seanyboy

Hello all.
I am currently planning to move to Barbados as a returning citizen after being brought up in the UK. I am 59 and wife is 60. Can anyone please give me info on health insurance and whether citizens need it? I have looked at BARP, but it only for under 60's, which seems strange as it a retirement organization.

Thanks!!

Sunniebgi

I can't logically answer the BARP question except that we have been members since the day we turned 50.. and we only joined this version of the insurance in the last maybe 3 years.. (when ever this version came into being).. if you are 59.. and can join Barp as soon as you get here, I think you can join the insurance plan as well. but not your wife.. and I'm not sure if you can include her under a plan that would extend to her.

I'm terrible with insurance, so honestly can't help with any other plan on the island. we didn't have insurance for about 7 years for which part of the time we were fine.. the last couple of years of that we had a few medical issues with us and our children and just had to pay out of pocket. A regular doctors visit is around 80.00bbd. I've had 2 MRI's at 1800.00BBD each.. much less than the US. I would suggest that you check Sagicor Insurance and start there with what they have..

seanyboy

Thanks for the reply!

Do you have any experience with the medical service for citizens, especially in the St. Peter, St Lucy, St Andrew parishes?

Thanks

Sunniebgi

Seanyboy.. I've been on the island for 27 years. .. regarding the 3 parishes you mention.. no.. I've had no experience with them.. I live in the middle of St. George, near Gun Hill and my main doctors office is located in Hastings Christ Church. Dentist is in Belleville area.. There is a Government Polyclinic just down the road from where I live, and I've never stepped foot in it.. The only reason I've even visited a government polyclinic, is for my 3 children to have a vaccine they are required to have between school years, moving from Primary school 10/11 years.. to 11/12 years..

As long as you have transportation, you can get to any facility you wish.

seanyboy

Thanks Sunniebgi
Are the Polytechnics that bad?
My wife has Glaucoma and will need to see the specialist at the Hospital on arrival. However, it seems she will need a referral from a GP. Although I have never visited one, I was planning on her going to the Polytechnic to get a referral, but if is better to pay for a GP then that will be OK. Any suggestions on a good GP?

Thanks again

Sunniebgi

I would say it's likely best to go to a GP.. I can check with the gentleman I go to, to see if he does referrals for Glaucoma.. The issue with the Polyclinics is , to me.. there is too much government. .to much hurry up and wait.. .. you might be there all day long for the appointment, or have to make the appointment and then go back 6 months from them for the actual appointment.