Healthcare in Mauritius, a guide for expatriates

When settling abroad, healthcare is often a major concern. The island offers high-quality healthcare infrastructure that meets international standards, with the World Health Organization ranking Mauritius among Africa's best-performing countries for healthcare coverage.

Private clinics: expatriates' preferred choice

In Mauritius, the public healthcare system is free of charge and open to all, including foreign residents holding a Residence Permit or a Premium Visa.

However, those who can afford to do so prefer to turn to private clinics, whose modern facilities, quality of care and level of service are comparable to those of leading international medical centres. These clinics employ internationally trained and expatriate doctors, ensuring access to care across numerous specialties in multiple languages.

Among the main networks of private clinics on the island, C-Care operates four establishments (C-Care Darné in Floréal, C-Care Wellkin in Moka, C-Care Grand Baie, and C-Care Tamarin), providing a wide range of medical specialties, from general medicine to paediatrics, dentistry, ophthalmology, gynaecology, general surgery, orthopaedics, cardiology and oncology.

In the event of a medical evacuation, Réunion Island, with its French hospitals, is only a 45-minute flight away. For advanced treatments, patients often travel to South Africa, Australia, or India.

Pharmacies and medication

While Mauritius has a large network of pharmacies offering a wide choice of medications, it is recommended to check the availability of treatments for chronic illnesses in Mauritius. Upon entry into the country, customs may require a medical prescription. Note that some narcotics and analgesics require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Health & Wellness.

Healthcare costs and medical insurance

In the private sector, healthcare remains competitively priced given the quality of care provided: expect to pay between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 for a consultation with a GP or specialist, and between Rs 8,000 and Rs 25,000 for one night's stay in a private clinic.

Taking out private health insurance is essential. You can choose between a local insurer such as City Brokers, MUA and SICOM or an international provider specialising in expatriate cover. Be sure to check your medical repatriation cover as well as your insurer's network of healthcare providers.

Before booking an appointment, confirm that the doctor or clinic is part of your insurer's network. It is also wise to check consultation fees in advance, to ensure they fall within your reimbursement limits and to factor in additional costs for prescriptions: laboratory tests, medical imaging or medication.

Recommended vaccinations

The Pasteur Institute recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid before moving to Mauritius.

Tropical sun: the essential precautions

If you have chosen Mauritius for its sunny climate, keep in mind that the sun is especially intense here. Overexposure can lead to sunburn, heatstroke, and, in the long term, an increased risk of skin conditions. Whether it is summer or winter, always wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and try to avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 3 pm.

Wildlife and health risks

Overall, Mauritius presents very few dangers related to local wildlife. The island's small snakes and spiders are harmless, although it is advisable to remain vigilant around mosquitoes, rodents and certain marine species.

Although Mauritius is free from malaria, some cases of dengue fever and chikungunya were reported in 2026. To reduce risks, consider having your garden professionally treated for mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season, and use insect repellent and protective clothing.

A few leptospirosis cases are also reported each year. This bacterial disease, transmitted through the urine of infected rodents, can be contracted through contact with contaminated water, particularly after heavy rainfall.

When at the beach, be careful not to step on a stonefish (known locally as "laffe laboue"), a master of camouflage with highly venomous dorsal spines. Regional health centres and clinics can administer the appropriate antivenom if required.

‍

Emergency Medical Services
• Ambulance (SAMU): 114 
• C-Care Darné: 118
• C-Care Wellkin: 132

C-Care Darné (Floréal) 
+230 601 2300‍
info@cliniquedarne.com

C-Care Wellkin (Moka) 
+230 605 1000
appointment@wellkinhospital.com

C-Care Tamarin 
+230 484 0600
ccc_tamarin@c-care.mu

C-Care Grand Baie
‍+230 601 2500
info.grandbaie@c-care.mu