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Health insurance in Mauritius for foreign expats

The white sandy beaches, clear seas and temperate climate of Mauritius have captured the hearts of many expats. So, if you’re thinking of relocating to this subtropical paradise for the long term, it’s important to understand how the healthcare system operates on the island. 

Mauritius’ healthcare is recognised for its quality internationally and is available to all its residents. The health system is split into two sectors: public and private. The island has many hospitals and clinics, with some specialising in specific medical issues and treatments. Specialised treatment is mainly given by private clinics on the island. If you need treatment overseas, you will most likely be treated in India, South Africa or Reunion Island.

As levels of disposable income and the availability of affordable health insurance have increased, many expats and native Mauritians are taking out private health cover. Investing in the medical sector has also made the island a popular destination for medical tourism.

The following sections discuss the Mauritian healthcare system in greater detail and provide options for expats looking to relocate and integrate permanently.

The complete guide to healthcare in Mauritius

The national healthcare system in Mauritius has both public and private sectors, with the private sector being the more expensive option. It is known to be one of the most expensive healthcare systems in Africa and is highly regarded by Western standards.

Around 73% of the population’s healthcare needs are managed for free by the public sector. The remaining 27% is dealt with by the private sector.1 The private hospitals are much better equipped than the public ones, with long waiting times and poorer conditions according to those choosing private healthcare. If you need specialist treatment or a more advanced procedure, you will be treated in a private clinic (in rare cases, you may have to travel overseas to Reunion Island, India or South Africa). Private healthcare options are well-funded, and their quality attracts lots of medical tourism. Private and state ambulances are available but are of varying quality, cost and speed.

As an expat who is not yet a resident, you can expect to pay for your medical treatments, as you won’t be able to use the public medical services for free. Most expats take out medical insurance in Mauritius because the private clinics have higher standards of care.

As a member of the Commonwealth of National and La Francophonie there are only two ways to access the Mauritian healthcare system cheaply or for free: by becoming a resident or as a French citizen who contributes to the CFE (the French health cover for citizens abroad). If the first two options do not apply, then, as an expat, you will need to pay for your healthcare, whether you use public or private health facilities. Most expats choose private medical insurance as their primary source of healthcare funding because it is the best way to access the superior facilities offered by the Mauritian private healthcare sector.

If you need urgent medical assistance, dial 999 or 114 and ask for an ambulance. Private and state-owned ambulance services are readily available on these numbers but differ in terms of quality and promptness. 

It is recommended that in an emergency, you go directly to a private hospital if possible. If you have private insurance, contact the insurer immediately if you are referred to a private medical facility always make sure you have adequate repatriation cover. In rare cases, complex treatments might require medical evacuation to Reunion Island, India or South Africa.

General Practitioners

When searching for a General Practitioner or doctor, the best place to start is with a recommendation from an expat community near you. It is also possible to visit your embassy’s website, as they often display a list of certified doctors by sector and specialism. 

Prescriptions and Pharmacies

There are regulated pharmacies throughout the island. They have clearly defined signage and almost all are open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except on Saturdays when they close at 2pm; they are closed on Sundays). Public hospitals may not have up-to-date medicines readily available, so it may cost you more to get your medicines from a private hospital if you don’t have insurance. 

You are allowed to bring ‘common medicines’ for personal use, but you must carry a copy of the prescription with you. Certain medicines like tranquillisers, hypnotics, narcotics and other strong painkillers will require prior authorisation from the Mauritian Health Ministry. 

As an expat, you will need to pay for your use of public or private health facilities in Mauritius (including for your local General Practitioner and dentistry services). Having health insurance in Mauritius also gives you access to the island’s private health facilities, which are largely preferred by expats and residents alike. 

There are a number of benefits to private healthcare in Mauritius:

  • Access to specialists: Private healthcare means you can get fast access to medical specialists, reducing waiting times for consultations and surgeries.
  • Modern facilities: Private hospitals are generally well equipped with the latest medical technology.
  • Higher standard of care: Doctors and medical staff often have international experience and training. 
  • Multilingual services: Medical staff in private facilities typically speak English and French, making it easy for expats and tourist to communicate.
  • Medical tourism: International patients have access to affordable, high quality medical procedures in a beautiful setting.

Private healthcare in Mauritius offers a high standard of care with modern facilities, shorter waiting times, and access to internationally trained specialists, making it an attractive option for both locals and expats. While costs are higher than in the public system, they are more affordable than in many western countries, and private health insurance can help manage these costs. Mauritius is also gaining recognition as a destination for medical tourism, combining medical care with the island’s natural beauty and resort-like atmosphere. 

Expats who are not yet residents, will need to pay for medical treatments. Public medical services are not free until you’re a resident. Most expats take out medical insurance in Mauritius because the private clinics have higher standards of care with shorter waiting times, and access to internationally trained specialists.

Private health cover options for Mauritius

Annual Cover

Need Cover for More than 11 Months?

Taking the necessary steps towards relocating to a new country can be difficult. But don’t worry, with a dedicated team, 24/7 support and a plan that meets your needs, you’ll be free to live your tropical island dream. Start your life in the sun today.


Short term cover

Looking for cover for less than 12 months?

Whether you’re traveling the world or working abroad for a few months, consider using our short-term cover. We can insure you for under 12 months with the same level of cover as our Foundation and Standard international insurance plan, just for less time.

Benefits of private health insurance in Mauritius

Known across the world for its sandy white beaches, breath-taking waterfalls and unique flora and fauna, Mauritius is truly a paradise. So, don’t let the worries of healthcare weigh you down. Choose an international  health plan that’s right for you.

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Virtual Doctor service

Finding a trusted doctor in a new place like Mauritius can be tough. With the Virtual Doctor service, you can talk to a qualified doctor in a range of languages.  Available by phone or video consultation, day and night.

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Mind Health Service

Trading your life at home for a life on a subtropical island can take some getting used to. Our Mind Health service is designed to help you when times get tough, by connecting you with a qualified psychologist through telephone or video appointment. 4

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Second Medical Opinion service

It isn’t always easy to find the level of care you need on the bustling island of Mauritius. So, for the moments when you need a little extra help, you can get an independent Second Medical Opinion from the experts.5 

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Claims and reimbursement

With all the right information, around 80% of all eligible claims are paid within 48 hours. So, you can get back to enjoying your sandy beach retreat. We will also settle the bill with your medical provider directly if your claim has been pre-approved. 6

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Comprehensive Cover

Finding the right kind of healthcare can be time-consuming. We make it easy with our range of comprehensive cover plans, including dental and medical scans (CT, PET, MRI) as standard. 

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Evacuation and Repatriation

You’re never alone in an emergency with our evacuation and repatriation service. If the necessary care isn’t available where you are, we’ll get you to where it is.

Is medical insurance in Mauritius right for you?

Whether you’re relocating to Mauritius for your dream job in the sun, or your dream home, we’ve got a range of cover levels to suit your needs. Here are some examples of who we cover:

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Professionals

We can help you make the most of your professional opportunities by offering extensive coverage plans, including eye tests, prescriptions and a range of outpatient services as standard.

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Families

Perfect for families and budgets of any size, we can help you and your family with all aspects of the Mauritian healthcare system. For all stages of life, we offer coverage that includes maternity and pregnancy benefits, routine and non-routine dental check-ups, vaccinations, asthma treatments and prescription glasses. 

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Retirees

If you’re looking  to relocate to Mauritius to retire in the sunshine. We provide retiree expat health insurance plans which includes annual health check-ups, palliative care and disability compensation, giving you and your family peace of mind during your sunny retirement.

Digital Nomads

Digital nomads

With its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and affordable living Mauritius is gaining in popularity as a destination for digital nomads. Our digital nomad insurance will keep you covered if you fall ill or have an accident while travelling.

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All information in this article was correct at the time of publishing

‘Local insights have been provided by Oban International’s LIME (Local In-Market Expert) network’ - https://obaninternational.com/lime-network/  

1 https://islandhealth.co.uk/accounts/ 

2 https://www.gov.gg/population 

3 Virtual Doctor service is part of our Virtual Care from AXA service and provided by Teladoc Health. Appointments are subject to availability. You do not need to pay or claim for a consultation, but you will be charged for the cost of the initial phone call when using the call back service. You won't be charged if you request a call back using the app or online portal. Telephone appointments in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, German, Malay, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Greek and Hungarian are available 24/7/365 and call backs are typically within 24 hours. Video appointments in English, Spanish and Mandarin are available between 08:00 and 00:00 UK time, Monday to Friday. Video appointments in German are available between 08:00 and 20:00 CET, Monday to Friday. In Singapore, appointments are only available in English and via video call between 10:00 and 19:00 Singapore time, Monday to Sunday.

4 Mind Health psychologist appointments are available in English and Spanish between Monday and Friday, 09.00 - 17.30 (UK time). If you are calling from the UAE, appointments are available between Saturday to Thursday, 09.00 – 20.00, and Friday 09.00 – 16.00 (UAE time). The service, provided in partnership with Teladoc Health, provides access to six sessions with a psychologist, per mind health concern, per policy year. The Mind Health service is part of our Virtual Care from AXA service.

5 Our Second Medical Opinion service is provided in partnership with Teladoc Health.

6 82.1% of eligible claims submitted online between January 2024 - July 2024, were paid within two days.