes contact details so your Bermudian doctor can liaise with them if needed.

Finally, if you move to Bermuda with a family, keep a separate organised folder for each family member’s records. Schools and some employers may request vaccination records, so having these readily available from the outset avoids delays. The Bermuda Health Council’s Health Facility Directory can also help you identify any specialist clinics relevant to pre-existing conditions once you are settled on the island.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a publicly funded GP service in Bermuda, like the NHS?

No. Bermuda does not have a free-at-point-of-use GP service equivalent to the NHS. Healthcare is predominantly private and insurance-based. The government offers subsidised insurance plans (HIP and FutureCare), but these are insurance products you pay into rather than a fully publicly funded service. Universal Health Coverage is being rolled out from 2026, so the landscape is changing — monitor official government announcements for updates.

Do I need health insurance before I can register with a GP in Bermuda?

In practice, yes. Because all GP services in Bermuda are private, you will be expected to pay for appointments — either directly or through an insurance policy. Without insurance, costs can be very high. If you are moving to Bermuda for work, your employer is legally required to provide you with a health insurance plan, so you should be covered before your first appointment.

Can I use international health insurance from my home country in Bermuda?

This depends on the terms of your policy. Some international plans do provide coverage in Bermuda, but you should check carefully whether your insurer recognises Bermudian providers and whether they pay claims directly or require you to pay upfront and claim back. It is advisable to contact your insurer before you move to confirm coverage details.

What is the main hospital in Bermuda?

The main hospital is King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH), located near Hamilton. It is the island’s only accident and emergency hospital. There is also the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, which covers mental health services. Both are managed by the Bermuda Hospitals Board. For some complex or serious conditions, patients may need to be transferred to hospitals in the United States.

How do I confirm a doctor is legally registered to practise in Bermuda?

You can verify a doctor’s registration status through the Bermuda Medical Council, which is the official regulatory body for medical practitioners. Only those with current full registration under the Medical Practitioners Act 1950 may legally practise and use the title of medical practitioner or physician in Bermuda. The Government of Bermuda’s Official Gazette also publishes periodic registers of licensed practitioners.

What happens if I need specialist care that isn’t available in Bermuda?

For conditions requiring advanced or intensive treatment not available on the island, patients are typically referred to hospitals in the United States — commonly in New York, Boston, Baltimore, or Philadelphia. Medical evacuation and overseas treatment costs can be substantial, which is why many expats choose insurance plans that specifically include medical evacuation and overseas care coverage.

Will my Bermudian GP be able to read medical records written in another language?

Bermuda’s medical community primarily operates in English, so if your records are in another language, it is strongly advisable to have them professionally translated before your first appointment. A certified translation ensures your new doctor can fully understand your medical history from the outset, avoiding potential miscommunication about diagnoses, medications, or treatment plans.

Are prescription medications easy to obtain in Bermuda?

Bermuda has pharmacies and a reasonable range of medications available, but some products that can be purchased over the counter elsewhere require a local prescription. It is important to bring a clear record of all your current medications — using generic (non-brand) drug names — and to register with a local GP promptly so they can issue Bermudian prescriptions for any ongoing treatments you need.