Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Caribbean Islands
Reload this Page >

Help! Babymoon at 6 months in Caribbean- safe places to travel!

Help! Babymoon at 6 months in Caribbean- safe places to travel!

Old Jan 18th, 2023, 09:39 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Help! Babymoon at 6 months in Caribbean- safe places to travel!

My husband and I are trying to pick a baby moon destination in the Caribbean for February and I will be 26 weeks pregnant at that time. I’ve had an uncomplicated pregnancy so far and I’m only 32 so I am considered low risk. Of the 4 OBs in my office I spoke with two. One said she’d stay within the US just incase of an emergency, while the other said she thinks I should be ok to go to the Caribbean at 26 weeks because chance of emergency is low, but there is no guarantee & it is really up to comfort of me and my husband. With that we’re trying to decide between Turks, USVI - St Thomas, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Peurto rico. Does anyone know anything about the healthcare systems of these islands?! I’m trying to do research online and having a difficult time! I’m a nurse so I am aware of emergencies that can arise & would like to know there’s a decent hospital close by. Anything you can suggest would be soooo helpful!
we’ll be flying from NY/NJ so don’t want to go anywhere too too far via plane (we considered Anguilla but the transfer is making it complicated)
gmc0611 is offline  
Old Jan 18th, 2023, 06:30 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,991
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Can’t comment on the other places for your needs, but Bermuda will likely still be cold for swimming. I would eliminate it for this trip.
Sassafrass is online now  
Old Jan 18th, 2023, 06:52 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don’t mean to scare you but having lived in the Caribbean for 18 years I can tell you that the healthcare systems on any island will not be up to the same standards you’ll find throughout the US.

Of the destinations you listed Puerto Rico will have the highest standards but it will still not be what you’d get back home. Healthcare on other islands leave a lot to be desired. For anything other than minor injuries or simple routine treatments you really don’t want to be treated for a major medical problem.

For what it is worth, the vast majority of Ex-pats who live in the Caribbean generally go back to the US/Canada or Europe for their annual checkups and they have Medical Evacuation Insurance that will pay for a private air ambulance to fly them back to the US if they have any type of serious medical emergency.
RoamsAround is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2023, 04:23 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Turks & Caicos might be too cool for swimming in Feb. You need to go much further south.

The French islands, Guadeloupe, Martinique etc are departments of France & France is well known for its excellent medical facilities, at least it is in Europe. Whether that holds true in their overseas departments, I couldn’t say, but might be worth a check.

Cayman Islands might be a good one, both from the weather & medical aspect, if that checks out OK.

But as the above post says, most with serious medical issues that can’t be handled locally go to the US. Is it worth the risk?


balthy is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2023, 06:52 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 13,881
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Have you considered the Florida Keys? At least you'll still be in the US if any issues arise.
schmerl is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2023, 07:43 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you! RoamsAround - I hear you. I’m not super concerned being that I’m having such a normal pregnancy. I think we’re between Turks and grand cayman, if we don’t chose the Florida Keys.

Can you tell me anything about the healthcare facilities in those 2 spots? I assume they have deliveries each year/ OB. Do you happen to know about NICU or ICU god forbid of any emergency? Thank you!
gmc0611 is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2023, 07:45 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
schmerl I did start looking there a bit as a backup. where in the Keys would you suggest? We want to relax on the beach. I read Key Largo has the nicest beaches. Do you know any resorts worth checking out?
gmc0611 is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2023, 11:27 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by gmc0611
Thank you! RoamsAround - I hear you. I’m not super concerned being that I’m having such a normal pregnancy. I think we’re between Turks and grand cayman, if we don’t chose the Florida Keys.

Can you tell me anything about the healthcare facilities in those 2 spots? I assume they have deliveries each year/ OB. Do you happen to know about NICU or ICU god forbid of any emergency? Thank you!
The quality of the Medical facilities and care you'll receive in the Turks & Caicos will depend on which island in the chain you are on. The best facilities will be found on Providenciales (which is where most visitors go) but as I commented earlier it won't be up to the same high standards you'll find back home in the US. On average, the facilities/care on Grand Cayman will probably be somewhat better than on Providenciales and significantly better than other islands in the T&C chain. Regardless of the island, if you are in need of NICU or ICU care you will really want to be evacuated back to the US as soon as possible. Look into purchasing Medical Evacuation Insurance for your trip. It's not very expensive and well worth the eace of mind it will give you. FYI - depending on the island you are visiting a one-way Air Ambulance flight can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. Hint: Look for policies that will transport you back to the hospital of your choice rather than the nearest hospital that can treat your ailment.
RoamsAround is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2023, 11:30 AM
  #9  
J62
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Aruba is a modern country with excellent health care. There is a major hospital within 2min of the Eagle Beach area.
J62 is online now  
Old Jan 21st, 2023, 02:58 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,142
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
I can't tell from your post... have you ever traveled in the Caribbean before? Have you been to any of the islands??

Having vacationed a few times each in USVI, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Florida Keys, I just can't imagine going thru trying to "get home" should anything (heaven forbid) not go according to plan and you find yourself in a medical situation.

Why not pick a nice fancy resort in Florida?
suze is offline  
Old Jan 26th, 2023, 11:22 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 11,514
Received 7 Likes on 3 Posts
Just a thought, I’d also look into the incidence of Zika and other mosquito borne diseases that have occurred in past years. Some can be very damaging during pregnancy.
Birdie is offline  
Old Jan 28th, 2023, 04:54 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 13,881
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I see on the US forum that you chose to go to Miami. Good choice in your situation. Enjoy!
schmerl is offline  
Old Jan 28th, 2023, 05:03 AM
  #13  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes! We did chose Miami. Does anyone on here have any opinion on the Setai vs the 1 vs the Aqualina?
gmc0611 is offline  
Old Jan 31st, 2023, 09:45 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,142
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Happy to hear that! Sorry can't help with Miami but I think it's a much better idea. Have a FANTASTIC trip.
suze is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
superdelfa
Asia
0
Nov 27th, 2017 08:26 PM
cw2012
Caribbean Islands
16
Nov 15th, 2013 03:05 PM
steviegene
Caribbean Islands
4
Dec 14th, 2007 05:10 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -