Health Insurance Launched for Jamaica’s Entertainers and Creatives
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Aug 30, 2025
A historic milestone has been reached for Jamaica’s cultural sector, as entertainers and creatives are now officially covered under a government-backed health and life insurance plan.
The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, led by the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, has launched the Jamaica Entertainers and Creatives Insurance Plan (JECIP), in partnership with Guardian Life Limited. For the first time, practitioners in the creative industry—many of whom operate outside traditional employment systems—will have access to group health and life insurance.
First Cards Issued
On August 19, the first batch of health insurance cards was distributed at the Ministry’s offices. Among the recipients were cultural figures such as David “Kukudoo” McDermott, George Nooks, Billy Wilmot, Dr. Amina Blackwood, Carlton Scarlet, and Michelle Graham.
With these cards, beneficiaries will now be able to access medical services simply by presenting their JECIP card—covering doctor visits, hospitalisation, surgeries, maternity care, overseas medical assistance, prescription drugs, and even dental services.
Minister Grange: “A Game Changer”
Minister Grange described the launch as a groundbreaking achievement not only for Jamaica, but for the wider Caribbean:
“This insurance plan is a game changer. No small island developing state or developing country has ever instituted such a programme. Jamaica is the first CARICOM nation to provide this level of protection for its creatives.”
She emphasised that the plan fills a critical gap in safeguarding cultural workers. While group life and personal accident insurance were already available since 2024, health coverage was previously missing.
Additional Support Systems
Grange also highlighted complementary systems for those who may fall outside the primary coverage. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, older creatives can benefit from pension support. The National Health Fund will further assist with chronic disease medication subsidies, ensuring broader access to care.
Central to this programme is the Ministry’s e-Registry, with over 4,552 individuals and 484 creative businesses already registered. All members of the registry will be eligible for JECIP benefits.
Guardian Life: Security for Creatives
Eric Hosin, Group President of Life, Health and Pension at Guardian Life, said the initiative was about giving back to those who strengthen Jamaica’s cultural identity:
“Those who give us so much through their talent and creativity should also have peace of mind through access to quality, affordable healthcare. This is a long-awaited commitment that provides security for our creatives.”
Since November 2024, more than 3,700 creatives have been covered for group life and personal accident insurance. Now, 106 practitioners are among the first to receive health cards under JECIP.
A New Layer of Protection
The introduction of JECIP signals a new era of social security for Jamaica’s artists, musicians, writers, and cultural workers. It not only strengthens the infrastructure supporting the nation’s creative economy but also recognises the invaluable contribution of the sector to Jamaica’s identity.
As Minister Grange declared, this plan ensures that those who have dedicated their lives to culture and entertainment now receive the same dignity, protection, and access to healthcare as any other professional sector.