Is healthcare good in Mauritius?

Public healthcare

The public healthcare system in Mauritius is funded by the government and available free of charge to all residents, including foreigners with valid permits. District hospitals and community health centres are distributed across the island. The Victoria Hospital in Candos and the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle are the main referral hospitals for complex cases. Public facilities are competent for emergency care and standard presentations but can suffer from long waiting times and limited specialist availability.

Private healthcare

The private sector has grown considerably in the past decade. The leading private hospitals are:

• Wellkin Hospital (Moka) — the most modern private facility, with a full range of specialties and an ICU.
• Apollo Bramwell Hospital (Moka) — linked to the Apollo group; strong in cardiology, oncology, and orthopaedics.
• Clinique Darné (Floréal) — a well-established private clinic popular with expats, particularly for maternity.
• C-Care (Ferney) — growing network of clinics across the island.

Private consultations with a specialist cost MUR 1,500–3,000. Inpatient procedures are significantly cheaper than in Europe or South Africa.

Health insurance

Expats should carry private health insurance. A comprehensive policy for one adult costs approximately USD 150–300 per month depending on age and level of cover. Most expats use international health insurance from providers such as Cigna, AXA, or Aetna, which cover treatment abroad and repatriation.

Medical evacuation

For very serious cases — complex oncology, advanced cardiac surgery, neurosurgery — patients are often evacuated to South Africa (Cape Town or Johannesburg) or India (Chennai or Mumbai). Medical evacuation insurance is advisable.

Dental and ophthalmology

Private dental care is widely available and affordable. A consultation costs MUR 600–1,500; a filling MUR 1,000–2,500. Ophthalmology services are good at Apollo Bramwell and Wellkin.