Doctors & Clinics in Saint Kitts & Nevis
View Climate Information by City
Capital: Basseterre, Charlestown
Population: 52 441
Official language: English
Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time
Emergency #: 911
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: No
These volcanic islands are popular for their beaches and tropical climate. Cruise ships frequently port here and visitors can enjoy water activities such as snorkeling and diving, or hiking around mountains such as the Mount Liamuiga Trail.
The standards for patient care and medical services in Saint Kitts and Nevis may differ from your home country. Saint Kitts and Nevis has a public healthcare sector. There are no private hospitals but there are a number of private medical clinics. The quality of care can vary but is generally considered to fall below international standards. There are four hospitals in Saint Kitts and Nevis, two of which are referral hospitals – Joseph N. France General Hospital on Saint Kitts and Alexandra Hospital on Nevis. There are also healthcare centres on each island, with the majority on Saint Kitts.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in Saint Kitts and Nevis typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation – possibly to the United States – will be required for medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance. Coverage for medical evacuation is a high priority. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
There are a few pharmacies in the urban centres of the islands and some over-the-counter medicines can be purchased at grocery stores. Medications may be temporarily out of stock or in short supply. Ensure you pack a sufficient supply of essential medication for the duration of your trip.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Saint Kitts and Nevis’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Road quality in Saint Kitts and Nevis varies, but many are poorly maintained and in poor condition. Wandering animals in the road can be common. Drivers and front-seat passengers of vehicles must wear a seat belt at all times, but all passengers should wear one for safety. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear helmets at all times. Traffic drives on the left.