What quality of healthcare you receive in Jamaica will depend on whether you access the public or the private sector. Overall, however, the standard of healthcare on the island does not yet compare to that in more developed nations. As a result, many expats opt for private health cover, or even to be treated away … Read more

It can be problematic to access prescriptions in Jamaica. Expats have reported long queues and a shortage of prescription medication in the island’s pharmacies. Therefore, you may wish to consider taking a three-month supply of drugs with you, when you first enter the country. This will tide you over until you have established a mechanism … Read more

In Jamaica, your options around pregnancy will depend on whether you choose maternity care in the public or the private healthcare sector. Be warned that private sector maternity costs in Jamaica can be steep. The Jamaican public sector will cost you considerably less, since maternity care is free at the point of delivery under the … Read more

Jamaica has a two-tier health insurance system, but be aware that healthcare in Jamaica is not of as high a standard as you might be accustomed to in the USA or UK. However, expats report that it is usually adequate for minor health issues.Many expats resident on the island opt for a private policy with … Read more

Jamaica can be a challenging country in which to live and work. With high levels of poverty and crime, plus a healthcare system that is not yet up to the standards of the USA or the UK, there are significant mental health issues throughout the country. We will look at some of your options, as … Read more

Jamaica has a two-tier system of health insurance, with both public and private cover. However, it is in the process of overhauling its national health insurance scheme, run by the National Health Fund (NHF), and is aiming to provide the Jamaican population with universal coverage.Your employer should register you with the national scheme or a … Read more

If you’re looking to keep fit and healthy, then Jamaica is an ideal place to visit. It’s a beautiful island with a tropical climate and many opportunities for fitness activities. A wide variety are available, from horse riding to water sports and from hiking to golf. Whether you are living in the country or just … Read more

Jamaica suffers from limited provision of public healthcare, shortages of both medical personnel and medical equipment, and a struggle for funding, with a comparatively expensive, and not yet fully developed, private sector.The island is not currently a major destination for medical tourism, although the authorities are making an effort to change this. They are also … Read more

It should be said upfront that the quality of cancer care in the USA is substantially better than in Jamaica, although the latter nation is currently investing heavily in oncological care. If you are resident on the island and have private health insurance that includes a medical evacuation clause, you may have the option of … Read more

If you are living and working in Jamaica, you should be able to access dental and ophthalmic care, but this is likely to be in the private sector rather than under the public healthcare scheme. Most expats choose to take out private health insurance. We will look at some of your options below.How to register … Read more

If you are moving to Jamaica, it may be a good idea to open a local bank account when you arrive, particularly if you intend to secure employment during your stay, as wages usually need to be paid into a local account. You would also be wise to maintain any existing accounts in your home … Read more

Jamaica is known for being relaxed and having a strong sense of community, so often the best way to find out about upcoming property sales or bargain rentals is through word of mouth. Expats recommend spending time visiting Jamaica and staying in short-term rentals, to get to know the local community, before you commit to … Read more

The Caribbean island of Jamaica is very popular as a tourist destination. Tourism and hospitality are the country’s principal industries. It also holds appeal for adventurous expats looking for employment. If you are planning on visiting or working in Jamaica, you may need to apply for a visa. Read on to learn more about this … Read more

Jamaica is developing as a market for expats seeking employment in a number of ways and is moving beyond the traditional employers of hospitality and tourism. After major challenges to the economy, the nation is now beginning to bounce back, with a number of new government initiatives designed to attract investors.The island’s service sector is … Read more

Expats often move to Jamaica dreaming of paradise. And there’s no doubt about it, island life can be beautiful. However, there’s a lot that only insiders know, and without this knowledge, you may at best miss out on a few great experiences or at worst have a really tough time. Here are a few tips … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Jamaica and some of the sites that might be useful for expats there. Jamaica Observerhttp://www.jamaicaobserver.com/ One of Jamaica’s main news sites that covers everything … Read more

Jamaica is one of the most well-known and popular countries in the Caribbean, a small island not far from Cuba and the Dominican Republic. For most people, Jamaica seems like a picture postcard: beaches, sunsets, tropical summer, rum, and reggae. This image of Jamaica is cliched but truthful – everything we just mentioned does exist … Read more

The island nation of Jamaica is the fifth largest in the Caribbean, covering an expanse of 10,990 square kilometers. The capital city of Kingston houses a population of about 937,700, and is especially popular for its vibrant nightlife and array of restaurants. A number of expats live and work here in different industries ranging from … Read more

Jamaica is one of the jewels of the Caribbean with its incredible coastline, natural beauty and friendly people. The lively culture is marked by great music, good food and a characteristic optimism, in spite of the poverty and hardship witnessed by much of the country. As an expat in Jamaica, you can look forward to … Read more

Jamaica is a popular hotspot for many expats and retirees due to its booming tourism industry and natural beauty. But this small island nation, often referred to as a Caribbean paradise, has another side to it. Bureaucratic corruption, poverty and high crime levels can be an unpleasant surprise for many expats. Crime levels Jamaica faces … Read more