Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 811 for ambulance. Public hospitals provide free emergency care. Private facilities faster but charge fees. Tobago has limited emergency capabilities.
Response time: 15-30 minutes in Port of Spain; longer in rural areas and Tobago
Cost: Free at public hospitals; $100-300 USD private
Healthcare System
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.
Designed for: Residents; tourists typically use private facilities
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at public clinics (long waits) or private GP clinics (appointment/walk-in)
Typical wait: 1-4 hours public; same-day private
GP Visit
$30-80 USD private
Private GP
$30-80 USD
ER Without Insurance
$100-300 USD at private; free at public
Medication
Medications affordable. Bring adequate supply of prescriptions — some may not be available locally.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: 8am-8pm weekdays; limited weekends
OTC: Panadol, cough remedies, antihistamines widely available
Practical Tips
- 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
Who can get care in Trinidad and Tobago?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Trinidad and Tobago 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
Walk-in at public clinics (long waits) or private GP clinics (appointment/walk-in) Typical cost: $30-80 USD private Typical wait: 1-4 hours public; same-day private
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $100-300 USD at private; free at public.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance policy
- Passport
- Return ticket
Local contacts in Trinidad and Tobago
Emergency services
990 / 811 / 999
Call 811 for ambulance. Public hospitals provide free emergency care. Private facilities faster but charge fees. Tobago has limited emergency capabilities.
Pharmacies
8am-8pm weekdays; limited weekends
Panadol, cough remedies, antihistamines widely available
What is the emergency number in Trinidad and Tobago?
990 or 811 or 999 in Trinidad and Tobago. Call 811 for ambulance. Public hospitals provide free emergency care. Private facilities faster but charge fees. Tobago has limited emergency capabilities.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Trinidad and Tobago?
$30-80 USD private Private consultations: $30-80 USD.
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Sources: Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health, WHO T&T, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare