Dominican Republic - Health

The quality of healthcare can vary greatly throughout the DR. In general, hospitals and clinics in the big cities and tourist resorts offer a high standard of care with English speaking staff. Medical tourism is popular here. Public clinics tend to be under-equipped and private medical insurance is recommended.

CEDIMAT (Centro de Diagnostico y Medicina Avanzada y de Conferencias de Medicas y Tele Medicina) medical center in Santo Domingo is reported to provide high quality care that meets US/Canadian/European standards for quality and patient safety. HOMS in Santiago, one of the largest clinics, do accept certain overseas insurance. A lot accept blue cross/blue shield but best to check with your insurance prior to sailing the Caribbean.

Remember, all basic government medical and ambulance services are free to tourists/cruisers. If they cannot handle the problem, then they will make arrangements to get you to a private hospital or clinic. All you have to do at government hospitals is pay for your own prescriptions (and it’s always nice to return with a small gift for staff as a "thank you").

Most prescription medication can be bought over-the-counter in the DR.

DR has very affordable Dental care that you can use with or without insurance.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

In some of the inland communities, and rural communities, where there are standing water and poor drainage, there have been some reported cases of malaria. There have also been cases of chikungunya virus, dengue fever and the Zika virus. Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Keep up-to-date with all routine vaccines before going to the DR, including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine and the polio vaccine. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also recommended.

COVID Tests:

You can get free COVID tests and other services at government clinics, but it may take some time to get them done and results returned back in a timely fashion. For example in Luperón it can take between seven to ten days. Alternatively go to a private laboratory or hospital for the same services at good prices; test results are available within the day or a few days. Your marina can provide inf. on tests and medical services possible either at various clinics or hospitals.

Food and Water Concerns:

Water:
Do not drink municipal tap water, unless it has been treated. RO 5 gallon water is available cheaply everywhree. You often hear cases of parasites from cruisers in Luperón drinking tap water or washing lettuce in local tap water, being unaware of the issues. Local people know not to use tap water without a drop of bleach and/or to use vinegar/water mix to soak their lettuce and produce in. Rinsing in treated water, peeling and cooking, help eliminate parasites from contaminated food products.

Denise Simpson reports that some cruisers do a shoe disinfection after shore visits (a water bath at the ladder), and limit their pets use of untreated water as well.

If you get severe gastrointestinal issues, then go to the hospital to get tests as some water-born illnesses require specific treatments.

Food:
Cases of ciguatera have been reported on the north coast between Samana and Puerto Plata.

If buying fresh vegetables/fruits then peel them where you can or wash them in water with a tiny amount of bleach in it and let them soak for 5 mins to prevent the same. Make sure that meat is well cooked.

Other: