Navigating the Healthcare System in Mauritius (2025): What Residents, Expats, and Medical Tourists Need to Know

Explore Mauritius' 2025 healthcare system—public vs. private care, updates, digital health, medical tourism, and vital tips for expats and visitors.

Mauritius, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, isn’t just known for its turquoise waters and lush landscapes. In 2025, it also stands out for a resilient, modernizing healthcare system—offering free public services, premium private care, and a growing reputation as a medical tourism destination. Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a traveler, navigating Mauritius' healthcare landscape is easier with the right information.

Overview: How Healthcare Works in Mauritius (2025)

Mauritius has a dual-track healthcare system:

• Public Sector: Government-funded, free for all residents (including expats with permits).
• Private Sector: Offers advanced, faster, but paid medical care.

Key Regulators:

• Ministry of Health and Wellness
• Medical Council of Mauritius

At a Glance (2025 Data):

• UHC Index: 66 (above African average of 44)
• Life Expectancy: 74.4 years and rising
• Healthcare Budget 2025–26: Rs 18.5 billion
• Medical Infrastructure: 166 facilities including public and private hospitals, labs, and clinics

Major 2025 Healthcare Reforms: What’s New?

1. Legislative Reforms:

• Revamping the Public Health Act (1925) to modernize regulations, boost investor confidence, and ensure international compliance.

2. Digital Health Overhaul:

• Expansion of EHRs, telemedicine, and e-prescriptions
• E-health initiatives combat inefficiencies and paper-based systems

3. Hospital Management Overhaul:

• Introduction of professional hospital managers with KPIs
• Emergency Departments now staffed by trained specialists

4. Workforce Expansion:

• Hiring 1,000 student nurses, 50 midwives, 30 specialists
• Doubling of training budget to Rs 44 million

5. Battling NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases):

• 80% of disease burden is NCDs (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
• Path to Remission Programme and clinical trials launched

6. Public Health Investments:

• Excise duty hike on alcohol, sugar, and tobacco
• Funding SIT facilities to fight mosquito-borne diseases
• Food safety boosted via Rs 20 million in rapid testing kits

7. Strengthening Primary Healthcare:

• 200+ access points
• WHO mission to guide 2025–29 Strategic Plan

8. Boost to Medical Tourism:

• Over 11,500 foreign patients treated in 2017; growth expected
• Investments in cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, fertility
• Clinical trials attract foreign specialists

9. National Health Quality Commission Launched:

• Institutionalizing quality assurance and patient safety

Public Healthcare System in Mauritius

Key Features:

• Free for all residents and eligible expats
• Covers hospitalization, outpatient, and medications

Major Hospitals:

• Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital (Port Louis): Multi-departmental
• SSRN Hospital (Pamplemousses): Largest, with neuro and renal units
• Flacq, Victoria, ENT, Psychiatric, Eye & Chest Hospitals

Primary Care:

• 18 Area Health Centers
• 116 Community Health Centers
• 5 Medi-clinics, 2 Community Hospitals

Challenges:

• Long queues
• Paper-based workflows
• Equipment gaps (being addressed in 2025)

Private Healthcare in Mauritius

Why People Choose It:

• Faster access
• Specialized procedures
• International quality standards

Top Facilities:

• Welkin Fortis Hospital (Apollo Group): 29 specialties
• Apollo Bramwell (200 beds): Multi-specialty care
• Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital
• Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda Hospital

Medical Tourism:

• Supported by streamlined visa processes
• Competitive costs for global patients

Mauritius Healthcare Workforce & Medications

Workforce (2015 data, expanding in 2025):

• 2,550 doctors, 4,261 nurses/midwives
• Medical Council ensures standards

Pharmacy Access:

• 342 retail pharmacies
• Controlled drugs require special permission

Tip: Always carry prescriptions; some drugs go by different brand names.

Healthcare for Expats & Tourists: What You Must Know

For Expats:

• Public care is free (with residency permit)
• Private insurance recommended to cover costly private care
• Residency applicants must undergo medical tests (HIV, Hepatitis B, chest X-ray)
• Language: English, but French/Creole is common

For Tourists:

• Travel insurance is a must
• Public hospitals are fine for emergencies; private better for speed
• Key emergency number: SAMU (114)
• Recommended vaccines: Tetanus, Hep A/B, MMR

Conditions:

• Neurology: SSRN Hospital (public), Welkin Fortis (private)
• Cardiac: Victoria Hospital (public), Apollo Bramwell (private)
• Evacuation: For surgical epilepsy or advanced cardiac care, evacuation to India or South Africa may be needed

Key Tips:

• Always register with a private clinic if managing chronic conditions
• Carry detailed medical history and prescriptions
• Ensure insurance covers emergency evacuation

Final Tips for Navigating Mauritius’ Healthcare in 2025

1. Buy insurance covering emergency, evacuation, and pre-existing conditions
2. Know your hospitals: Public is free but slower; private is faster but costly
3. Emergency Numbers:
• SAMU (Ambulance): 114
• Police: 999
4. Stay updated on medication regulations and travel advisories
5. Use private clinics for faster specialist access and chronic disease management
6. Avoid risky drugs: Always consult registered doctors

Mauritius—Safe, Evolving, and Patient-Centric

Mauritius offers one of the most inclusive and evolving healthcare systems in the region. The 2025 reforms are transforming the patient experience—making it smarter, safer, and more accessible. While public care is reliable, expats and medical tourists are encouraged to use private options for faster, specialized treatments.

Official Contact for More Info:

• Ministry of Health and Wellness: +230 212 7300
• Welkin Fortis Hospital / Apollo Bramwell Hospital for appointments

Stay informed, stay prepared—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with understanding the healthcare system in paradise.