Compulsory and recommended insurances for expats in Mauritius

What insurance is mandatory in Mauritius, and what else should not be overlooked? How do you choose the right insurer?

From major international companies to local players such as City Brokers, MUA and Sicom, there are many insurers in Mauritius. The regulatory authorities have established measures to ensure the financial soundness and stability of the insurance sector, thereby protecting the interests of policyholders.

Direct insurers, brokers, agents: how to choose?

Whichever option you choose, their role is to advise you and help you find the cover best suited to your needs.

Direct insurers offer their own range of insurance products, including health, home, vehicle, boat, and various other insurance policies. Dealing directly with the insurer allows you to tailor your policy to your specific requirements.

Insurance agents represent a single insurance company exclusively. They will therefore only recommend that insurer's products, which they know inside out.

Insurance brokers, on the other hand, are independent intermediaries who work with several insurers. They compare different policies, recommend the most suitable options for your needs and can often negotiate more favourable terms and cover on your behalf.

Mandatory insurance in Mauritius

Vehicle insurance

If you own a vehicle (car, motorbike...) in Mauritius, the law requires you to take out third party insurance, which covers damage caused to others. For greater peace of mind on the road, it is worth considering comprehensive insurance, which covers your own vehicle and provides assistance in the event of theft, fire, breakdown or accident.

Vehicle insurance in Mauritius follows a British-style "No Claims Bonus" (NCB) system: your premium rises if you make a claim and falls the longer you go without one. When relocating, use your insurance records from your home country to negotiate a better premium with your new insurer.

Expect to pay somewhere between Rs 4,000 and Rs 7,000 a year for third party insurance, and from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000 a year for comprehensive cover, depending on your vehicle characteristics and driving history.

Boat insurance

If you own a boat, you will need to take out third party insurance to cover accidental damage caused to others. Comprehensive insurance will also protect your vessel, its equipment and its passengers, whether on the water, on land or during transport.

Recommended insurance in Mauritius

Home insurance

While not compulsory in Mauritius, home insurance shouldn't be overlooked. Third party liability cover is essential, protecting you against damage caused to others within your property. If you own your home, make sure it is covered against damage from fire, flooding or cyclones. If you rent, your lease may require you to take out insurance covering your personal belongings as well as your liability. Check your landlord's policy beforehand to see exactly what it covers.

Health Insurance

Although public hospitals and dispensaries provide free healthcare to residents, many Mauritians and expatriates prefer private medical facilities for the quality of their facilities, services and care. Comprehensive health insurance is essential to cover your medical expenses and avoid unexpected costs.

Travel insurance is worth taking out for short stays in Mauritius, covering you for sudden illness, accidents and medical repatriation home. Many credit cards include travel cover, though usually only for stays of up to 90 days. Otherwise, take out a policy with your usual insurer or a specialist provider.

If you are a Mauritian resident, you can opt for local or international health insurance.

Local health insurance covers your medical expenses in Mauritius and, if the treatment you need is not available on the island, overseas too. Policies come with an overall annual cover limit, typically between Rs 1 million and Rs 5 million, as well as sub-limits per treatment type. Premiums start at around Rs 2,000 per month and vary depending on the level of cover, your age and your medical history.

International health insurance comes at a higher cost, with premiums starting at around Rs 5,000 per month. In return, it provides substantially higher levels of cover — typically from several hundred thousand to several million US dollars — and usually includes medical repatriation to your home country.

French nationals living in Mauritius may also join the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE), allowing them to retain their French Social Security cover while abroad. As reimbursement is based on French rates, you may still have to pay the difference if treatment costs more in Mauritius. For complete peace of mind, consider taking out supplementary health insurance with a local or international provider.

Before choosing a policy, compare several quotes and pay close attention to the level of cover, waiting periods, any age limits for policy renewal, and the insurer's network of healthcare providers in Mauritius.