TCHTA Launches Group Health Insurance for Tourism Workers

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) has officially launched a new Group Health Insurance Initiative in partnership with Caribbean Health Insurance, a move aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare for tourism workers, small businesses and their families.

Symbolic signing of the TCHTA Group Insurance Agreement with Caribbean Health Insurance. From left: Sergio Madinabeitia – Executive Director and Principal of Caribbean Health Holdings; Craig Archibald – Master Insurer; Hon. Kyle Knowles – Minister of Health and Human Services; Snjezana Andrews - Membership Committee Chair; Stacy Cox – CEO of the TCHTA; James McAnally – President of the TCHTA; and Pedro Villasmil, CEO of B Insurance.

The initiative was unveiled during a signing ceremony attended by government officials, TCHTA executives and representatives of Caribbean Health Insurance, at Beaches Resort and Spa on Tuesday, June 30.

The launch comes after the Government restructured the Treatment Abroad Programme earlier this year, limiting eligibility to Turks and Caicos Islanders and British Overseas Territory Citizens. The policy change left thousands of work permit holders and permanent residents to secure their own health insurance arrangements, prompting concerns within the tourism industry about access to affordable medical coverage.

Speaking at the launch, TCHTA CEO Stacey Cox described the agreement as more than a business partnership, calling it a commitment to protecting the people who drive the country's tourism industry.

"The signing of this agreement represents more than a business partnership. It represents a shared promise to our members that their association is committed to finding solutions that protect their businesses and, most importantly, the people who make those businesses successful," Cox said.

Membership Committee Chair and TCHTA Board Director Snjezana Andrews said the programme was developed after extensive planning to address the growing need for accessible and meaningful health insurance, particularly for small businesses and workers in the tourism sector.

She noted that while the plan is available across all industries, it was designed in response to the specific needs of tourism workers and offers access to a regional network of doctors, hospitals, specialists, dental and vision care providers.

A section of the audience

Among the key features, Andrews highlighted that the plan carries no deductible, allowing members to access healthcare without significant upfront costs.

"This is more than the launch of an insurance product. This is the launch of a movement towards stronger businesses, healthier communities and a more protected workforce," she said.

Caribbean Health Insurance Executive Director Sergio Madinabeitia said the regional insurance product had been developed over the past year to provide affordable healthcare solutions tailored specifically for the Caribbean.

Unlike many international insurance plans, he said, the programme was designed without deductibles or co-payments and includes an expanding network of accredited medical facilities across the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

He also announced that Jamaica was being added to the provider network as the company continues to expand its regional healthcare partnerships.

Local insurance representative Craig Archibald, who will serve as the programme's agent in the Turks and Caicos Islands, said increasing access to health insurance has long been a priority.

"It has been quite a task in getting people to understand how important health insurance is to your well-being," Archibald said, adding that he looks forward to introducing the programme to the wider community.

TCHTA President James McAnally described the initiative as another example of the association's commitment to advocating for the hospitality industry and delivering tangible benefits to its members.

He noted that while the insurance programme will eventually expand to the wider community, TCHTA members will receive preferred rates.

"You need to understand why this association is so important in the Turks and Caicos Islands," McAnally said, encouraging businesses to become members.

Minister of Health Hon. Kyle Knowles congratulated the TCHTA and Caribbean Health Insurance for launching what he described as an ambitious initiative that will positively impact workers across the country.

Knowles said the government remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition as changes are made to healthcare arrangements for migrant workers and emphasized that access to quality healthcare remains a national priority.

"Healthcare is very important... everyone is entitled to high-quality care," he said.

Quizzed by the media, organizers confirmed that participation in the insurance programme is voluntary but available only to TCHTA members. Employers will determine how premium costs are shared with employees, with options ranging from full employer coverage to shared contributions.

Officials also outlined two coverage options, Coral and Pearl, with the higher-tier Pearl plan including air ambulance services for patients requiring emergency medical evacuation to overseas treatment facilities. Caribbean Health Insurance also announced plans to establish a Collaborative Telemedicine Centre in the Turks and Caicos Islands by September, allowing patients to consult regional specialists remotely before overseas referrals are made.

Minister of Tourism Zhavargo Jolly, who attended the event, praised the collaboration between the private and public sectors, saying it demonstrates how partnerships can help address challenges created by policy changes.

"There were a lot of people that were very concerned about the impact it would have on our most important sector, which is the tourism sector," Jolly said, referring to changes to the government's treatment abroad programme.

"This is us achieving a goal, filling a gap, and dealing with a potential fallout from decisions being made at the executive level."