Cayman Islands Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Modern medical facilities are available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, including government- and privately-operated hospitals. There is also an island-wide, 24-hour 911 (or 555) emergency service. There are pharmacies across on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac; however, these may be limited in the range and volume of supplies, so if you require certain drugs it's generally best to stock up before travelling. Private dental clinics are also available, and Cayman has a nascent medical tourism industry; however caution is strongly advised before proceeding down this route. There is no national health service, and even the most remedial medical treatment is expensive. Private insurance is recommended.

Food and Drink

In general, eating and drinking on the Cayman Islands doesn't require any special precautions. As in most of the Caribbean, seafood is practically a staple, so take care to ensure that any dishes you eat are being made with fresh, hygienically prepared ingredients; dishes such as ceviche are generally fine if made with very fresh ingredients, but can be harmful if not. Be aware that some tropical fish may contain toxins and in particular, barracuda should never be eaten. It is fine to drink tap water in the Cayman Islands as the water is perfectly sterilised. Eating tropical fruit and vegetables is part of the delight of being in the Caribbean, but take care to stick to ripe, fresh fruits.

Other Risks

Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Occasional cases of dengue fever have been reported.