Healthcare in Mauritius

Overview of the health system in Mauritius

Mauritius has 5 regional public hospitals, 2 district hospitals, 5 specialized public hospitals, around 26 private clinics, and hundreds of private medical practitioners (including those who do house calls). Public hospitals are supported by a network of community health centers that are evenly distributed throughout the island, including in small villages, where you can see a GP and get basic health services (e.g., vaccination, family planning). Both citizens and expats can get treated in public hospitals, but expats (as non-citizens) will be billed for these services.

As for pharmacies, they can be found in every corner of the island, including rural areas. Some pharmacies are part of larger networks (e.g., MedActiv Pharmacies, Unicorn Group of Pharmacies), while others are independent and even family-owned.

While Emergency Services and GP consultations in public hospitals are typically quick, scheduling an appointment with a specialist doctor can take up to 3 months. The process is clearly outlined but lengthy: first, you must visit the hospital and see a GP, after which a file will be created for your appointment. Each step involves triage, waiting periods, and possibly additional tests, such as X-rays and blood tests.

Although the public health system is capable of treating most health problems, including surgeries like organ transplants, expats tend to prefer the private healthcare system, which is faster and often better equipped (including in dealing with insurance companies). The presence of many high-quality private clinics has established Mauritius as a destination for medical tourism.

Some important information to keep in mind

A social security system exists in Mauritius, though its coverage is limited to specific areas. These include old age pensions, general disability pensions, disability support for severe cases, and eyeglasses. Social assistance also covers rice and flour allowances, certain funeral expenses (based on eligibility), redundancy support, aid for single mothers, children with incarcerated fathers, hearing aids, wheelchairs, elderly welfare, and select loans (subject to criteria).

Getting treated in a private clinic in Mauritius can be very expensive. While routine checkups are fairly affordable, with doctors' fees ranging from Rs 1,000–3,000 per visit, complex procedures and overnight stays can rack you up a bill over Rs 100,000 if you are not properly insured.

Mauritians seeking advanced treatments not available in the country often turn to Reunion Island, India, or South Africa. This is an important factor to consider if you need specialized care. Additionally, to ensure comprehensive coverage, many expatriates in Mauritius opt for international health insurance.

The public healthcare system in Mauritius

Mauritius boasts a well-developed healthcare system that is overseen by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The Medical Council of Mauritius regulates the medical profession to ensure that practices adhere to high international quality and safety standards. The state is committed to modernizing the healthcare system by integrating the latest technologies into it.

The government is committed to modernizing the healthcare system by integrating the latest technologies. For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the allocated budget has been increased to Rs 18.5 billion, underscoring the high priority given to this key sector.

Some GPs are trained locally, notably through the Department of Medicine of the University of Mauritius, but many Mauritian doctors were also trained abroad, especially in France, Belgium, the UK, China, India and South Africa. All specialist doctors have studied overseas, as Mauritius currently lacks higher education programs in medical specializations such as cardiology and oncology. There are also many expat doctors working in Mauritius.

The five public regional hospitals in Mauritius

Victoria Hospital in Candos (center, near Quatre-Bornes) – The area is also served by 20 community health centers and 5 regional health centers.

Dr A Gaffoor Jeetoo Hospital in Port-Louis – The area is also served by 25 community health centers and 6 regional health centers.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital in Pamplemousses (north) – The area is also served by 23 community health centers and 4 regional health centers.

Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose-Belle (south) – The area is also served by 17 community health centers and 5 regional health centers.

SAJ Hospital in Constance, Flacq (east) – The area is also served by 24 community health centers, 4 regional health centers and 1 medical clinic.

Good to know:

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital (SSRN) in Pamplemousses is set to be completely rebuilt and is expected to include around 500 beds, several intensive care units, and a wide range of medical specialties (cardiology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, etc.). This project aims to provide the northern region and the entire country with a modern hospital infrastructure that meets international standards.

Medical services offered by the hospital network

General and Specialist Medical Services:

• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Gynaecology and Obstetrics
• Paediatrics and Neonatal Nursery, including Neonatal Intensive Care
• Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
• Psychiatry
• Physical Medicine
• Chest Diseases
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
• Communicable Diseases
• Dermatology
• ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)
• Ophthalmology
• Oncology

Emergency and Intensive Care:

• Accident and Emergency Department
• Medical and Surgical Intensive Care
• Burns Unit

Diagnostic Services:

• Radiology (including X-ray and CT Scan)
• MRI
• Medical Laboratory Services

Other units and facilities:

• Haemodialysis
• Lithotripsy
• Dental Facilities
• Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy
• Nutrition and Dietician Services
• Blood Bank
• Physiotherapy
• Medical Social Services
• Auxiliary Departments (including Medical Records)

District hospitals and Rodrigues

The 5 regional hospitals are supplemented by 2 smaller district hospitals with more limited services, namely the Souillac Hospital and the Mahébourg Hospital, both located in the south.

In Rodrigues, the second island of the Republic of Mauritius, public healthcare services are provided by Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

All of these hospitals are supported by a network of community health centers, dispensaries, and mediclinics. The health services they provide include basic general practitioner and nursing services, vaccinations, family planning, maternal and child health care, and public health education. Some centers also offer X-ray and ultrasound services, along with limited dental care.

Specialized hospitals

Brown Sequard Mental Healthcare Hospital in Beau-Bassin

New ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Hospital in Vacoas

Subramania Bharati Eye Hospital, located in the Réduit–Triangle area in Moka (this specialized ophthalmology facility, which was relocated in November, now includes four advanced operating theatres along with integrated diagnostic and postoperative care units)

The Chest Hospital in Poudre d'Or (North)

National Cancer Hospital in Solferino, Vacoas

The private healthcare system in Mauritius

Mauritius has numerous private clinics that provide a wide range of medical services, including general consultations, specialized care, dental services, diagnostic procedures, and mental health support. The specialized care also includes plastic surgery in some clinics, in addition to regular specializations like dermatology, oncology and cardiology.

In addition to clinics, the country has a network of doctors who have their independent private medical practice.

Cost of treatment in private clinics

Visiting a GP or specialist doctor in a private clinic usually costs between Rs 1,000–Rs 3,000 per appointment. Any simple diagnostic test, such as a blood test or X-ray, will add another Rs 1,000–3,000 to your bill.

Appointments and simple tests can usually be paid out-of-pocket if you have a decent income, but more complex diagnostic procedures, such as an angiography, can cost up to Rs 50,000, so it's better to be insured for them. Surgeries cost at least Rs 100,000, and so do overnight stays for multiple days.

Some clinics are more budget-friendly than others. The network of C-Care clinics offers top-quality medical services and modern facilities for overnight stays. Smaller independent clinics, like Chisty Shifa Clinic in Port Louis, and Medisave in Quatre Bornes, are other options, though their room facilities for overnight stays are relatively basic.

Upcoming projects

Other construction projects are also underway, including the Artemis Cascavelle Hospital in Cascavelle, in the west of the island. This initiative, led by the Medine Group in collaboration with the Falcon Healthcare Group, involves the development of a multidisciplinary private hospital with 110 to 111 beds. The facility will offer services such as general surgery, cardiology, orthopaedics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, critical care, and neurosciences, among others. The hospital is expected to open in April 2026.

Travel for specialized treatment

For conditions that require treatment outside the island, patients can seek care at health centers on Réunion Island, especially at the Hospital Center Félix Guyon in Saint-Denis and its southern facilities in Saint-Pierre, Saint-Joseph, and Cilaos. Réunion is a mere 1-hour flight away from Mauritius.

Private doctors' offices

Many GPs and specialist doctors also have their private practice, sometimes in an office attached to their homes. Some can pay home calls and offer telemedicine services for an extra fee.

If you are unsure if a doctor is properly registered, especially to provide healthcare in a specialized area, contact the Medical Council for information. Doctors are often recommended through word of mouth in Mauritius. For example, if you need to see a dermatologist, ask people around you who they'd recommend based on their previous experience as patients. You can also see reviews of private practices on Google Reviews and Reddit (under the thread /r/mauritius).

Pharmacies and medication in Mauritius

Expats traveling to Mauritius can bring common medications for personal use, as long as they have a copy of the prescription and the medicine was obtained from a pharmacy. However, hypnotics, narcotics, and strong pain relievers require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. While you're there, feel free to ask your pharmacist if they can order any medication you need that is currently out of stock. Just remember to present a valid prescription.

Many drugs sold in Mauritius are generic ones manufactured in India, as they tend to be less expensive while still being of high quality. Hence, they might not bear the same brand names as the medicine you are used to buying in Europe or North America, but rest assured that they are chemically the same, as they contain the same exact active ingredients and are fully internationally approved for quality and safety. You can read more about brand-name and generic medication in the MDS Consumer Manual.

According to the Pharmacy Council of Mauritius, there are currently more than 230 pharmacies across the country. Some are part of chains, such as MedActive, which has 14 pharmacies across the island. You will always find at least one pharmacy in the commercial center or mall closest to you. Many supermarkets also have a pharmacy inside or right in front of them.

Moving to Mauritius with a chronic illness or disability

If you are taking medication for a chronic illness, it's important to check the availability of your medicines in Mauritius before you leave. They might be available under other brand names. If possible, bring a small stock of your medicines from abroad for your first few months in the country; this will give you time to find a local doctor and pharmacy for your future prescriptions. Remember to bring your prescriptions for any drugs and to present them at customs when you land in Mauritius.

As for expats with disabilities, they are legally protected in Mauritius by the Disabilities Act 2023. Unfortunately for those with physical disabilities, accessible infrastructure is still not the norm all across the island, although efforts are being made to improve that, including by adding wheelchair ramps on many beaches. Twice a week, the news on MBC channels are broadcast in sign language. Furthermore, there are many NGOs across the country offering support to people with disabilities. Some manage schools for children with disabilities. You can find a list of these NGOs and schools on the website of the Special Education Needs Authority.

Health insurance in Mauritius

Public healthcare in Mauritius is free for citizens. Expats can also use public hospitals, but they will be billed. As in many public healthcare systems worldwide, wait times in public hospitals can be lengthy, and waiting areas are often crowded. For this reason, most expats and many locals choose private clinics or consult private practitioners. If you're not prepared to pay for these services out-of-pocket, it's advisable to obtain health insurance.

What are the health insurance offers in Mauritius?

The country has a wide range of local health insurance companies, complemented by international insurers. Several solutions and packages are offered.

Local health insurance companies offer either a third-party payment if the care is provided by an establishment in their network or a reimbursement of expenses.

For their part, international health insurers can offer advantages such as the possibility of choosing one's preferred care facility, third-party payments for hospital stays, and services tailored for expats (free telemedicine with a doctor who speaks the patient's native language, medical transfers abroad for complex cases or specialized treatments, etc.).

Can expats be insured by local companies?

Expats can, of course, be insured locally. As everywhere, the budget depends on factors such as age, current health status, medical history, needs, etc.

How to choose private health insurance in Mauritius?

A good health insurance should cover both routine and major care, and most importantly, include repatriation if needed. It's essential to take the time to research and evaluate the offerings of different insurance providers that catch your interest. Key factors to consider in your decision include:

• Type of plan and provider network: Does the insurance company have a designated network? If so, which hospitals, healthcare providers, and pharmacies are in its network?
• Premiums: How much do you have to pay every month for your coverage?
• Waiting period: What is the waiting period before your coverage is activated after you sign the contract?
• Drug coverage: Are your regular prescriptions covered by your insurance?
• Extension of coverage: How easy is it to add a family member to the insurance plan?
• Repatriation options and conditions: What is the cost of the repatriation option? What conditions must be met to use it, and which destinations are covered?

International health insurance companies

Cigna Global (Africa)

Cigna International Health Services Kenya Ltd, 12th Floor, One Africa Place, Westland along Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, Kenya, PO Box 331-00600

Email: contactusafrica@cignahealthcare.com

Phone: (244) 226425618

Website: https://www.cignaglobal.com/

Allianz Group

Allianz Tower, Rue de l'Institut, Ébène

Phone: (230) 465 4600

Website: https://www.allianz.com/en.html

Jubilee Allianz Mauritius (subsidiary of the Allianz Group)

Head office: Mezzanine Level, One Cathedral Square / Quatre-Bornes office: France Centre Ground Floor, Royal Road, Quatre Bornes

Email: info@jubileemauritius.com

Phone: (230) 202 2200 / (230) 454 5700

AXA Global Healthcare

International House, Forest Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK, TN2 5FE

Phone: +44 (0)1892 596418

Website: https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/mauritius/

April International

APRILIUM Building, 114, Marius Vivier Merle Boulevard, 69439 Lyon, Cedex 03, France

Phone: +33 (0)1 73 03 41 29

Website: https://www.april-international.com/en/destinations/africa/health-insurance-in-mauritius

Insurance providers in Mauritius

Swan for Life

Head office: Swan Group Centre, 10 Intendance Street, Port-Louis 

Rose-Hill office: 365, Royal Road, Rose-Hill

Ébène office: Ébène Commercial Centre

Email: info@swan.mu

Phone: (230) 207 3500

Website: https://www.swanforlife.com/en

Eagle Insurance

Eagle House, Hyvec Business Park, 15 A5 Wall Street, Ébène Cybercity

Email: info@eagle.mu

Phone: (230) 460 9200

Website: https://www.eagle.mu/

MUA (Mauritius Union)

Head office: Le Caudan Waterfront, Barkly Wharf, Level 2, Port Louis

Email: info@mua.com

Phone: (230) 207 5500

Website: https://www.mua.mu/

SICOM Group

SICOM Building, Sir Célicourt Antelme Street, Port Louis, 11302, Mauritius

Email: email@sicom.mu

Phone: (230) 203 8400

Website: https://www.sicom.mu/

Insect-borne diseases in Mauritius

In the past, there have been outbreaks of insect-borne diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya. However, the current risk is not significant, with only a few cases reported.

Nevertheless, you are strongly advised to take preventive measures against these diseases, such as ensuring that your home is properly sealed to prevent insects from entering. Using insect repellents and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing are also recommended to minimize the risk of insect bites.

If you experience symptoms like fever, muscle pain, rash, or severe headaches, it is crucial to consult a health professional immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Vaccinations required for traveling to Mauritius

Vaccination against yellow fever is optional if you come from Europe, North America, Oceania or Asia, but mandatory if you have recently visited an endemic area.

Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Make sure your tetanus and polio vaccinations are up-to-date.

Foreign nationals returning to Mauritius after a stay in a high-risk country are required to present their up-to-date international vaccination booklet.

Risks of allergies in Mauritius

From April to May, one should be wary of sugarcane flowers. During the cane-cutting season, canefires can also create an allergy to airborne smoke particles.

Mosquitoes in Mauritius

During the summer and especially the wet season, mosquito nets and repellent products are recommended. Preventive treatments can also be used, such as smoking, the use of fresh lemongrass that can be found everywhere in gardens, or even geranium essential oil.

Note that there is no risk of malaria in the country.

Mandatory medical examinations for moving to Mauritius

Applicants for an Occupation Permit or a Residence Permit in Mauritius must complete a series of mandatory medical examinations, which include:

Blood tests for:

• Hemoglobin and complete blood count
• Hepatitis B surface antigen
• HIV test for AIDS
• VDRL test (for syphilis)

Other tests:

• Urine tests for albumin and sugar
• Stool parasite test
• Chest X-ray
• Lymphatic Filariasis (nationals of India, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Brazil, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam)
• Leprosy (Indian nationals)

The following three tests must be conducted in Mauritius at any registered private medical laboratory or clinic:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen
• HIV
• Chest X-ray

Additional guidelines:

• Other tests may be completed in the applicant's home country before arrival or in Mauritius.
• All test results must be submitted to a local doctor, who will issue a medical certificate following a clinical examination. This medical certificate, along with the reports of the three mandatory tests performed in Mauritius, must accompany the residency and work permit application.
• Applications will not be accepted if there is evidence of an infectious or contagious disease.
• Tests must have been conducted within six months prior to the application date, and the chest X-ray must be signed by a radiologist.
• Children under 12 require only a medical certificate after a clinical examination; other exams should be performed only if recommended by a physician.