Do I need health insurance to live in Guyana?

Yes — while public healthcare is technically free, it's under-resourced and crowded. Every expat should have private international health insurance with medevac coverage. Plans cost $80–$300/month depending on coverage level and age.

Where should I go in a medical emergency?

In Georgetown, go to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for emergencies or St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital for private emergency care. Outside Georgetown, regional hospitals now have 24-hour A&E services. For serious cases, medevac to Trinidad or Miami is standard.

Can I get prescriptions filled in Guyana?

Yes. Pharmacies in Georgetown stock most common medications. However, specialized drugs may need to be imported and can be expensive. Bring a supply of any critical medications with you and carry your prescriptions.

Is dental care available for expats?

Yes. Several private dental practices in Georgetown offer good-quality care for cleanings, fillings, and basic procedures. Complex dental work (implants, orthodontics) may be better handled in Trinidad or your home country.

How is healthcare outside Georgetown?

Limited but improving. The six new hospitals opened in 2025 have significantly expanded regional care. However, for anything beyond basic treatment, you'll likely need to travel to Georgetown. Remote interior regions still rely on health posts and medical outreach.

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🇬🇾 Guyana

Healthcare

Guyana's healthcare system is undergoing rapid transformation, with a 5-year Mount Sinai partnership, six new hospitals opened in 2025, and a national cancer center under construction. Private insurance is essential for expats, as public facilities remain limited compared to Western standards..

Free

Public Healthcare

Basic, limited quality

$80–$200/mo

Private Insurance

Essential for expats

$20–$50

Private GP Visit

Without insurance

Trinidad/Miami

Nearest World-Class

For complex procedures

Last updated: March 2026

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Public healthcare is free but under-resourced — long wait times and limited specialist availability
International health insurance with medevac coverage: $150–$300/month depending on age and plan
Six new hospitals commissioned in 2025 with 24-hour A&E and advanced imaging services

Healthcare System Overview

Guyana operates a public healthcare system that provides free basic care to all residents, but quality and availability vary significantly. Georgetown has the best facilities, while rural areas have limited access. Most expats rely on private healthcare and international health insurance, with serious cases often requiring medical evacuation to Trinidad, Barbados, or Miami.

Public healthcare is free but under-resourced — long wait times and limited specialist availability
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is the country's largest public facility and primary emergency provider
Private hospitals offer significantly better care: St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital and Medical Arts Centre lead in Georgetown
Six new regional hospitals opened in 2025 with 24-hour emergency services and advanced imaging
Mount Sinai Health System partnership (extended through 2030) is modernizing training and facilities
Medevac insurance strongly recommended — nearest advanced care is Trinidad (1 hr flight) or Miami (4 hrs)

Private Healthcare & Insurance

Private health insurance is non-negotiable for expats in Guyana. While private clinics in Georgetown provide good-quality primary care and minor procedures, anything complex may require evacuation. International health insurance plans covering medevac to Trinidad or the US are the standard choice for oil-sector workers and long-term expats.

International health insurance with medevac coverage: $150–$300/month depending on age and plan
Basic private insurance covering Guyana only: $80–$150/month
St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital: Georgetown's leading private hospital — cardiology, surgery, pediatrics
Medical Arts Centre: general medicine, orthopedics, and specialized surgeries
Private GP consultations: $20–$50 per visit without insurance
Dental care available privately in Georgetown — basic cleaning from $30–$60
Pharmacy medications widely available in Georgetown; imported drugs may be expensive

2025–2026 Healthcare Transformation

Guyana is investing oil revenues heavily into healthcare infrastructure. The government has committed to building a modern, integrated healthcare system with international partnerships. The pace of change is rapid, and expats arriving in 2026 will find significantly better facilities than those who came even two years earlier.

Six new hospitals commissioned in 2025 with 24-hour A&E and advanced imaging services
National cancer center under construction — first of its kind in Guyana
Mount Sinai partnership extended 5 years through 2030 — training, telemedicine, and facility upgrades
Digital health system being implemented — one of the most advanced in the Caribbean region
Georgetown Public Hospital undergoing major modernization with new equipment and facilities
Northwell Health (New York) conducting regular medical missions and training programs
Government goal: reduce need for medical evacuation by 80% within 5 years

FAQs