WILLEMSTAD – Despite relatively broad access to healthcare in Curaçao, thousands of residents may still face financial barriers when they need treatment, with dental care emerging as the service most frequently considered unaffordable, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
The findings are contained in the new report “Experiences of Curaçao Residents With Healthcare: Results of Enkuesta Sosial 2025,” which examines healthcare use, accessibility, affordability and satisfaction among the population.
According to CBS, 9.4 percent of respondents reported that they had needed dental care but could not afford it. Another 8.2 percent said financial constraints prevented them from obtaining prescribed medication, while 7.6 percent reported being unable to afford medical care.
The findings show that having a healthcare system that is generally accessible does not necessarily mean that all residents can afford every form of care they need.
CBS found that financial barriers were particularly common among women and people who considered their household income insufficient.
The bureau concludes that Curaçao's healthcare system is generally accessible, but warns that financial and socioeconomic circumstances continue to play an important role in determining whether people can actually obtain care. Women, people with lower levels of education and those with lower perceived household incomes encounter barriers more frequently.
The report's conclusions specifically identify affordability as an issue requiring continued attention. People who struggle financially are more likely to encounter difficulties paying for dental treatment, medical care, prescribed medication and mental healthcare.
CBS said the findings are significant at a time when healthcare costs are increasing. The agency warns that rising costs, changes in healthcare use and developments in informal caregiving could place additional pressure on Curaçao's healthcare system in the future.
The bureau therefore recommends continued monitoring of accessibility, affordability and quality to ensure that policymakers can respond to changes in healthcare needs and capacity.