Palau Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Palau — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Palau has Belau National Hospital in Koror — a small but reasonably equipped facility for a Pacific island nation. US-affiliated (Compact of Free Association) so some medical referrals go to Hawaii, Guam, or the Philippines. Diving medicine available due to tourist diving industry. No specialist surgery — complex cases evacuated. Population of ~18,000 means healthcare is intimate but limited. Dengue present seasonally.
System type: One national hospital plus clinics. US Compact of Free Association provides some healthcare links.
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 911
Typical response time: 10-20 minutes in Koror; slower in outer islands
Costs: $50-500 USD
Belau National Hospital has a 24/7 emergency room. Recompression chamber available for diving emergencies.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at Belau National Hospital outpatient; small private clinics available
Typical wait: 30 min-2 hours
Typical cost: $50-150 USD
Koror has adequate basic care; Rock Islands have no medical facilities
Vaccines for travel
Required: Yellow fever if arriving from endemic country
Recommended: Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid
No malaria. Dengue present seasonally. Ensure tetanus is up to date for reef cuts.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: limited
Documents to prepare:
- Travel insurance with diving and evacuation cover
- Passport
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $50-150 USD
Emergency care without insurance: $200-2,000 USD
Medication: Limited pharmacy. Bring personal medications. Diving medications available at hospital.
Things that catch visitors out in Palau
- Recompression chamber available — important for divers
- No specialist surgery — evacuation needed
- Small population means healthcare staff know the system well
- US dollar is currency — straightforward pricing
Practical tips for travellers
- Belau National Hospital in Koror — your main medical option
- If diving, ensure insurance specifically covers diving accidents and recompression
- Nearest specialist care is Guam (2hr flight) or Manila (3hr flight)
- Coral cuts infect easily in tropical water — clean and treat immediately
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