News
National Health Insurance Board Talks Access to Healthcare in the Turks & Caicos Islands
#TurksandCaicos, July 5, 2022 – The National Health Insurance Board was established under the National Health Insurance Ordinance 2009, as a statutory body. NHIB’s goal is to facilitate the provision of accessible, affordable, and quality health care services to all its beneficiaries. We would like to use this platform to educate the public on the referral and treatment abroad program and how they work.
Urgent/Non-Urgent Referrals
Urgent referrals are referrals that must be executed within a short period of time usually less than 48 hours, non-urgent referrals or routine referrals are executed over a longer period. As it relates to these urgent referrals it is important for the public to know that:
- A referral must be sent from the hospital, through the Joint Referral Committee, to NHIB for processing. You must be seen by a doctor at TCI hospital who will then decide whether your case is eligible for urgent referral.
- The Medical Director reviews the referral and will advise the operations department to proceed.
- We have an operations team NHIB that checks the eligibility of the beneficiary.
- Once a beneficiary is eligible, the transfer arrangement begins.
- Referrals are sent firstly to providers in the region (Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Cayman Islands) for acceptance. If the case cannot be managed within the region, then it is sent to our providers in Colombia.
- Patient (if able to communicate) or next of kin is contacted and informed that NHIB is in receipt of an overseas referral and what arrangement will be made. The NHIB process is explained during this time.
- Once a physician and a hospital accept the case, travel arrangement (air ambulance or charter, commercial flight) will begin.
Treatment Abroad Program Challenges and Important Information
We do face a few challenges with the referral service especially when a patient must be flown out of country for special care. One of the major challenges is travel documents. We are asking the public to make sure your documents are up to do date as you do not know when you or a loved one that you may have to accompany will face sudden health challenges that require medical attention overseas.
- NHIB does not pay for travel documents, passport, or visas.
- Nationalities that require visas to enter another country is responsible for getting their visa, NHIB only assist with medical visas.
- NHIB provides a subsistence to assist with living arrangements and ground transportation. What this means is that we do not cover the cost of your FULL living arrangement while seeking medical treatment abroad. What we do is provide you with a stipend that should assist with your day-to-day expenses.
- Medical bills for health procedures abroad are 100% covered by the NHIB (subject to the limitations included in NHI (Benefit) Regulations Section 6(3)). This means that when you travel to get medical attention under the Treatment Abroad Program, you do not receive a bill. Your medical expense is fully covered (see above).
- Work Permit holders are reminded that work permits are to be renewed three months prior to expiry. Beneficiaries with an expired work permit cannot be transferred in the event of an emergency.
- Some beneficiaries are only entitled to receive on island care.
- As it relates to Air Ambulance – This is a service which we source from providers overseas. The closest air ambulance company is in the Dominican Republic, others are based within the United States. Air ambulance confirms their ability to transfer based on availability of aircrafts and medical personnel, the nature of the case, and their capacity to transfer a patient safely.
Understanding Co-payments
We also use this opportunity to advise the public that if you are covered and eligible under the National Health Insurance Plan and you visit a clinic to see a private doctor on island, that $35 is deducted from your bill and paid by NHIB. TCI hospital is our preferred health provider, so once you are eligible, you only pay $10 copayment when seeking medical services covered by NHIP.
Services NOT covered by National Health Insurance Plan
The following are medical services that are NOT covered by the NHIP:
Cosmetic procedures
Long term care
Long term psychiatric care
Orthodontics for adults
Acupuncture
Homeopathy
Alternative medicines
Podiatry
Lifestyle procedures and sex changes
Short term nursing or home skilled nursing facility
Fertility treatments
Dermatology
Dentistry
Closing Remarks
I would like to take this time to thank all NHIP’s contributors. Once you get a good understanding of the National Health Insurance Plan, you will know that even though you may not require medical attention at this time, someone in need of medication, pre-natal care, emergency treatment, and all that is covered under the NHIP, is able to get the care they need because of your contribution. So, continue to make your contributions, and make them on time to avoid late fee penalties. Let us continue to work together in building a healthy nation one person at a time.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands— Thursday, 24 September 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and
Emergencies (DDME) was invited by Digicel to deliver a hurricane preparedness presentation to members of their staff.
The engaging 90-minute presentation formed part of DDME’s ongoing public education and awareness efforts aimed at strengthening preparedness across the Turks and Caicos Islands. During the session, Digicel employees were provided with important information on the potential impacts of hurricanes and other emergencies, as well as the actions that individuals and organisations can take to reduce risks and protect lives, property and essential operations.
The presentation emphasised that preparedness is a shared responsibility and should begin well before a storm or other emergency threatens the country. Staff were encouraged to understand the risks associated with hurricanes, remain informed through official sources and develop personal and workplace preparedness plans.
DDME recognises the important role that businesses play in national disaster preparedness and resilience. Corporate organisations are
encouraged to establish and regularly review emergency plans that clearly outline responsibilities, communication procedures, evacuation arrangements, business continuity measures and recovery actions.
“Preparedness is most effective when it is planned and practised before an emergency occurs,” Jason Hills, DDME Director. “Organisations that invest in preparedness today are better positioned to protect their people, maintain essential services and support the wider community during times of crisis.”
Corporate organisations, schools and government departments interested in DDME’s assistance with hurricane preparedness training, emergency drills support or assistance with developing a business contingency plan are encouraged to contact the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies via email at ddme.tci@gmail.com.
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
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