Healthcare on the DR North Coast

What is healthcare on the DR north coast like?

Good for everyday and urgent care, if you use the private system and carry insurance. Puerto Plata has private hospitals with English-speaking staff, and the Sosúa–Cabarete area has private clinics for consultations, diagnostics and urgent care. For complex surgery and specialist treatment, most residents go to Santiago, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car.

Most foreign residents use private clinics and pay through a Dominican or international health plan. Choose your insurance and your nearest hospital before you need them, not after.

Which hospitals and clinics serve Sosúa, Cabarete and Puerto Plata?

These are the facilities north coast residents use most. The UK government’s list of medical facilities in the Dominican Republic, updated January 2026, includes three of them (GOV.UK). Inclusion on that list isn’t an endorsement.

Puerto Plata also has other private clinics, including Clínica Brugal. Ask your insurer which facilities are in its network before you need one.

Should you use public or private care, and what happens in an emergency?

Most foreign residents use private care. Public hospitals serve everyone and handle emergencies, but they’re busier, waits are longer, and staff mostly speak Spanish. Private hospitals and clinics offer shorter waits, more English-speaking staff and private rooms, but you pay through insurance or out of pocket.

In an emergency, dial 911, which dispatches ambulances nationwide. Response times vary by location, so know your fastest route to the nearest private emergency room and keep a driver’s number handy.

Private hospitals usually ask for proof of insurance or a payment guarantee before admission. Keep your insurance card, ID and a list of your medications with you, not at home.

What health insurance options do foreign residents have?

Four options, and many residents combine two of them.

Local plans. Dominican health insurers, called ARS, include Humano, Universal and MAPFRE Salud. Plans usually cover hospitalization, surgery, emergencies, specialists, lab tests and imaging. Premiums are quoted individually, so compare the coverage limits and the hospital network, not just the monthly price.

Public coverage. Dominican social security health coverage runs through employers. Retired and self-employed foreigners generally buy a private plan instead.

Age and health history. Insurers ask for a medical questionnaire, and some require a medical exam for older applicants. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded, priced higher or subject to waiting periods. An insurer can decline a new applicant because of age, so don’t wait until you’re older to enroll. Disclose your full history; an undisclosed condition can void a claim.

Before you choose, ask your preferred hospital which insurers it works with most. That answer narrows the list quickly (Dominican Today).

How do pharmacies, prescriptions and specialists work?

Pharmacies are easy to find in Sosúa, Cabarete and Puerto Plata, and many deliver. Brand names differ from home, so carry a list of your medications by generic name and dose, plus copies of your prescriptions. If you take a specialized medication, confirm it’s available locally before you move.

For specialist care, private clinics on the north coast cover many fields, and appointments are usually quicker than in Canada or the US. For complex cases, residents typically go to Santiago, where Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS) offers a full range of specialties.

What should you check about healthcare before you buy?

Distance to care matters more as you get older or if you manage a health condition. Settle these before you make an offer.

• ☐ Drive time from the property to the nearest private emergency room, at night as well as by day
• ☐ Which hospitals and clinics are in your insurer’s network
• ☐ Whether your insurer will accept you at your age and with your health history
• ☐ Whether your daily medications are available at local pharmacies
• ☐ How you’d get to Santiago for specialist care
• ☐ Whether your home-country coverage still applies, including any minimum days at home to keep provincial or state coverage
• ☐ A backup plan if you’re unwell and can’t drive: a neighbor, a driver or a taxi service you trust

Frequently asked questions

Is there a hospital near Sosúa and Cabarete? Yes. Cabarete Medical Center in Sosúa handles general and urgent care, and Centro Médico Bournigal in Puerto Plata is a private hospital with emergency, surgical and maternity services. For complex specialist care, residents travel to Santiago.

Can foreigners buy health insurance in the Dominican Republic? Yes. Dominican insurers sell private plans to foreign residents, subject to age and medical underwriting. International health plans are another option, especially if you split your time between countries.

Does Medicare cover me in the Dominican Republic? In most cases, no. Traditional Medicare generally doesn’t cover care outside the US, so plan for local or international coverage.

Do doctors speak English? Many doctors and staff at private hospitals and clinics in tourist and expat areas speak English. At public hospitals, expect to need Spanish or an interpreter.

What number do I call in a medical emergency? Dial 911. It dispatches ambulances nationwide, but response times vary, so know the fastest route to your nearest private emergency room.

Planning a move to the north coast?

Book a 20-minute call with an agent who lives here, or message us on WhatsApp. We’ll show you homes with a sensible drive to the care you need, and introduce you to the local insurance brokers our clients use.

This article is general information, not medical or insurance advice. Confirm coverage details with a licensed insurance provider.