Health, vaccinations and medical care in Dominican Republic

The rule that catches people

Private hospitals here expect payment, and the FCDO warns that visitors who cannot settle a hospital bill may be prevented from leaving the country.

• Travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation is not optional. Check the ceiling, and check that it covers any watersports or motorcycling you plan.
• Private hospitals are good and expensive; the public system is stretched and not a realistic option for a visitor.
• Expect to pay up front or to have your insurer guarantee payment directly. Carry your policy number and the insurer's 24-hour line somewhere you can reach without data.
• Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Santiago have the best facilities. Serious cases from elsewhere are moved to one of those.

Water and food

• Tap water is not drinkable anywhere in the country. This is unambiguous.
• Drink bottled or filtered water, and use it for brushing your teeth if your stomach is sensitive.
• Ice in resorts and established restaurants is made from purified water and is generally fine. Roadside ice is a gamble.
• Street food is part of the experience, and the usual rules apply: busy stalls, hot food, high turnover.

Mosquitoes

• Dengue is the main risk and is present year round, worse in the wet season. There is no specific treatment, and repeat infections are more dangerous than first ones.
• Oropouche virus has been spreading in the region and is now a recognised risk here.
• Malaria risk is low but not zero, concentrated in rural areas near the Haitian border. Check current advice if you are going there.
• Use repellent with DEET, day and night. The mosquito that carries dengue bites in daylight, so an evening-only routine misses it.
• Air conditioning and screens help more than anything else.

The rest

• No vaccinations are required for entry, but check routine cover and hepatitis A and typhoid with a travel clinic 8 weeks out.
• The sun is stronger than it feels in the sea breeze. High-factor sunscreen and shade in the middle of the day.
• Pharmacies are good, widespread and cheap, and many drugs that need a prescription elsewhere are sold over the counter. Bring your own regular medication with a copy of the prescription.
• Heat and dehydration are the most common problems visitors actually have. Drink far more water than you think you need.