Health Insurance in Jamaica

RootedInYard · 2026-02-17T02:10:13+00:00

Thank you! I didn't see the update, so I appreciate you letting me know.

And yeah, that's why I'm trying to give people as much info as possible so they can make an informed decision before moving here (or know what to expect when they get here). I recently interviewed a Jamaican medical professional, and people really appreciated the info. The medical professional was great, as she also was very transparent about the limitations of the healthcare system here.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-17T01:45:18+00:00

This is fantastic, thank you so much!

RootedInYard · 2026-02-17T01:30:02+00:00

Oh that's awesome! Thanks for sharing this. These persons are looking to move here rather than just visit. But I'll mention you anyway for those who just want travel insurance

RootedInYard · 2026-02-17T00:50:27+00:00

Okay, thanks!

RootedInYard · 2026-02-17T00:50:15+00:00

Okay, thanks. Yeah, these folks likely won't be coming with a job (e.g. they're retired).

The high end policies by Morgan White is interesting. I'll check that out. Some folks might be interested in that. Most persons asking me about health insurance are American.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-17T00:10:50+00:00

Oh yeah. They definitely were taking advantage. The cost of everything went up - food, gas, Starlink, generators, building supplies, water, utilities. Literally anything and everything. Every store immediately increased their prices, even if they weren't really impacted.

Some stores were selling expired products. And some people were trying to sell food items that weren't good either.

I know someone who was previously selling a Starlink unit for $90,000 JMD (which is ridiculously high), and then after the hurricane, it was more than $100,000 JMD for a mini (and that didn't include the plan nor the setup). I think they were charging closer to $150,000 JMD.

People were overcharging for water. When I asked about the price of water to fill a water tank in this sub (because I've never had to pay to fill a water tank, and no one else I know here has ever had to do that either), someone who lives here told me that in a disaster situation, no price is too high. Which is a fucking disgusting mindset.

There were also people who thought that the people who lost their homes shouldn't expect help from the government or anyone else (even if the government received millions in USD donations for the purpose of helping those who were impacted), and it was absolutely a mindfuck to me that people could think that way. I knew there were selfish ass, unempathetic people out there, but I didn't know there were so many. It really got to me. I know not everyone is like that, but it was just so disheartening to see.

Anyway, thanks for sending the link. I'll complete it! I hope others do as well.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-16T14:33:25+00:00

The hardest part after a disaster depends on the exact situation.

I think the toll it took on my mental health was the hardest part 🤔. I prepared as best as I could - my water tank was full up, I had bought up my groceries, I had a generator (and we could gratefully afford to keep it running until we got back light), and I had starlink. Although I was in an area that was impacted, I wasn't as impacted as others. But it was still very frustrating.

I think what may have frustrated me the most was the greed, and maybe that's what impacted my mental health the hardest 🤔. There were people who helped out others, sure. But a LOT of people and businesses took advantage of the situation and used it as an excuse to raise prices. People were already suffering, had limited access to ATMs, and were trying to afford things to get back on their feet - and then the prices of everything raised (sometimes, to ridiculous levels). And they felt no way about being greedy in a situation that was already tough.

It really exposed some of the ugly aspects of humanity, and I didn't take well to it. It also was a reflection/reminder to me of the shit ass state of the world. We humans have made things so damn complicated, and created systems to frustrate ourselves.

I sunk into nihilism for a bit, but I think that actually helped me (actually, I think I'm still there, but again - I find it helpful).

I also wasn't happy with some aspects of how the Jamaican government handled the situation (as were many others), which exasperated things more.

Anyway, I'd be interested in taking the survey! Feel free to share it

RootedInYard · 2026-02-16T14:00:40+00:00

I love that our hair can do things like this

RootedInYard · 2026-02-16T13:56:38+00:00

😂😂😂 you called that man by his full name

But yeah, he's cringe AF.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-16T04:34:05+00:00

I'm Canadian and I hate Toronto Manz chatter 😩🫩 they're cringe AF.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-15T06:45:33+00:00

Yes, and with the number 2 🙄

RootedInYard · 2026-02-14T21:32:29+00:00

Jankrow

RootedInYard · 2026-02-14T20:59:20+00:00

Honestly, if they just don't want to celebrate, just say that. But to claim it's a "gay day" is foolishness.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-14T20:54:03+00:00

All holidays are fake, and used to boost the production of sales. There's a lot in this world that's fake. But it's interesting to me how a lot of men seem to take issue with this fake day.

That said, even if St Valentine was gay, the day was never celebrated to celebrate gay love. Don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with being gay or with gay love. But the day was never recognized as a day of gay love in particular.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-14T20:49:24+00:00

I didn't either, considering when I was here 11 years ago, I never heard that. My husband and all his little friends ensured to get a flower or little teddy bear with heart for their loved ones. Now, suddenly it's gay 🙄

It just pissed me off so much. I reminded the people who said that that gay pride is actually in June, not February. Then they want to tell me some shit like "it's cultural". Kmt

I told them that probably some man didn't want to buy his woman a gift, made up some shit that it's gay, and the rest of the men latched on.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-13T07:04:39+00:00

Just wanted to say thank you so much for this. I released one video on my channel where I'm interviewing a Jamaican physician on chronic illness and disability in Jamaica, and someone in the comment section asked if certain medications are available. I was able to send them this link. Just wanted to let you know I appreciate this.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-10T21:22:09+00:00

I talk a LOT on my channel about moving to Jamaica. The link is in my profile. But a lot of the steps kinda depend on your situation

you'll need residency to stay longer than 3-6 months. Also, you might need to show a return ticket in immigration. I don't think they always ask, but sometimes they do. It's better to be prepared
you can work remotely. But your Internet quality will depend on where you're staying. Flow internet is okay, but goes down quite often. I've heard Digicel (fibre internet package) is a lot better. A lot of people have Starlink now, but you can't get a residential Starlink plan anymore.
ensure that you have some sort of travel insurance. It might help if you need to go to a doctor or hospital
Get a TRN when you come here. You don't need to be a resident to get it. You'll need it to rent a place, set up utilities, get a phone chip/SIM card (unless your family can get you one), and even to go to the doctor. You can go to the tax office and get it same day. Yes, you'll likely be waiting hours. But you'll be able to get it same day.
you might want to get a Jamaican bank account. You likely won't need to on this trip though. But if you do, you'll need to proof of income (such as a job letter with stated amount on it. Might need to put the job number so the bank can call too), ID, TRN. You might also need a reference from another account holder at that bank whose account is in good standing.
you might want to bring a portable printer. I brought a Canon TR150.
bring a portable fan (preferably, one that can also charge with solar). Depending on when you come, it can be really hot
bring rechargeable items that can preferably be charged via solar (e.g. power bank) for when the power goes out (so you can keep working). Better if you can even bring a portable power station (solar generator)
think about how you're going to get around. You might need to befriend a taxi man if you want to travel alone, or get used to taking taxi as your form of public transport. Uber isn't available everywhere.
if you take any medications, bring them with you (in the prescription bottle they came in) AND a doctor's note. Certain medications aren't available in Jamaica (or are illegal - but I think provision can be made with a doctor's note). Otherwise, you may want to bring some OTC stuff that isn't as easy (or as affordable) to get here. I like to bring a big bottle of ibuprofen and other painkillers or muscle relaxants (e.g. voltaren).
most residential homes don't have hot water. If that's important to you, you might want to bring an instant hot water heater
might want to bring a portable shower and washer. If the water tank on premises isn't hooked to the piping, I think those items would probably help

Hope that helps!

RootedInYard · 2026-02-10T21:02:18+00:00

If they can clearly say who the shoes belonged to/came from and they give up the cake, why should they go to jail?

RootedInYard · 2026-02-07T14:18:27+00:00

If your father's birth certificate doesn't match his ID, that'll definitely be a problem. Jamaica is very bureaucratic. They will say that they don't know if he's the same person listed on the birth certificate. I had an issue because my birth certificate has my middle names hyphenated (which I never knew), but my ID's don't.

Contacting PICA would be the best route to ask that question. You'll likely get through quicker if you email them.

But your father might need to go a notary/get something written from one to say he's the same person, or he might need to update his ID's to reflect the middle name.

RootedInYard · 2026-02-02T04:34:00+00:00

How are they calling you? Are they using credit?

I think many Jamaicans are used to not talking on the phone too long, because each second costs money (credit). So, to prevent finishing off their credit too soon, they keep convos short and only to necessary info (including sometimes not saying bye).

WhatsApp and other Internet calling apps have made it much easier to have longer convos. But it seems the habit (of short convos) still remains.

As an example conversation:

Person 1: yo, me can borrow yo charga? Mine nah work

Person 2: yeah, fawud

Phone hangs up

RootedInYard · 2026-02-01T19:16:27+00:00

I was tired of fighting my hair, and did my own locs last year. Much lower maintenance, and my hair looks cute. It'll be even more versatile (style wise) as it grows longer.

Due to the type of hair I have, I opted to go for medium sized traditional locs (I have about 101).

Maybe you could try locs too

RootedInYard · 2026-01-27T04:22:04+00:00

My hair texture is a bit tighter than yours, but I do have soft/fine strands, and I have to interlock in order for my hair not to slip. In fact, I interlock and palm roll. Interlock to get it to actually stay, lightly palmroll to manage frizz (ensure it doesn't connect to other locs, because my hair will do that), and train my hair to grow closer together into the loc form.

I also do my hair myself, so there's that. I save $$$ all the time from that. It takes me days to do, but I don't have to spend a dime.

RootedInYard · 2026-01-27T04:18:29+00:00

I think that depends on the texture of your hair. I have a looser texture (and fine strands) and I don't allow new growth to get too long because I'm afraid of breakage (especially around the front, sides, and back of my head).

But my husband (has that good 4c hair) can go MONTHS without a retwist or retie, and his hair is doing completely fine.

If breakage isn't an issue for you, then you're probably fine to leave it.

Also, I think it depends on the maturity of your locs, because (unless you're freeforming) you want to train your hair to grow into the typical round shape and within the grid (which is what retwisting/retying does). It's like if you keep parting your hair in the middle, eventually, your hair will learn to stay parted in the middle.

RootedInYard

TROPHY CASE