Jamaica's Healthcare Services Remain Concerning

With a population of 2.8 million, Jamaica remains a popular tourist destination in June 2025. Last year, this Caribbean Island destination welcomed over 4 million visitors by air and sea.

A short two-hour flight from Miami, Florida, brings tourists to vast resorts and warm waters.

While the U.S. Department of State recently reduced its Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica, it still advises Americans to exercise caution while visiting in June 2025.

As of May 29, 2025, the State Department's periodic review indicates that civil unrest in Jamaica has decreased since 2024; however, it remains statistically high throughout the country. 

Tourist areas typically experience lower rates of crime compared to other parts of the country. Still, the homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

From a local health perspective, U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of healthcare services in Jamaica. This concern includes slower emergency service response times and reduced availability of care for illnesses or injuries.

Private hospitals typically require payment upfront before admitting patients and may not have the necessary resources to provide specialized care. 

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica previously stated 'Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. U.S. citizens with medical emergencies can face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, with air ambulance service to the United States.'

We highly recommend that you purchase insurance before traveling, writes the Embassy, which is located at 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6.

Seperately, the U.S. CDC advises visitors to take actions to protect themselves from diseases such as measles and chikungunya.

Furthermore, the Pan American Health Organization has been working since 2003 to control and prevent dengue. The disease remains a substantial concern throughout the Americas, but only 165 cases have been reported in Jamaica this year.

The CDC recommends checking the vaccines and medicines list and visiting your doctor at least a month before your trip to Jamaica.