Healthcare is a key concern for anyone coming to live in or visit Mauritius. The country offers a mix of public and private healthcare services, ensuring a variety of medical care options. For those coming from regions with free healthcare like most of Europe, or affordable medical aid cover like South Africa, the healthcare system in Mauritius may seem unfamiliar. While there is free healthcare available in Mauritius and the majority of the local population uses it, we strongly recommend using private medical facilities whenever possible. This article provides some essential information about Mauritius healthcare, ensuring you are well-prepared for any medical needs.

For more information regarding Mauritius, read this page on Moving to Mauritius and this article on Living in Mauritius.

Mauritius Private Healthcare System

We highly recommend that foreigners consider private healthcare in Mauritius. With private healthcare you are more likely to benefit from shorter waiting times for appointments and treatments, access to advanced medical equipment, and a focus on patient comfort and privacy. These facilities often provide specialised care for various medical conditions and personalised attention from healthcare providers. Here are some of the top private healthcare facilities in Mauritius:

• City Clinic
• Life | Nova+ (Forbach, Phoenix, Tamarin)
• Clinique du Nord
• Clinique Bon Pasteur
• C-Care Mauritius
• Clinique de Grand Baie

Public Healthcare System in Mauritius

Public healthcare is accessible to everyone, but while it is free for residents, non-residents must pay for services. The public healthcare system can be bureaucratic and often requires patience. If you have no choice but to use public healthcare, here are some of the main hospitals in Mauritius:

• Victoria Hospital (PMOC Complex) in Candos
• Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis
• Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital in Pamplemousses
• Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle
• Bruno Cheong Hospital in Flacq

Additionally, there are specialised hospitals such as:

• ENT Hospital
• Brown Sequard Psychiatric Hospital in Beau Bassin
• Subrahmanyam Bharati Eye Hospital in Moka
• Chest Hospital in Poudre d’Or

Health Insurance in Mauritius

Along with recommending private healthcare, we also suggest expats to get private medical insurance early on. We recommend, where possible, that you maintain your current insurance. For South Africans, there may well be a medical aid extension that allows you to use it in Mauritius. Various local and international health insurance providers offer tailored plans, including reimbursement or direct payments at affiliated network establishments.

Local Providers

Our view is that it is better to find a local insurance broker rather than waste your time going to each local provider separately. Ideally, you would choose one that also does international policies. There are only a few local insurance options. The quality and price do vary, so your broker will get a quote based on your and your family’s criteria. You will need to take a test if you say that you are a non-smoker, but you will for any policy you choose.

International Providers

These tend to have fewer exclusions, cover more international situations, and fly you to wherever you need to go in the world for medical assistance. However, they are expensive and there are always different tiers. Whether it’s bronze going up to platinum or an equivalent, you will always face the choice of more money for more benefits.

Some of the main insurance providers in Mauritius include:

• Mauritius Union Assurance
• Swan Insurance
• Jubilee

General Terms to Understand and Factors to Consider

1. Inpatient Limits

• Definition: This applies when you are spending the night in hospital, typically for an emergency or surgery.
• Coverage: Generally includes medical and surgical expenses.
• Main Sub-Limit: Obstetric care.

2. Outpatient Limits

• Definition: Covers medical services where you do not stay overnight in the hospital.
• Coverage: Includes a headline outpatient limit with several sub-limits for specific services.
• Sub-Limits: Medical, dental, optical, ante-natal care, etc.

3. Catastrophe Cover

• Definition: Applies when your inpatient limit is insufficient and the medical care is very expensive.
• Check: Review the excess amount applicable when this cover is used.

4. Excess

• Definition: The amount you will pay on each medical bill.
• Note: Ensure you understand the excess amount for your policy.

5. Pre-Existing Conditions

• Definition: Conditions you had before the start of your insurance policy.
• Check: Carefully read the small print. Sometimes a condition covered under local insurance may be excluded in the following year.

6. Waiting Periods

• Definition: The duration you need to wait before you are covered for certain conditions.
• Examples: There is no waiting period for accidents, but there may be a waiting period of a few months to over a year for other conditions, such as pregnancy (which can be 1-2 years).

Here at TBI, we can introduce you to a suitable health insurance provider that can best suit your needs. We also offer comprehensive assistance for foreigners moving to Mauritius, including guidance on permits, relocation services, and finding accommodation. Get in touch.

 

Useful Medical Contacts

Samu General Ambulance Hotline	114
C-Care Darné Grand Baie	+230 601 2500 / 132
C-Care Wellkin	+230 605 1000 / 132
Bon Pasteur Clinic	+230 401 9500
Saint Jean Clinic	+230 466 1544 / +230 466 2170
C-Care Darné Floreal	+230 601 2300 / 118
Ferriere Clinic	+230 676 3332
C-Care Clinic Cap Tamarin	+230 484 0600 / 118

What TBI Business Advisors can do for you:

• We will have a Zoom/ Teams call or email exchange to understand your requirements.
• TBI will advise on the appropriate permit or visa for coming to Mauritius.
• We will send a detailed proposal with clear costs, timeframes and explanations.
• We will assemble the documents and make the application on your behalf.
• We can assist with relocation tasks such as helping with schools, accommodation, insurance, choosing locations.
• We can assist with the finding and purchasing of property, and setting up of an entity to purchase through.
• If you need assistance with setting up companies whether as an investor or just creating a business here.
• The directors can act as Commissioner for Oaths.
• We can assist with other business advice and can bring in law firms as and when required.

Please contact us via our website, via email to info@tbimauritius.com or via the form below.

While every effort is made to ensure that the information given is accurate, the information on this site does not contain legal, tax or any other professional advice. We accept no responsibility or liability due to any information or representation, whether accurate or not, relied upon in the contents. It is an information guide to provide the reader with a useful general, but basic understanding of the different considerations. You must seek local legal, tax or other professional advice before relying on the contents of this site.