At a glance
Each hospital serves a different purpose. Knowing the differences before you need emergency care is the point of this guide.
| HSA | Doctors Hospital | Health City | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Public | Private | Private |
| Location | George Town | Near Camana Bay | East End |
| Emergency | Yes (24/7) | Yes (24/7) | Yes (24/7) |
| Surgery | General, orthopedic, OB/GYN | General, outpatient | Cardiac, orthopedic, multi-specialty |
| Maternity | Yes (largest program) | Limited | Limited |
| Wait times | Longer for non-urgent | Shorter (private) | Shorter (private) |
| Cost | Lower (subsidized) | Higher | Moderate to high |
| Best for | Emergencies, maternity, budget | Fast access, specialists | Cardiac, orthopedic, specialist surgery |
HSA — Anthony S. Eden Hospital
The main public hospital, renamed in 2025 to honor former Health Minister Anthony S. Eden. Located in George Town, it is the largest healthcare facility on-island and the default for emergencies, trauma, and maternity care. As a public hospital, costs are lower but wait times for non-urgent care can be longer.
- Emergency services: 24/7 A&E department. First responders bring trauma and emergency cases here.
- Maternity: largest maternity program in Cayman. Most births happen at HSA.
- Outpatient clinics: general medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, OB/GYN, mental health, and others.
- Lab and imaging: full laboratory and diagnostic imaging including MRI, CT, X-ray.
- Cost: lower than private hospitals. Some services are subsidized for residents.
- Wait times: non-urgent appointments can take weeks. Emergency care is immediate.
- Patient satisfaction: 90.2% satisfaction rate reported in 2025. Improving but still growing.
- Eastern district clinics: HSA also operates satellite clinics in eastern districts for primary care.
Doctors Hospital
The main private hospital, located in the George Town / Camana Bay area. Offers faster access, shorter wait times, and a broader range of specialists. Higher cost, but most expats with good insurance use Doctors Hospital for non-emergency care.
- Emergency: 24/7 emergency department. Generally faster than HSA for non-life-threatening emergencies.
- Specialists: broader specialist coverage than HSA. Visiting specialists from the US and UK rotate through regularly.
- Outpatient surgery: day-case procedures without overnight admission.
- Diagnostic imaging: MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray.
- Lab work: on-site laboratory with faster turnaround than HSA.
- Cost: higher than HSA. Most expenses covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket costs can be significant without coverage.
- Location: convenient for Seven Mile Beach, Camana Bay, and central George Town residents.
- Reputation: well-regarded by the expat community. First choice for many families with good insurance.
Health City Cayman Islands
A private multi-specialty hospital in East End, about 45–60 minutes from George Town. Strongest in cardiac surgery and orthopedics. Growing its specialist departments. Founded by Dr. Devi Shetty, known for high-quality, cost-efficient cardiac care.
- Cardiac surgery: the flagship department. Open-heart surgery, interventional cardiology, cardiac catheterization.
- Orthopedics: joint replacement, sports medicine, spine surgery.
- Growing departments: oncology, gastroenterology, urology, pediatrics (expanded in 2025).
- Cost: generally lower than equivalent procedures in the US. Attracts medical tourism.
- Location: East End. A significant drive from George Town (45–60 min). This is the main drawback for central residents.
- JCI accreditation: internationally accredited laboratory.
- Best for: residents in eastern districts, cardiac patients, and anyone seeking specialist surgery without flying to Miami.
When to fly to Miami
Despite three hospitals, some specialist care is not available in Cayman. Many residents fly to Miami (75-minute flight) for specific treatments. This is a normal part of Cayman healthcare, not an emergency measure.
- Common reasons: specialist oncology, advanced diagnostic imaging, complex surgical procedures, orthodontics, elective procedures, second opinions.
- Frequency: many residents plan 2–3 Miami medical trips per year.
- Insurance: check whether your plan covers overseas treatment. Some plans include it; many do not.
- Logistics: typically a day trip or overnight. Combine with shopping if desired.
- Hospitals: Jackson Memorial, Baptist Health, Mount Sinai Miami Beach are commonly used by Cayman residents.
- Planning: maintain a US-based doctor relationship for continuity of care during Miami visits.
Choosing based on your neighborhood
Your hospital choice is partly determined by where you live. Factor proximity into your neighborhood decision, especially if you have children or ongoing health needs.
- Seven Mile Beach / Camana Bay / West Bay → Doctors Hospital is closest (5–15 min).
- George Town / South Sound / Walkers Road → HSA is closest (3–10 min). Doctors Hospital also accessible (8–15 min).
- Prospect / Red Bay / Grand Harbour → HSA and Doctors Hospital both 10–20 min.
- Bodden Town / Savannah → Between HSA (20–30 min) and Health City (20–30 min).
- North Side / East End → Health City is closest (10–20 min). HSA is 40–60 min away.
- For families with children: proximity to either HSA or Doctors Hospital emergency departments should be a factor in your housing choice.

