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Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean, off the southeast coast of Africa. It lies some 900 kilometers east of Madagascar.

Mauritius has a diverse landscape. Inland, there are volcanic mountains, the main one being Montagne du Pouce which rises to an altitude of around 812 meters. The mountains are covered by dense tropical forests and are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.

The coast of Mauritius is lined with white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons. These beaches are one of the island's main tourist attractions. The lagoon's warm, clear waters also offer opportunities for diving, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports.
  • Population: 1.266 million in 2021
  • Area: 2,040 km2
  • Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR or RS)
  • Official languages: French, English, Mauritian Creole

Healthcare system

Discover how the Mauritian healthcare system works

Over the past few years, healthcare on the island has improved significantly in terms of quality. So if you fall sick, you can be sure of receiving high-quality medical care. Access to the medical profession is subject to strict regulations, with only highly qualified specialists allowed to practice. This measure is designed to ensure the quality of care provided.

Mauritius offers universal health coverage, which means that all Mauritian citizens have access to basic health services. Public clinics and hospitals are spread across the island to ensure access to primary and specialized healthcare.

The Mauritius Social Security Act makes it compulsory for all employers to provide health insurance for their employees. This insurance covers medical expenses in public or private facilities.

The healthcare system in Mauritius is characterized by a mixed system of public and private services:
  • Public services: The Mauritian government manages a number of public hospitals and health centers in different parts of the island. These facilities provide medical care, consultations, medicines, and emergency services at subsidized rates.
  • Private services: In addition to public services, there is a private healthcare sector offering medical and hospital services. Private clinics, hospitals and doctors' offices are available for those who prefer more personalized treatment at extra cost.
Although the public healthcare system is capable of treating most health problems, expatriates show a clear preference for the private system, which is faster and often better equipped.

In addition to conventional medicine, Mauritius also recognizes the importance of traditional medicine. Traditional medical practices, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, are used and integrated into some healthcare facilities.

Healthcare formalities for expatriates

To stay in Mauritius for more than 6 months, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit in accordance with the requirements of the local authorities. A tourist visa only allows you to stay on the island for 3 months, with the possibility of renewing it only once.

If you are not retired or an investor, you will need an "occupation permit", a residence permit for foreign nationals working and living in Mauritius. It is valid for 10 years.

Beyond this period, expatriates may be eligible for a permanent residence permit, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria. This is valid for 20 years.

Visiting a doctor

Mauritius has a significant number of doctors, renowned for their expertise, to meet the medical needs of its population. The island benefits from a mix of general practitioners and specialists working in public and private hospitals, as well as in medical clinics.

The average cost of a consultation with a general practitioner in Mauritius varies from
Rs 500 to Rs 600 (€10 to €12) and if the doctor is called out, this can rise to Rs 600 to     Rs 900 (€12 to €18). Consultations with a specialist generally cost between Rs 800 and Rs 900 (€16 to €18), and if the specialist is called out, the cost can be as high as Rs 1,200 (€24).

Hospitalization

Being admitted to hospital

If you live in Mauritius, you are free to choose between public hospitals and private clinics.

Public hospitals: these provide free treatment for most medical conditions and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Unfortunately, as demand is very high, waiting times can be long and the healthcare provided is not necessarily the best. In terms of infrastructure, you’ll be accommodated on large wards with 10 to 20 beds. There are no private rooms. This is one of the reasons why you'll probably prefer private clinics.

Private clinics: these have the best equipment: state-of-the-art technology, 3D X-ray, etc. These clinics offer general and specialized services for all. However, this comes at a price. It is therefore advisable to take out private international health insurance to cover your expenses on the island. 

Buying medication

Mauritius has a number of well-stocked pharmacies offering a wide range of medicines, from the most common to the rarest products. These pharmacies can meet all your medication needs. If you're looking for a specific product, it may be best to go to a large pharmacy chain such as Dis-Chem or MediClinic.

It's essential to note that some pharmacies offer common over-the-counter medications, while others require a doctor's prescription. Over-the-counter medications include products such as antacids, antihistamines and painkillers, and can be purchased in supermarkets, grocery stores, and pharmacies.

It’s recommended never to take medicines bought in the street (risk of counterfeit drugs).

Vaccinations to be carried out

Before going to Mauritius, travelers are not obliged to have any vaccinations. However, the government strongly recommends updating basic vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis A and B, and measles (for children).

There is an exception for yellow fever. If you have recently visited a country where this disease is active, you must be vaccinated. This applies, for example, to travelers who have been on safari in Tanzania or Kenya prior to their stay.

Health risks

Mauritius generally offers a high standard of health and hygiene. However, here are some potential health risks to be aware of:
  • Mosquito-borne diseases: As in many tropical countries, mosquitoes can sometimes transmit diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya (there is no malaria in Mauritius). We recommend taking protective measures, such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing and sleeping under a mosquito net.
  • Sun and dehydration: Due to its tropical climate, Mauritius is subject to intense sunshine. It's important to protect yourself from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing light, protective clothing and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Drinking tap water is not recommended, as even if it has been properly treated at source; the quality of the water may be impaired by a faulty (or highly chlorinated) distribution network.

Good to know

Good to know

Emergency services and useful numbers:
  • Police: 112 / 999
  • Fire department: 115 / 995
  • Medical emergency: 114

Official name: Republic of Mauritius
Main cities: Port Louis, Vacoas-Phœnix, Beau-Bassin, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes
Type of state: Parliamentary Republic
Capital: Port Louis
Languages: French, English, Mauritian Creole

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QUICK FACTS

OFFICIAL NAME

Republic of Mauritius

MAIN CITIES

Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill, Vacoas-Phoenix, Curepipe

CAPITAL

Port-Louis

GOVERNMENT

Unitary parliamentary republic

COMMON LANGUAGE

French, English

CLIENT STORIES

Client story: they were there for my baby

Laure and Robert moved to Singapore in 2014 for work - but they ended up starting a family there too! She told MSH that she was pregnant and was amazed by all the support she got. First she received a practical guide on pregnancy (what to do at each stage, medical exams etc.) and then a member of the team called her to explain all her guarantees personally and advise her on the best place to give birth. The day her daughter was born, a gift pack arrived with a growth chart and a baby toy, with all good wishes from MSH. And now there's another one on the way...
Client story: MSH was a lifesaver

Matthieu was hiking in a canyon in Peru when he accidently fell down several meters and fractured his kneecap and elbow: "After 12 days in a local hospital, I was sent back to  France where I spent 2 more weeks in hospital and months in physiotherapy" he remembers. Matthieu's hospitalization, repatriation and rehabilitation expenses were all covered by MSH: "Without my private health insurance, it would have been a nightmare: €16,000 for the hospital and €50,000 for my repatriation with two air ambulances - can you imagine?"
Client story: The right decision

Bill and his family are based in Brazil. Unhappy with his previous insurer, Bill switched to MSH in December 2015: "One of the best decisions I've made since I've been here", he says, "for the level of service and the breadth and quality of the network."  Bill's insurance card is now recognized by the biggest and best hospitals in Sao Paulo. He even gets third-party payment for simple hospital tests without needing prior agreement: "MSH makes life easy", says Bill. 
DISCOVER THEIR STORIES

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