The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) has published a study assessing the sustainability of Curaçao’s healthcare system, concluding that demographic pressures, particularly population ageing, are set to push healthcare costs sharply higher and strain long-term viability. The analysis notes that healthcare spending has been rising faster than inflation and government revenue, while Curaçao already allocates a large share of GDP to health comparable to high-income countries despite limited fiscal space. Demographic projections show the proportion of residents aged 65 and over nearly doubling by 2050, with the worker-to-retiree dependency ratio falling from 3.9 to 2.0. Using a cohort-based model, the CBCS estimates demographic change alone would increase health spending by 41–42% by 2050, and by more than 140% once price inflation is included. The study outlines three policy directions to address the gap: expanding the contributor base through working-age immigration, implementing a national prevention strategy (early diagnosis, healthy lifestyles and community care), and broadening revenues via fair co-payments and health levies.
Central Bank of Sint Maarten & Curacao 2025-08-14
Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten study projects demographic ageing could raise Curaçao healthcare spending 41–42% by 2050
The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten published a study identifying ageing as a major threat to Curaçao’s healthcare sustainability. Healthcare costs could rise by over 140% by 2050 due to demographic changes and inflation. The study suggests expanding the contributor base, implementing a national prevention strategy, and broadening revenues through co-payments and health levies as solutions.