Overview 
The Cayman Islands is a group of three small islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman), with an overall population of approximately 60,000 people. The Ministry of Health has responsibility for oversight and regulation of healthcare services within the Cayman Islands. Healthcare is provided by the Health Services Authority (a Crown corporation) and the private sector. The Health Services Authority is the sole provider of healthcare services in the public system.

What happens if you need to see a doctor?
In both the public and private healthcare systems, if you need to see a doctor you need only make an appointment with any doctor of your choosing. You will be required to pay with cash or through your health insurance. In some instances, a referral from a general practitioner will be required in order to see a specialist.

Who decides what doctors can prescribe?
Doctors in both the public and private sectors may prescribe any drug that they see fit; there are no restrictions. Access to these medications, however, may be limited due to their availability on island, or the cost to the patient.

Practically, what is it like to live with type 1 diabetes in the Cayman Islands?
All of our medications are imported, so occasionally diabetics may find that pharmacies have run out of a particular medication. In most instances, supplies are available from either the Government hospital or private pharmacies. Prices will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, and the price to the patient will vary depending on their insurance plan. For example, test strips can cost approximately 60 USD per box and insulin can cost from 85-110 USD, depending on the type. Then there are the additional costs for lancets, insulin pens, etc. If you do not have insurance for whatever reason, you will be required to pay the full price of the medication that you need.

The Government does pay for those citizens that it determines to be "indigents". In order to be considered an indigent you have to go through an application and assessment process, so it's not a matter of the Government helping any and everyone who cannot pay, just those who are part of this programme.

What about getting admitted to hospital?
In an emergency situation, you are not denied treatment at the Government hospital. In other instances, a deposit is required should you not have health insurance coverage.

How does diabetes care vary throughout the Cayman Islands?
Cayman experiences a Hurricane Season annually; June 1st - November 30th. A major consideration for type 1 diabetics on most islands is that they need to ensure that they have adequate supplies throughout this time period, as access to medications can be difficult directly before and after a natural disaster.

Thanks very much to Christina Ross for helping us with this information.