Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 919 for all emergencies. Public hospitals provide emergency care. Outer islands require air ambulance to Nassau — extremely costly without insurance.
Response time: 10-20 minutes in Nassau; highly variable on outer islands
Cost: $150-500 USD
Healthcare System
The Bahamas has reasonable healthcare in Nassau and Freeport. Princess Margaret Hospital is the main public facility. Outer "Family Islands" have only basic clinics — serious cases require air ambulance to Nassau or Miami. Healthcare costs are high by Caribbean standards.
Designed for: Residents; tourists typically use private facilities
GP Access & Costs
Private GP clinics (appointment); public clinics available but mainly for residents
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics; variable at public
GP Visit
$60-120 USD
Private GP
$60-120 USD
ER Without Insurance
$150-500 USD; air ambulance from outer islands $5,000-15,000 USD
Medication
Medications available in Nassau/Freeport. Outer islands may have no pharmacy — bring all needed medications.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: 9am-6pm weekdays in Nassau; limited hours elsewhere
OTC: Tylenol, Advil, antihistamines available in Nassau and Freeport
Practical Tips
- Princess Margaret Hospital (Nassau) is the largest public facility — can be overcrowded
- Doctors Hospital (Nassau) is the main private facility with better standards
- Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport handles Grand Bahama cases
- Diving injuries: hyperbaric chamber available in Nassau
- Hurricane season (June-November) — carry extra medications
- Medical evacuation to Miami (~35 minutes by air) is common for serious trauma
Who can get care in Bahamas?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Bahamas treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Private GP clinics (appointment); public clinics available but mainly for residents Typical cost: $60-120 USD Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics; variable at public
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $150-500 USD; air ambulance from outer islands $5,000-15,000 USD.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance policy
- Passport
- Proof of return travel
- Proof of accommodation
Local contacts in Bahamas
Emergency services
919 / 911
Call 919 for all emergencies. Public hospitals provide emergency care. Outer islands require air ambulance to Nassau — extremely costly without insurance.
Pharmacies
9am-6pm weekdays in Nassau; limited hours elsewhere
Tylenol, Advil, antihistamines available in Nassau and Freeport
What is the emergency number in Bahamas?
919 or 911 in Bahamas. Call 919 for all emergencies. Public hospitals provide emergency care. Outer islands require air ambulance to Nassau — extremely costly without insurance.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Bahamas?
$60-120 USD Private consultations: $60-120 USD.
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Sources: Bahamas Ministry of Health, WHO Bahamas, CDC Travelers Health 2024, Doctors Hospital Nassau
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare