Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 8/27/2008

Question
hello Drew,
I am a US citizen recieving kidney dyalysis treatments at home (PD). Medicare pays for my meds and treatments as long as I reside in the US.  I have a job offer in George Town and can have health insurance through Cayman General on a 50/50 split with my employer. Is there any national health care program similar to Medicare/Medicaid that I would be eligible for as a non citizen working in Cayman? Any suggestions?

Answer
There is no comparable health plan which would cover expatriate workers in Cayman.

As in most first world countries, no one will be denied immediate care for life threatening illness or injury. To the extent that the health care system in Cayman is largely run by the government, there is some level of public subsidy to cover such care. But for routine ongoing care of a chronic illness there is no plan similar to Medicaid or Medicare in the US.

Even with group health plans an exclusion of pre-existing conditions is a common occurrence here. You should inquire directly about your health situation with the insurer of your potential employer. Ask about coverage and the premium.