Healthcare in Mauritius, and what it costs without cover

Mauritius has a public system that is free at the point of use, but it is basic and crowded, so expats and nomads use private care.

Private hospitals to know

The private hospitals to know are both run by the C-Care group: C-Care Wellkin in Moka (the largest and most modern, formerly Apollo Bramwell, with an ICU and 24-hour emergency department) and C-Care Darné in Floréal (formerly Fortis Clinique Darné, with a 24-hour ER, ICU and maternity). Care is comfortable, and English and French are both used, so language is rarely an issue.

Evacuation off-island

The important caveat is scale: for the most complex cases, patients are sometimes evacuated to Réunion or South Africa, which is exactly why cover that includes evacuation and treatment abroad matters here more than in a big-country destination.

Pharmacies are widespread, with 24-hour pharmacies at the major private hospitals; some medicines need a local prescription, and strong painkillers need prior authorisation to bring in. Emergency numbers are 114 for an ambulance (SAMU) and 999 or 112 for police.

For short stays, US, British, Canadian and Australian visitors enter without an advance visa, with a permit stamped on arrival, commonly for up to 60 days, extendable to a maximum of 180 days in a calendar year.

You need a return ticket, proof of adequate funds and accommodation, and everyone completes the online All-in-One travel form before arrival. Travel insurance is no longer required to enter as a tourist, though it is strongly advised.

Premium Visa

To stay and work remotely, Mauritius runs the Premium Visa, launched in 2020, issued for a period exceeding six months up to one year, renewable, and free of charge. It is for people whose work and income are based outside Mauritius, and who will not enter the local labour market. Insurance is a written requirement: the official rule asks for "travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay." There is no government-set minimum sum, but given the off-island evacuation reality, cover that includes medical care, emergency evacuation and repatriation is the sensible standard. As a documentary matter, applicants show a bank statement with a monthly transfer of at least $1,500 per adult (plus $500 per child). We lay out the visa on the Mauritius Premium Visa page.

• Cyclone season. The official season runs from 1 November to 15 May, with a four-class warning system; a serious cyclone can shut down the island for a day or more, so build in flexibility and follow the warnings.
• Mosquito-borne disease. Both dengue and chikungunya circulate, with recent outbreaks (dengue had a significant 2024 outbreak, and there is a current chikungunya advisory), so use repellent. Malaria, by contrast, is essentially absent.
• Off-island evacuation. For complex medical cases, Mauritius sometimes transfers patients to Réunion or South Africa, so insurance that covers evacuation and treatment abroad is genuinely important here.
• Sea and reef. The lagoon is calm and reef-protected, but currents at the reef passes and marine life like stonefish and sea urchins are real hazards; water shoes and local advice help.
• Tap water. It is treated and used by residents, but visitors are commonly advised to drink bottled or filtered, especially after heavy rain or a cyclone.