Dominican Republic
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance if you’re in Santo Domingo.
The 911 emergency number does not have full coverage across the country. If you’re outside Santo Domingo, you can telephone the tourist police (‘Politur’) in an emergency: +1 809 200 3500.
Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Dominican Republic guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the Dominican Republic. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Tap water quality
Tap water in the Dominican Republic is not drinkable.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Some medicines normally only available on prescription in the UK are available in pharmacies across the Dominican Republic.
Healthcare facilities in the Dominican Republic
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in the Dominican Republic.
Public medical facilities in the Dominican Republic are generally limited. Private hospitals offer good standards of care, although they can be expensive.
Make sure you have appropriate travel health insurance and can access funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. In some cases, visitors who cannot pay their hospital bills are stopped from leaving the country until the debt is paid.
Medical tourism
There are risks associated with cosmetic or elective surgery overseas.
If you’re considering travelling to the Dominican Republic for medical, surgical or dental treatment:
- read advice on going abroad for medical treatment and elective surgery
- discuss plans with your UK doctor before going ahead with any medical procedures abroad
- research and verify the credentials and qualifications of any healthcare providers before you travel
Find further advice on medical tourism from TravelHealthPro, and NHS guidance on going abroad for medical treatment and on cosmetic surgery abroad.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.