Egg Freezing & IVF in Barbados

In the last 10 years, the government of Barbados has put in several healthcare infrastructure investments to propel the country to be among the top Caribbean nations when it comes to medical tourism. The country is known for advanced facilities, high-quality medical care, highly trained medical teams, international accreditations, and accessible treatments. Satisfied patients in Barbados leave successful outcome testimonials. Popular medical tourism fields in Barbados include assisted reproductive technology, cosmetic surgery, and dentistry. The main hospitals and medical facilities are found in Bridgetown.

What To Do in Barbados During Your Medical Vacation

Barbados is famous for being the hometown of music superstar Rihanna. In 2017, the part of the street where Rihanna grew up was named Rihanna Drive. Tourists and fans love to visit the green and orange house that sits on a blue surface where Rihanna spent her childhood. Snorkelers would enjoy Carlisle Bay with its coral reef that serves as a home to different species of fish, turtles, and lobsters. The white sand beach serves as a relaxing getaway for tourists on their medical vacation.

Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados. This is also where major medical facilities are located. Trips to the National Heroes Square, Barbados Museum, George Washington House, St. Michael's Cathedral, and Garrison Historic Area before or after medical appointments are in order. Take the tram tour of Harrison's Cave made of limestone rock that has been eroded by water and has formed stalagmites and stalactites. Another cave to explore is the Animal Flower Cave filled with pools that reflect and jagged openings that illuminate the cave with outdoor light. Have your meal at the restaurant on top of the cave where you can watch humpback whales from the restaurant deck from February to April.

The national dish is flying fish and cou cou (made of mixed cornmeal and okra). Visit the fishing village of Oistins for a taste of Bajan's social culture and cuisine. Aside from flying fish, order a wide variety of seafood dishes made of mahi-mahi, lobster, swordfish, tuna, and marlin.

To keep healthy and safe in Barbados, bring mosquito repellent and regularly apply it to prevent mosquito-borne diseases: dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Avoid becoming a victim of petty theft by storing your valuables in your hotel room safe, locking room doors, and keeping an eye on your bags on beaches. Same-sex relationships were illegal in Barbados for a long time until it was decriminalised in 2022. Many citizens are generally accepting of the LGBTQ+ today. There is even the annual Pride Week parade since 2018. It is still advised for the LGBTQ+ to refrain from public displays of affection. In case of emergency, remember the following hotline numbers: 211 for the police department; 311 for the fire department; and 511 to call an ambulance.

The easiest modes of transportation for medical tourists are taxis, rental cars, and buses that are provided by the Barbados Transport Board. Aside from these options are private mini-buses and ZR vans that are audibly distinguishable by their musical horns. Go to any of the three bus terminals in Speightstown, St. Peter; Fairchild Street, Bridgetown; and Princess Alice Highway, St. Michael to know the bus schedules.

English is the official language in Barbados. Aside from English, Bajan or Barbadian Creole is also widely spoken.

Social Attitudes Towards Fertility Treatment

There are only a few fertility clinics in the Caribbean but it is steadily on the rise. The majority of Barbados citizens are of African descent as reported by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook. According to a study on infertility and assisted reproductive technology outcomes in Afro-Caribbean women, the biggest challenges that hinder Afro-Caribbean females from getting treatment are high costs, lack of IVF centres, and emotional challenges due to facing issues such as poor ovarian response. The study also reported that Afro-Caribbean women get a more successful outcome for assisted reproductive technology procedures in the Caribbean than African-American women do in the U.S.