Healthcare Services

Ultimate Guide to Mauritius Healthcare Services: What Expats Need to Know

Mauritius, celebrated for its stunning beaches and lively culture, is a popular destination for expats seeking a healthy and balanced lifestyle. For a smooth transition, it’s essential to understand the island’s healthcare system and wellness options. This guide provides a detailed overview of what expats need to know about healthcare services in Mauritius, covering both public and private medical services, health insurance, and wellness centers. The island offers quality healthcare services through a combination of public and private sectors. Public healthcare, funded by the government, is available at no cost to expats who are residents at various dispensaries, though hospitals may have longer wait times. Many expats prefer private clinics for quicker, specialized care and advanced treatments. In some cases, medical evacuation abroad may be necessary.

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The Healthcare Services System in Mauritius

Public Healthcare

Mauritius features a public healthcare system that offers advanced medical facilities and treatments. Public hospitals provide free healthcare services to residents, including expats, though they may involve longer wait times for non-emergency procedures. Conversely, while more expensive, private clinics and practices are easily accessible and offer quicker, specialized care.

Curative services of public health institutions are provided by five regional hospitals (Dr. Abdool Gaffoor Jeetoo Hospital, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, Dr. Bruno Cheong Hospital, Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, and Victoria Hospital) and two district hospitals. These are supported by seven specialized hospitals, including one psychiatric hospital, one for chest, one for eye, one for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases, two cardiac centers, and a new cancer hospital.

The public healthcare network in Mauritius includes medi-clinics, area health centres, community health centres, and family health centres, offering a range of services such as basic healthcare, family planning, maternal and child health services, dental care, vaccinations, health education, laboratory services, and imaging services like X-rays and ultrasounds.

Approximately 73% of the population’s healthcare needs are managed for free by the public sector, while the remaining 27% is handled by the private sector, mostly to avoid long wait times and access more advanced medical equipment and specialized services.

You can find more information about the healthcare system here

Private Healthcare

For specialist treatments or advanced procedures, patients often turn to private clinics, with occasional overseas referrals to Reunion Island, India, or South Africa.

Private healthcare in Mauritius is renowned for its efficiency and advanced facilitie, offering state-of-the-art equipment and care comparable to European hospitals. Specialists in these clinics are often graduates of foreign or European universities. It is one of the most costly healthcare systems in Africa.

Private clinics in Mauritius often come with a higher price tag, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive health insurance to cover medical expenses. Most expats opt for medical insurance in Mauritius due to the higher standards of care in private clinics.

Notable private hospitals include C-Care Darné in Floreal, C-Care Wellkin Hospital in Moka, C-Care in Grand Baie, C-Care in Tamarin, and Clinique du Nord in Port Louis.

Mauritius also has various private care clinics that are well-equipped for regular medication and specialized treatments. These clinics operate 24/7 in towns and villages throughout the island, ensuring a wide range of healthcare services and medical treatments are readily available.

You can also choose 24/7 emergency home visits. Doctor at Home Mauritius and OCS Médecin offer professional and experienced doctors around the clock for any medical or healthcare emergencies right at your doorstep.

Find more information here about 24/7 Medical consultation and treatments at home

Emergency Numbers

Mauritians are known for their helpfulness and friendliness. You can always ask your Mauritian neighbor for assistance or call the relevant emergency services. Here are some emergency numbers you should save in your phone’s contacts. They might come in handy once you’re settled in Mauritius:

Ambulance Services

General Ambulance: 118
Darné Clinic Ambulance: 132
Wellkin Hospital Ambulance: 137
Emergency medical assistance: 114
Police: 999

Pharmacies and Medications

Pharmacies are widely available across Mauritius, with many operating 24/7 like City Chemist in Port Louis. Expats can find both local and international medications, though it’s advisable to bring a sufficient supply of any prescription drugs from home.

Pharmacies such as MedActiv, Tamarin Pharmacy, Bambous Pharmacy, ForMe Pharmacy Bagatelle Mall, Medical Care Pharmacy, and many more are well-stocked and accessible.

Wellness and Preventive Care

Mauritius offers a lot of wellness options for expats to maintain a healthy lifestyle. From yoga studios to fitness centers, the island promotes a balanced approach to health and well-being.

Fitness Centers and Gyms

Staying active is easy with numerous fitness centers and gyms available. Some popular options include:

Riverland Sports Club in Tamarin
Beyond Fitness in Port Louis in Centre de Flacq

Ennoia Sports & Fitness Club in Grand Baie

Check out our guide on the Best Gyms in Mauritius

Yoga and Meditation

For those seeking mindfulness and relaxation, yoga and meditation centers are abundant. These centers often offer classes tailored to different skill levels and preferences. Notable centers include:

Om Shanti / Yoga In Mauritius and Tamarin Arts Center in Tamarin
Yogabelieve Studio in Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
Amal’s Yoga in Floreal

If you are based on the West Coast then you can check out our article on yoga classes.

Alternative Therapies

Expats interested in alternative therapies will find a variety of options, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and traditional Mauritian healing practices. Wellness retreats and spas also provide holistic treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind.

Check out our article on unique inner healing and relaxation experiences in Mauritius and the Best Spas in Mauritius.

Mental Health Services

Having healthy mental health is essential for an expat because it significantly impacts their ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment. Moving to a different country often involves navigating cultural differences, and language barriers, and establishing new social networks, which can be stressful and isolating. Good mental health provides the resilience and coping mechanisms needed to manage these challenges, maintain a positive outlook, and build meaningful connections. It also supports overall well-being, enabling expats to perform better in their professional roles and enjoy their personal lives, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful expatriate experience. Mauritius has several mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, who offer services in multiple languages. Expats can seek support from private practitioners or organizations such as The Mauritius Mental Health Association or can visit a private hospital such as C-Care which also specializes in psychiatric treatment services, with a team of experts dedicated to improving individuals’ mental well-being.

Healthy Eating and Nutrition

Maintaining a healthy diet is not difficult in Mauritius, which offers fresh, locally sourced produce, including tropical fruits and vegetables. Farmers’ markets, such as Port Louis Central Market and Flacq Market, are excellent places to buy fresh produce. Many supermarkets also stock organic and healthy foods to cater to diverse dietary needs.

Check our guide on Mauritius’s local and seasonal vegetables and how to add them to your diet.

Health and Medical Insurances

As an expat in Mauritius, it’s crucial to understand how the healthcare system operates and the importance of having appropriate health insurance. Whether you are utilizing public services or opting for private facilities, health insurance will ensure you receive the necessary care without facing financial strain. In Mauritius, expats are responsible for paying out-of-pocket for private health services, including general practitioner visits and dental care. Given the preference for private healthcare among many residents and expats, having health insurance can significantly ease your access to these facilities.

Top Insurance Companies to Consider: