BCMG advises on modernising life and health coverage for Jamaican families

For many Jamaican families, life and health insurance have traditionally been viewed as benefits tied primarily to employment. However, as healthcare costs rise, family responsibilities expand and more Jamaicans travel, study and work overseas, the need for broader and more flexible protection is becoming increasingly important.

Jacinth Brown, Senior Employee Benefits Manager at BCMG Insurance Brokers, says affordability remains one of the biggest barriers for households seeking adequate cover. “The high cost of living relative to average wages leaves many families with limited disposable income, often pushing insurance to the bottom of their financial priorities,” Brown said.

Employer sponsored plans therefore continue to play a major role in health insurance in Jamaica, giving employees and their dependents access to healthcare services that may otherwise be difficult to afford. Nonetheless, Brown notes that gaps can still exist, particularly in areas such as prescription drugs, routine dental and vision care, office visits, consultations, laboratory testing and diagnostic benefits.