With beautiful beaches and good weather, it is easy to see why Cayman is regarded as an ideal place to retire, grow old and ultimately pass away.
We have assembled the most comprehensive retirement guide with everything you need to consider when deciding if Cayman is the best place for you to spend your final years.
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If you are wondering how you might spend your time in Cayman once you are retired, we thought we would include a few suggestions from our retired friends: you can golf, join a gym, do an exercise class or just walk the beach; if you are into gardening there is the Gardening Club and an orchid group, and you can visit the plant nurseries and work on your garden; if you are musical you can join the Cayman National Choir or the Cayman National Orchestra. There are many ways to volunteer your time too. A few examples include helping struggling readers read each week in government schools, or depending on the time of year, you could work with the National Drug Council to gather statistics for their annual school drug survey. Every four years, when there is a general election, the Elections Office look for independent observers who are willing to volunteer their time. There is a very good bridge club that meets twice a week, and there is also a mahjong club. If you play tennis, pickleball or squash, it is easy to book daytime lessons to improve your stroke, and you can join the league that plays each week. You can also meet friends for coffee, tea or lunch, and we have lots of wonderful churches where you can take part in their weekly Bible study, and then join them on Sunday mornings. Have a look at the Community pages for more ideas.
So aside from the climate, which draws a lot of 'snow birds' and retirees, there is the ease of island life to consider, and the fact that we have access to world-class healthcare while remaining in close proximity to the US.
The retirement community in Cayman is thriving; over 65s account for over 8% of the population and, as a result, activities, clubs and services for seniors are increasing.
Whether you intend to get involved in the community or simply relax on the beach, the lifestyle in Cayman suits any retirement model.
Discounts for Those Over 65
Although it is not widely publicised, a few places give a discount to those over the age of 65. For example, Hurleys Supermarket give a 10% discount to seniors on Thursdays, although you must be prepared to show ID to prove your age. If you are Caymanian and you are renewing your Cayman passport, it is now free for those who are 65 and older. The post offices will give a CI$25 discount to seniors when they renew their annual PO box fees, and when you go to renew your driving licence or vehicle registration, you will get a 50% reduction on the fees. Cayman National Bank also has parking spaces close to the bank that are specifically reserved for seniors, and you could ask the Chamber of Commerce for one of their discount cards as you will get a 5-10% discount on any business that supports the Chamber.
Health Insurance for Retirees
All residents of the Cayman Islands, regardless of age, are required to have health insurance coverage from an approved Cayman Islands health insurer, and all health insurance companies are required, at the very least, to offer residents the minimum coverage which is called the SHIC plan (Standard Health Insurance Coverage). However, some Cayman health insurance companies (One Health and Aetna) only offer group plans with a minimum of 10-20 people, so unless your company can create a ‘retirees’ plan for you then you cannot get health insurance from them. CG Britcay only offers people over 65 the SHIC plan, and you have to go through a broker to get it. There are three insurance brokers who specialise in offering health insurance plans to retirees and these are Bogle Insurance, Cayman Insurance Centre and Financial Integrated Services. Cayman First, BIF Insurance and Vanguard also offer the SHIC plan and as an individual you can go to them directly to get health insurance coverage.
The SHIC plan will cost a healthy 65 year old CI$167 per month, but if you have serious health issues, or have ever had cancer, it could well be double, triple or more per month. This plan will cover your legal requirement to have health insurance, but the amount it covers you for is generally acknowledged to be woefully inadequate! Your annual maximum coverage is CI$100,000 and the plan has a lifetime maximum of CI$1,000,000.
Vanguard is a good local option that covers people over the age of 65, and you can go to them directly or through a broker to get a plan. In July 2025 they quoted us CI$167 for the SHIC plan, CI$700 for their Select plan, CI$838 for their Choice plan and CI$2,000 for their Platinum plan (per individual aged 65). They appear to be the only insurance company in Cayman that offers premier plans to retirees. You will however, pay more if you have a pre-existing condition, and the cost of the plan will go up each year, especially if you use it.
Cigna is another option and although they are an overseas insurance company, they do cover the Cayman Islands. You can use any doctor or private hospital, the plans can offer unlimited annual coverage, and if you are prepared to customise your plan so that you have an annual deductible, the fees are reasonable. They also have no maximum age, nor do their fees go up each year. For more information email: katie.singleton@cignahealthcare.com.
Another good option that covers Cayman, is IMG. They offer worldwide coverage, and again you can customise your plan so that it excludes certain countries and has a deductible. We were quoted US$2,600 per month for two people aged 65, with worldwide coverage, a US$250 deductible and CI$5 million per person maximum lifetime coverage. It does not, however, extend to people over the age of 74. If you are prepared to have the same plan, but with a US$5,000 deductible and exclude the USA and Canada, then the cost is US$1,191 per month for two people aged 65 for their Silver plan. For a quote email: richard@4tdomrep.com or check out www.imglobal.com where you can play around with the options and get a quote.
For a list of local health insurance providers and brokers see the Health Insurance Providers page.
Retirement health insurance - things to consider:
- Plan ahead to place possible retiree coverage when you are healthy
- Review all jobs held in past - including Cayman Islands Government jobs – for possible retiree medical benefits
- Check country of origin for eligible benefits e.g. USA Medicare doesn’t cover in Cayman but could be used for major medical needs in the USA
- Check if former spouse (widowed or divorced) has benefits you’re entitled to
- Use a basic SHIC plan and set up savings plan to self-pay during years which exceed benefits available
- Dual residents may be able to find a high-deductible plan overseas to use along with their SHIC plan in Cayman
- Business ownership interests may keep you eligible to stay on a group plan
- Review any Veteran’s benefits including survivor benefits
- Working part-time for insurance benefits is not unusual!
Medical Care
Grand Cayman has three fully-equipped hospitals, easy access to internationally trained doctors and specialists, and some of the most advanced medical equipment in the world. If there was one place outside of the US where you could be guaranteed to receive first-rate medical care, you can be assured that Cayman is it.
Cayman’s sophisticated medical healthcare is quickly becoming known as the third pillar of our economy after finance and tourism. For more information on our healthcare system and what the Cayman Islands have to offer, see the Healthcare page.
Life Insurance
As you approach retirement, it is important to review your life insurance needs, especially if you want to ease the financial impact on loved ones when you pass away. Life insurance can help cover funeral costs, settle outstanding debts, or support everyday expenses like rent, groceries or caregiving needs. There are different types of life insurance designed for different stages of life:
Term Life insurance offers coverage for a set period of time, such as 15, 20, or 30 years and is typically more affordable than permanent policies. It’s especially helpful if you still have financial obligations like a mortgage or dependent family members. If you pass away during the policy term, your beneficiaries receive the full benefit amount. This type of coverage is a practical option for many approaching retirement who want to ensure financial stability during their remaining working years or early retirement.
Final Expense insurance, sometimes called end-of-life insurance, is designed to cover funeral and burial costs or other small debts. It is a simplified policy and does not require a medical exam, making it an accessible option for those who may not qualify for traditional coverage later in life.
Premiums and coverage amount vary based on your age, gender, and the type of policy you choose. It is wise to speak with a licensed insurance advisor who can help assess your personal situation and guide you to the right solution for your retirement plans.
Immigration Considerations
The Cayman Islands welcomes wealthy retirees with open arms as long as they have enough money to buy a house and support themselves in old age. Without a regular tax base, the Cayman Islands Government does not have the resources to support an aging population. Please see the Immigration section for more information on how to become a resident of the Cayman Islands.
If you are the dependent/spouse of a Permanent Resident and they die before you do, the right of the surviving spouse to reside in the Islands may be revoked at the discretion of the Director of Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC). The surviving spouse may, within three months, apply for the Grant of Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means upon satisfying the requirements.
Poor Relief Payments
For those too elderly to work, who are over the age of 65 and are in great need, the Department of Financial Assistance (formerly known as the Needs assessment Unit) currently offer a monthly stipend. However, a full assessment of needs must be undertaken and then the level of assistance required is investigated. This is only open to Caymanians and you must be resident in Cayman. The department is located at 55 Seafarers Way, 1st Floor Aqua Mall, George Town. They are open Monday-Thursday 8.30am-4pm in person and until 5pm over the phone. On Fridays they are out visiting the different districts. Tel: (345) 946 0024 or email: dfainfo@gov.ky.
Senior & Retirement Homes
Cayman does not currently have any particularly sophisticated options for retirement homes. We do, however, have The Pines Retirement Home, which is open to all and The Golden Age Residential Home in West Bay.
In-Home Carerskeyboard_arrow_right
There are a few dedicated companies that can provide you with an in-home carer and any other assistance that you may need.
Read MorePalliative and Hospice Carekeyboard_arrow_right
For many years, residents have been in the very fortunate position to have free hospice and palliative care. Jasmine, formerly known as Cayman Hospice Care, provides professional nursing and comfort care to those living with a life limiting or end of life illness.
End of Life in Caymankeyboard_arrow_right
When a person dies the next of kin are left with a number of decisions and arrangements to make. Fortunately, undertakers are there to help guide family and loved ones through the process, take care of the paperwork and ease the burden as much as possible.
End-of-Life Medical Lawskeyboard_arrow_right
The Health Care Decisions Act (2022 Revision) addresses the problem that healthcare providers and families face when a patient is too ill to communicate their treatment preferences. The introduction of ‘Advance Health Care Directives’ by this law, commonly known as ‘living wills’, provides a legal framework to express your wishes regarding medical treatment while you are mentally competent, which should be followed by your physician.
Read MoreWills, Probate & Inheritance Taxkeyboard_arrow_right
There is no inheritance tax in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Islands law allows for complete freedom of disposition, meaning that you can dispose of your Cayman
assets on your death as you please, subject only to the law of your domicile. It is extremely difficult to contest an otherwise valid Cayman Islands will, and so it is recommended that you have an understanding of the probate process and an up-to-date will.
