Foreigners’ interest in health services in the Dominican Republic is growing

The growing demand for medical care outside the United States and other high-cost markets has strengthened the Dominican Republic‘s position as a regional benchmark for health tourism.

International patients, especially Dominicans residing in the United States and U.S. citizens with limited coverage, come to the country for the combination of clinical quality, short wait times, and competitive prices offered by the country’s private centers.

This was reported by the Dominican Association of Health Tourism ( ADTS ), indicating that the network of member institutions operates under international standards and has bilingual staff, modern infrastructure, and global certifications.

Initiatives such as SENASA’s Larimar plan, which allows Dominicans abroad to receive local care with guaranteed coverage, and “health remittance” projects (prepaid medical packages) further expand the potential market.

“With more than two million Dominicans residing in the U.S. and a significant number of underinsured Americans, the demand for procedures such as preventive checkups, minimally invasive surgery, advanced dentistry, and fertility treatments continues to rise,” they report.

Data from The Commonwealth Fund indicates that some 30 million people in the U.S. lack health insurance, while 45 million have limited coverage, driving the search for affordable, quality alternatives.

For local healthcare providers, this scenario presents a concrete opportunity to expand their portfolio of services geared toward international patients, integrate telemedicine and remote postoperative follow-up solutions, strengthen alliances with insurance companies and medical facility providers, generate foreign currency and specialized employment opportunities, and raise the standard of the national healthcare system.

Backed by its air connectivity, favorable investment climate, and renowned hospitality, the Dominican Republic strengthens its leadership as a health and wellness destination in the Caribbean, offering a cost-effective, high-quality alternative for patients from around the world.