Health insurance in Mauritius for foreign expats

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 sector¹. 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 are in need of 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.