Trinidad and Tobago Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Trinidad and Tobago — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Trinidad and Tobago has a dual healthcare system. Public hospitals (Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, San Fernando General) provide free care but face long waits. Private clinics offer faster service. Trinidad has stronger infrastructure than Tobago — serious Tobago cases are transferred to Trinidad or evacuated.
System type: Public healthcare (free at point of use) + private sector
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 990 or 811 or 999
Typical response time: 15-30 minutes in Port of Spain; longer in rural areas and Tobago
Costs: Free at public hospitals; $100-300 USD private
Call 811 for ambulance. Public hospitals provide free emergency care. Private facilities faster but charge fees. Tobago has limited emergency capabilities.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at public clinics (long waits) or private GP clinics (appointment/walk-in)
Typical wait: 1-4 hours public; same-day private
Typical cost: $30-80 USD private
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, MMR
Dengue is common — use mosquito protection. No malaria risk.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: limited
UK, US, EU citizens get 90-day visa-free entry. Extensions possible through Immigration.
Documents to prepare:
- Travel insurance policy
- Passport
- Return ticket
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $30-80 USD
Emergency care without insurance: $100-300 USD at private; free at public
Medication: Medications affordable. Bring adequate supply of prescriptions — some may not be available locally.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: 8am-8pm weekdays; limited weekends
Over the counter: Panadol, cough remedies, antihistamines widely available
Things that catch visitors out in Trinidad and Tobago
- Public hospital wait times can exceed 4 hours
- Tobago has only Scarborough General Hospital with limited capabilities
- Private facilities require upfront payment
Practical tips for travellers
- Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope is the main public hospital
- Private facilities: St Clair Medical Centre, Westshore Medical in Trinidad
- Tobago has Scarborough General Hospital — limited capabilities
- Hyperbaric chamber available in Trinidad for diving emergencies
- Carnival (February/March) — carry basic first aid and stay hydrated
- Medical evacuation insurance critical — complex cases may require transfer to Miami or Barbados
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