The standard of healthcare in St Lucia has improved significantly, supported by recent investments from the Caribbean Development Bank and a promise by the St Lucia government to invest $11 million in its health system.
Besides the country’s citizenship program, the quality of St Lucia healthcare has contributed to the rising popularity of St Lucia as a destination for expats. Keep reading as this guide explores St Lucia’s medical system, including health services, the National Health Scheme, and public and private healthcare facilities.
St Lucia Healthcare System Overview
Medical facilities in St Lucia comprise several public hospitals and clinics and one private hospital. Victoria Hospital was St Lucia’s primary healthcare facility and was replaced by the Owen King European Union Hospital (OKEU), which opened in March 2020 with funding from the European Union and has 120 beds, including six dedicated ICU beds.
St Lucia’s healthcare system is funded from four sources: A consolidated government fund, donations, self-funded payments, and private health insurance. The consolidated fund is sustained by employer and employee contributions made through St Lucia’s National Health Insurance Scheme.
St Lucia Healthcare Expenditure
St Lucia’s Ministry of Finance funds the country’s health sector through St Lucia taxes and social security contributions from taxpaying citizens and expats living in St Lucia. The most recent data released by the World Health Organization in 2021 showed that 6.21 percent of St Lucia’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) accounted for health expenditure.
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St Lucia Health Policies
Health policies and regulations the St Lucia Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has implemented include:
- National Mental Health Policy
- Golden 80 Plus Health Care Package
- National Policy for Older Persons
- Heath System Strengthening Project
Cooperation with the World Health Organization
With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the St Lucia National Health Insurance (NIS) program began implantation in 2021. The project received $5.5 million in funding from the World Bank and was key for St Lucia to achieve universal health coverage as part of its Health System Strengthening Project.
Natural Disasters
As a Caribbean island, St Lucia is prone to natural disaster events caused by hurricanes. The country has been significantly impacted by hurricanes in the past, including Category 3 Hurricane Allen in 1980, which claimed six lives and caused $235 million in damage. Hurricane Thomas in 2010 resulted in 14 fatalities.
Diseases
While hurricanes pose a risk to St Lucia residents, viral diseases are uncommon. The Pan American Health Organization reported just two tuberculosis cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021. UNAIDS.org reported an HIV infection incidence rate of 0.14 people per 1,000 population in 2023.
According to research by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 11.8 percent of St Lucia’s adult population suffered from diabetes in 2021. The St Lucia Ministry of Health released figures demonstrating that 82 percent of deaths in 2020 were caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases, underlining concerns concerning obesity and high blood pressure in the country.
Health and Mortality Rates in St Lucia
St Lucians had an average life expectancy of 71.1 years in 2021. Key statistics for St Lucia’s profile regarding health issues include infant mortality, death rates, mental health disorders, disease burden, and mortality rates based on research by the WHO, the World Bank, and UNICEF.
Statistic | Rate |
Life Expectancy (2021) | 71.1 years old |
Infant Mortality Rate (2021) | 17.3 per 1,000 births |
Crude Death Rate (2021) | 10 per 100,000 |
St Lucia Medical Facilities
Foreign nationals considering St Lucia citizenship by investment and moving to the country permanently have access to various medical facilities in cities like Castries, Soufriere, and Vieux Fort.
Owen King European Union Hospital: Formally Victoria Hospital, the Owen King European Union Hospital is St Lucia’s central hospital and most equipped medical facility. The hospital has a general ward for medical treatment, a psychiatric hospital, and a pharmacy. Contact: 1 758-458-6500
Soufriere Hospital: Soufriere Hospital in Soufriere is a 24-hour medical center serving residents on the south of the island. Contact: 1 758-459-7258
Dennery Hospital: Dennery Hospital is the primary medical facility in Dennery parish, providing essential medical care to residents on the island’s east coast. Contact: 1 758-453-3310
St Jude Hospital: St Jude Hospital is St Lucia’s only medical emergency facility on the south coast. The medical center is located close to Hewanorra International Airport and provides emergency, outpatient, and inpatient services. Contact: 1 758-459-6700
Private hospitals
Tapion Hospital: Tapion Hospital in Castries is the only private hospital in Saint Lucia. The hospital’s resources cover services for trauma care, including medical emergencies and injuries, surgery, and advanced diagnostics. Contact: 1 758-459-2000
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in St Lucia include:
- True Value Pharmacy in Gros Islet
- M&C Drugstore in Castries
- Restorer Medical in Soufriere
- Infinity Health + Care Pharmacy in Vieux Fort
Opening times range from 8 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday.
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St Lucia Health Advice for Travelers and Expats
Before visiting St Lucia, it is essential to obtain the latest health and safety information from government websites like travel.gc.ca and travel.state.gov. Travelers who require prescription medicines should bring sufficient supplies in their original dated and signed containers.
The St Lucia cost of living is cheap and comprehensive health coverage is relatively affordable. However, as a small Eastern Caribbean island, St Lucia has limited medical care services, especially for chronic conditions, and medical coverage from a reputable health insurance company that includes emergency evacuation is advised.
The CDC and the WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travel to Saint Lucia:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
- Rubella (MMR)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare in St Lucia
Although a small island nation, Caribbean healthcare provided by St Lucia hospitals is of high quality and sufficient for most people. The universal health coverage scheme offers essential health care services to residents. English is also the country’s official language, so travelers and retirees in St Lucia will find it easier to communicate health concerns with medical professionals.
According to data from the WHO, the primary health problems in St Lucia are:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney diseases
- Respiratory infections
St Lucia’s tropical climate increases the risk of mosquito bites a challenge. There are cases of chikungunya, Zika, and dengue fever in St Lucia, but mosquito-related diseases like malaria and yellow fever are rare.
Saint Lucia offers free essential healthcare services to residents through its National Health Insurance Scheme.
Citizens must obtain a health insurance policy with a private healthcare provider to receive care at one of St Lucia’s private medical facilities. Private policies can be paid for through banks in St Lucia. Insurance providers like Sagicor Life and MSH International provide comprehensive private healthcare packages with international coverage.
The leased cause of death in St Lucia is cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.
