In Grenada, the healthcare system operates through a blend of public and private services, with distinct differences in access, cost, and quality. While the public sector offers free or low-cost care to all residents, it lacks a comprehensive national health insurance scheme. On the other hand, private health insurance, though utilized by only about 9% of the population, provides broader access to advanced and specialized care, particularly important for expats and higher-income residents.
Public health insurance in Grenada is minimal and largely limited to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which only covers work-related injuries and does not function as a full health insurance program. However, the government provides free or low-cost primary healthcare through taxation and foreign aid. Services such as general practitioner visits, emergency care, pregnancy-related services, and vaccinations are mostly free. Small fees are applied to certain diagnostics and prescription drugs but are often waived for children, the elderly, and the indigent.
Public healthcare facilities like Grenada General Hospital, Princess Alice Hospital, and Princess Royal Hospital form the backbone of this system, offering basic to intermediate levels of care. However, these facilities are often under-resourced, with limited access to specialists, modern diagnostics, and advanced treatments. For complex or emergency cases requiring higher-level care, patients often need to seek treatment abroad, which is costly and not covered by public funding.
By contrast, private health insurance plays a crucial role in Grenada for those seeking higher quality, quicker, and more specialized care. Though not widely used, private insurance is essential for accessing private healthcare facilities such as St. Augustine’s Medical Services, Marryshow’s Hospital and Clinic, and Carriacou Health Services. These facilities offer shorter wait times, more advanced diagnostics, and a broader range of medical services.
Private health insurance in Grenada is typically obtained from international providers like Cigna, AXA, Allianz, April International, IMG, Generali, and Bupa Global. These insurers offer comprehensive global coverage, including emergency evacuation, inpatient and outpatient services, maternity, mental health, and dental care. Such plans are particularly favored by expats and well-off locals who prioritize rapid access to quality care or anticipate needing treatment abroad.
Top Public Health Insurance in Grenada
Grenada does not currently operate a comprehensive public health insurance system. Instead, healthcare access for most citizens is provided through government-funded services rather than through an insurance-based model. The only formal public health insurance mechanism in place is the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which is limited in scope and does not offer general medical coverage.
1. National Insurance Scheme (NIS)(Official website: https://www.nisgrenada.org/)
Cost:
The NIS is funded through mandatory contributions from both employers and employees. As of current policy, the total contribution rate is 12% of gross salary, where 4% is paid by the employee and 8% by the employer. Self-employed individuals contribute the full 12% themselves. There are no additional premiums specific to general health coverage because the scheme is not designed to offer comprehensive health services.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
The NIS primarily provides coverage for work-related injuries, occupational diseases, and temporary or permanent disability resulting from such incidents. It also offers other social security benefits, including:
- Employment Injury Benefit
- Maternity Benefit
- Sickness Benefit (limited)
- Invalidity and Survivors’ Pension
- Funeral Grant
- Age Pension and Retirement Benefit
When it comes to healthcare, the NIS coverage is strictly limited to work-related medical conditions and does not include routine outpatient care, hospitalization, or access to private health facilities.
Open for All or Limited:
The NIS is mandatory for all employed individuals in Grenada, including public and private sector workers, and is also open to self-employed persons. However, unemployed individuals and those in the informal economy are not automatically covered unless they voluntarily register and contribute.
Core Financial Features:
The NIS functions as a contributory social insurance system, where benefits are paid out based on the contributor’s earnings and length of contributions. There is no co-payment or deductible system for healthcare because direct medical services are not broadly covered. The emphasis is on income replacement and injury-related reimbursement rather than on financing actual healthcare services.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
While specific consumer satisfaction scores are not widely published for the NIS, anecdotal reports and public sentiment suggest mixed reviews. Beneficiaries generally appreciate the financial support for maternity leave, pensions, and injury compensation, but many express dissatisfaction due to the lack of comprehensive health coverage, delays in processing claims, and limited outreach or education about entitlements. Based on available data and user feedback, the consumer satisfaction rating could be estimated at 3 out of 5.
Summary:
| Feature | National Insurance Scheme (NIS) |
| Cost | 12% of salary (4% employee, 8% employer) |
| Coverage | Work injuries, maternity, pensions, sickness (limited) |
| Access | Mandatory for all formal employees, optional for self-employed |
| Financial Model | Contributory system, no direct health services funded |
| Satisfaction Estimate | 3/5 (based on public feedback) |
Top Private Health Insurance Providers in Grenada
Although only around 9% of Grenada’s population currently holds private health insurance, this sector is critically important for those seeking faster diagnostics, access to private hospitals, specialist care, and medical evacuation—especially among expats and higher-income residents. Most of these insurance providers operate internationally, offering plans tailored for individuals, families, or corporate groups.
Below are five of the top private health insurance providers available to residents and expats in Grenada:
1. Cigna Global(Official website: https://www.cignaglobal.com/)
Cost:
Premiums typically range from USD $3,000 to $8,000 per year per adult, depending on age, medical history, and selected benefits.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Maternity and mental health coverage
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Dental and vision (optional add-ons)
- Global coverage with customizable plans
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and families globally, including Grenadian nationals and expats.
Core Financial Features:
- Multiple deductible and co-payment options
- Direct billing at in-network facilities
- Full reimbursement for covered services when pre-approved
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.6/5 – High satisfaction due to flexibility, wide global access, and responsive customer service.
2. AXA Global Healthcare(Official website: https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/)
Cost:
Annual premiums vary between USD $2,800 to $7,500, based on the coverage tier selected.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Foundation to Prestige Plus tiered coverage
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care
- Cancer treatment, maternity, dental, and optical care (based on plan)
- 24/7 medical helpline and evacuation
Open for All or Limited:
Open to both locals and expats; particularly popular with international residents.
Core Financial Features:
- Annual claim limits per plan
- Direct settlement with major hospitals
- Wide international hospital network
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.5/5 – Well-reviewed for prompt claims processing and excellent coverage tiers.
3. Allianz Care(Official website: https://www.allianzcare.com/)
Cost:
Typical premiums are in the USD $2,500 to $6,500 per year range for adults.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Plans: Essential, Classic, and Premier
- Access to both public and private healthcare globally
- Maternity care, chronic disease management, wellness support
- Optional dental, repatriation, and outpatient care
Open for All or Limited:
Available to individuals, families, and corporate clients, including in Grenada.
Core Financial Features:
- Cashless services in-network
- Annual coverage limits vary by plan
- Adjustable co-insurance and deductibles
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.4/5 – Noted for transparency, comprehensive benefits, and global flexibility.
4. IMG (International Medical Group)(Official website: https://www.imglobal.com/)
Cost:
Premiums generally start from USD $2,000 annually for basic coverage and increase with age and additional benefits.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Global Medical Insurance, Global Crew plans
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Chronic illness care, maternity (higher tiers)
- Optional vision and dental care
Open for All or Limited:
Available for individuals, families, students, and business travelers.
Core Financial Features:
- High maximum limits (up to USD $8 million)
- Modular plan design (pick and choose benefits)
- Deductible options from USD $100 to $25,000
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.3/5 – Strong for affordability and flexibility, but some delays in claim settlements reported.
5. Bupa Global(Official website: https://www.bupaglobal.com/)
Cost:
One of the higher-end providers with premiums ranging from USD $5,000 to $12,000 per year.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite plans
- Preventative services, specialist care, mental health, dental, and maternity
- High annual maximums and worldwide access
- VIP-level customer support for Premier and Elite tiers
Open for All or Limited:
Primarily designed for affluent individuals and expats, though available to local residents as well.
Core Financial Features:
- Direct billing in a large international network
- No-cost care in many top-tier facilities
- Extensive optional cover benefits
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.7/5 – Praised for luxury-tier service and global reach, but expensive for average users.
Summary Table
| Provider | Annual Cost (Est.) | Coverage Features | Access | Financial Highlights | Satisfaction |
| Cigna Global | $3,000–$8,000 | Inpatient/outpatient, maternity, evacuation | Open to all | Customizable, direct billing | 4.6/5 |
| AXA | $2,800–$7,500 | Tiered plans, dental/optical optional | Open to all | Global network, flexible tiers | 4.5/5 |
| Allianz Care | $2,500–$6,500 | Classic to Premier plans, wellness included | Open to all | Modular, transparent, cashless claims | 4.4/5 |
| IMG | $2,000+ | Emergency, repatriation, chronic illness | Open to all | Modular, high coverage limits | 4.3/5 |
| Bupa Global | $5,000–$12,000 | Elite service, mental/dental/maternity | Open to all | Luxury care, extensive network | 4.7/5 |
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