A Vietnam Veteran sits in the lobby of MedVets in Puerto Plata sipping coffee waiting for group therapy to start. Wyatt Gresham was an eighteen year old kid drafted to Vietnam who “never felt at home in America again after how we were treated.” Now Wyatt lives in the Dominican Republic, enjoying ocean views and peace in his retirement. Him and twenty thousand other veterans have discovered a sense of community and relaxed living on this sunny Caribbean island. The owner of Medvets, Bernard Smith, a retired Army veteran is encouraging veterans to move to the Dominican Republic. His healthcare center operates through the Foreign Medical Program for service-connected veterans. Bernard proudly announces, “We’re damn good at what we do, wait-times do not exist here.”
Veterans are finding happiness and a fresh start after relocating here. The higher quality of life due to the lower cost of living, beautiful nature, and island lifestyle might be superior therapy than anything the VA is providing. Veterans I talk to are living their best lives here, and there are Medical Centers specifically for service connected veterans that operate throughout the country.
“We’re not here trying to be the VFW but when you come to the Dominican Republic and come through these doors….you’re at home.”
Bernard Smith, Army veteran and owner of MedVets speaking about the holistic care MedVets provides focusing on the mind, body, and spirit of each veteran who receives services.
What’s Provided For Service-Connected Vets in DR?
- Primary Care
- Physical Therapy
- Aquatic Therapy
- Massage
- Mental Health
- Pharmacy 24/7
- Traumatic Brain Injury Care
- Telehealth
- Acupuncture
- Group Therapy
- Chiropractor
The reasons veterans are choosing to leave the United States aren’t hard to uncover. The high cost of living, political division, mass-shootings, and stressful culture. The reasons veterans are coming to the Dominican Republic are inspiring: the low cost of living and gorgeous beaches are on the list but the best thing about the Dominican Republic is the people. Family, God, and community are very present here.
“The US got way too crazy and I was struggling, when I got here everything just clicked. Now I swim in the ocean every day, eat healthy food, and I’m disconnected from all that stress. I’ve never felt better.”
Solomon Richardson, an Air Force veteran who moved to the Dominican Republic during covid.
DR Clinic Links
Puerto Plata/Santiago/Sosua: Juvante
John’s Note: I do not recommend any one healthcare center more than another. Maybe if one paid me I would recommend them over the others lol. But they all provide essentially similar services, depending on your personal preferences and where you live. You can visit these centers even if you are on vacation or visiting temporarily, which I recommend you do. They will be happy to provide you a tour.
If you’re debating moving abroad, read my article 5 Tips For Veterans Moving Abroad to get started. In my Vets Guide to Moving Abroad I get into the details behind the Foreign Medical Program of the VA if you want to understand more, as well as healthcare and Tricare Abroad.
Questions Answered
How much money do I need to live in the Dominican Republic?
You can live well on a military retirement or if you’re rated 100% from the VA. My rent is $500 a month for a one bedroom, with another $160 for internet and electricity. You can live a high quality life as a veteran with your benefits. Budget is one thing that’s hard to specifically nail down because everyone has a different ideal quality of life. To dive more into it check out my Free Veterans Guide to Moving Abroad to get free cost of living calculator links and sample budgets. You can hit me up if you have specific questions and I’ll get back to you but everyone lives differently.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
In the ex-pat areas like Punta Cana, Cabarete, or Sosua you can get by with little or no Spanish and be fine. Most Dominicans speak a little bit of English, more so in areas with more expats. The best way to learn is to dive in and practice, I didn’t speak any Spanish when I first moved. Dominicans are extremely friendly and willing to help or practice their own English. Duolingo is a solid resource you can start learning on your phone and switch over your Netflix to Spanish and you’ll figure it out well enough. Or just date a Dominican and you’ll get there sooner.
What are some of the drawbacks?
- Driving the roads in the Dominican Republic are not for the faint of heart.
- “Island Time”
- Electricity can be an issue unless you have a generator.
- General corruption.
- Hurricanes. (Mainly on the south shore, I haven’t had any hurricane issues in the 3 years I’ve had an apartment in DR.)
What are the pros?
- DR is easier than about anywhere to relocate to. You can pretty much stay as long as you want and then pay an “exit fee.” Read about the DR exit fees and see rates here.
- Thriving Expat Community: Check out Expats Living in DR on Facebook. There are several groups you can look into, spread around the country.
- Year round beautiful weather and picturesque beaches.
- Proximity to the U.S. There are consistent flights from Puerto Plata, Santiago, Santo Domingo, and Punta Cana to all over the states.
- Foreigners have full property rights, you can buy apartments, land, and houses.
- Great culture, restaurants, and nightlife. Follow me on IG and TikTok to check out some of the benefits of living abroad.
Is it safe?
In three years in the Dominican Republic I’ve never had an issue other than minimal things all expats have to deal with like taxis trying to overcharge. Like most countries the violent crime is mainly contained to low income areas and not expat locations. The Politur is the Dominican Republic Tourist Police and have a strong presence in expat areas. They protect the tourists and foreigners because so much of the countries economy is tourism. They work hard to keep the “gringos” safe. As a female, similar to anywhere else you have to take some extra safety precautions. The best countries for female veterans in my personal opinion are Costa Rica and Thailand, although I know lots of female vets thriving in DR. Most female veterans I know tend to be in the Punta Cana area.
If you have questions about living in the Dominican Republic or are thinking about moving abroad you can contact me through Instagram where I’ll be posting more living abroad content. I’ll get to every message and email. I strongly recommend visiting the Dominican Republic before moving, Facebook Expat Groups are a good starting point to start pricing out some living arrangements and it’s best to rent for a while before you consider buying.
If you do have information about veterans in DR, additional resources or know something that should be included in the article, please reach out and let me know. I’d prefer these articles be kind of evolving information to help veterans contemplating moving. These articles are all free and free of sponsorships, affiliate links and bullshit. Check out my latest book 365 Days of Veteran Affirmations, and my other books listed on my website. On my Blog I get into writing about everything from Traveling With Veteran PTSD, to Nature Therapy, to even Dating Abroad. Please check it out and share the articles and resources with other veterans. We have to be there for ourselves and one another.
John’s Note: My mission is to provide positive information for veterans about living abroad, resources and information. There are no affiliate links in any of my living abroad articles or my social media content. But obviously if someone gives me a ton of cash I’ll change that because you know, beer money and all. I believe sometimes veterans can be healthier and happier outside of the United States. There’s no running away or escaping your problems. But often times, you can heal, grow, and find peace abroad in ways you can’t in the USA. If you’re struggling with your mental health, I’m here for you if you want to talk and will respond on IG or email. You can also contact a veteran organization or chat with the Veterans Crisis Line.