USVI-On-Line

Good Morning Board,

As stated before, I am lucky enough to be getting married on STJ next Feb.

A guest of ours has a medical condition by which he is prone to seizures (unpredictable, but usually don't require medical attention). However, the concern has been voiced that the major hospital is on STT.

Can anyone comment on the medical practices on STJ? Can someone provide treatment there, or would you need to ferry to STT?

Thanks in advance!

Tim

My family has used the STJ dentist and different doctor's offices over the years. We have even used the hospital/clinic for sprains and dislocated shoulder. Service is adequate but you might have to pay using your credit card and then get reimbursement from your health carrier when you get home. Ambulance service in the middle of the night is not what you get stateside. There is a pharacy for whatever your needs. Several of the forum members are STJ residents and will certainly chime-in. Been at the Westin and many beaches during wedding ceremonies. Awesome!!!

Be sure they get trip insurance that will cover pre-existing illnesses. This will pay for treatment and medical evacuation when needed. Most stateside insurance doesn't cover in the usvi. I also travel to st John with several pre-existing chronic conditions. Never had any problems while there, but always get the travel insurance just in case.

My husband is a disabled vet that has to wear a knee brace to stablize his knee joint and walk properly. Last November, while on island, the brace broke and he had a major dislocation that we could not fix ourselves. We had to call an ambulance to come and get him as he couldn't walk or stand and was in extreme pain. It was pretty late at this point (after midnight) but the ambulance staff was great as was the staff at the medical center on St. John. His medical insurance is through the VA so I don't know if this makes a differance but they took down our information and his insurance information and sent us bills for the ambulance and hospital visit. I think the total was around $1,200 for both which we submitted to the VA for payment. The precriptions had to be paid with cash/credit card at the pharmacy. It is never fun to have these kind of experiences while on vacation but it reassured me that if it should happen again (we visit St. John once a year) that we will get decent medical care on St. John and if worse came to worse we could always be transported to St. Thomas if need be.