Feeling Your Best While Living in Dominican Republic

Abroad Family,

Life in the Dominican Republic offers a lot from sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed way of living. Still, adjusting to a new country means adjusting your wellness routines too. After my first 2 years living here, I realized I needed some type of routine that addressed my wellness. Healthcare works differently here, the weather is warmer, and your daily schedule probably looks very different from what it was back home. I know mines does.

Taking care of your wellness while living abroad is not complicated, it just takes a little intention. Today, I am sharing practical tools and habits that helped me and I want to pass them on to help you feel your best while enjoying your new Caribbean lifestyle.

1. Choose Healthcare You Can Rely On

Healthcare in the DR includes both private and public options. Most expats, including myself, find private care more comfortable because wait times are shorter, more resources, and many providers speak English.

Look into reputable private clinics and hospitals in your area such as:
• Santo Domingo, Cedimat, Hospital General Plaza de la Salud, Hospiten
• Punta Cana, Hospiten Bavaro, Centro Medico Punta Cana
• Santiago, Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS)

For insurance, many expats choose a local health plan (I highly recommend local insurance if you live here) for general care and international insurance if you’re just visiting. Trusted options include ARS Universal (we use this one), Humano, IMG, and Cigna Global.

Also, ask other expats who they trust. Word of mouth is gold here.

2. Learn How Healthcare Works Here

In the Dominican Republic:
• In some cases, you pay first, then request reimbursement from insurance.
• Most insurance doesn’t cover routine dental visits.
• Always verify whether you insurance covers the treatment you are seeking.
• Pharmacies are very accessible, even for over the counter items that require prescriptions elsewhere
• Emergency services use 911 nationwide

Save these in your phone:
• Local hospital and nearest emergency clinic
• Spanish phrases for medical needs
• ICE contact (In Case of Emergency)

Being prepared helps you feel calm, even in a new environment. When I had that bad episode last year and I was rushed to the hospital, I wasn’t prepared. My wife wasn’t here and all I knew was call her and she made the necessary calls to help over here. Now I’m prepared in the event this happens again (I hope not).

3. Move Your Body, Island Style

Wellness here can be exciting. So get up and get out and try:
• Walks at sunrise or sunset in your neighborhood, at the beach, the park, or along the boardwalk.
• Local gyms or CrossFit boxes in most major cities. (Santo Domingo has many of these)
• Dance classes like salsa, bachata, or merengue
• Outdoor workouts in the neighborhood park (I like to workout on my rooftop first thing in the morning).

Apps like Nike Training Club, Down Dog, and FitOn work great from home too, especially on rainy days.

4. Eat Fresh and Stay Hydrated

One of the best parts of Dominican life is the abundance of fresh food. Visit neighborhood markets or catch the guy selling fruit coming down your street for:
• Mangoes (my favorite)
• Avocado
• Pineapple
• Plantains
• Fresh fish

It gets hot-hot so hydration is essential. Carry water with you or have 50 pesos on you to purchase a bottle of water if needed, especially during the day. If you dehydrate fast, consider adding electrolyte packets if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

5. Protect Your Mental Wellness

Moving abroad brings a lot; joy, growth, and to some loneliness. Here’s some things you can do to support your emotional well being by:
• Joining expat groups to meet new friends
• Getting regular sunshine and ocean time
• Practicing mindfulness with Insight Timer
• Using online therapy options like BetterHelp

Connection is key. I can’t stress this enough. Moving here only to isolate yourself is not a good idea. Community truly becomes family. When you connect with the right people, everything changes.

Final Thought

Remember why you chose the Dominican Republic, to live fully and enjoy every minute of it. When you support and pay attention to your wellness, every part of your life here becomes richer. I’m a living witness to this. With the right tools and a little consistency, you can feel strong, supported, and at home in Dominican Republic.

Now tell me, what wellness habit has helped you adjust to life in the DR? I love learning from this community.

Until then,
Always keep you goals at the forefront of your mind. Always live in the present, because that’s the only way, you gonna live your best life.

🌴Jay

🔗 Quick Links

Healthcare and Insurance
• ARS Universal, https://www.universal.com.do/
• Humano Seguros, https://humano.com.do/
• IMG Global, https://www.imglobal.com/
• Cigna Global, https://www.cignaglobal.com/

Fitness and Wellness Apps
• Nike Training Club, https://www.nike.com/ntc-app
• Down Dog, https://www.downdogapp.com/
• FitOn, https://fitonapp.com/

Mental Wellness
• Insight Timer, https://insighttimer.com/
• BetterHelp, https://www.betterhelp.com/

Local Expat Communities
• Facebook Groups (search your city name + expats)
• Meetup, https://www.meetup.com/