Seychelles Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Seychelles — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Seychelles has surprisingly good healthcare for a small island nation. Seychelles Hospital (Victoria, Mahé) is the main facility — modern and reasonably well-equipped. Praslin and La Digue have health centres. English and French are widely spoken in healthcare. Free public healthcare for residents; tourists pay modest fees. For complex cases, medical evacuation to Mauritius, India, or South Africa.
System type: Free public healthcare + limited private sector. English-speaking.
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 999 (emergency) or 151 (ambulance)
Typical response time: 10-15 minutes on Mahé. Praslin: 15-20 min. La Digue: health centre + boat transfer to Praslin or helicopter to Mahé.
Costs: Public ER: SCR 100-500 ($7-37). Private clinic: SCR 500-2,000 ($37-148). Medical evacuation: $10,000-30,000.
Call 999. Seychelles Hospital (Victoria) handles all major emergencies. Praslin and La Digue: health centres for basic care, transfer to Mahé for serious cases.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Public health centres and Seychelles Hospital. Limited private clinics on Mahé. English-speaking.
Typical wait: Public: 1-3 hours. Private: same-day.
Typical cost: Public: SCR 100-300 ($7-22). Private: SCR 500-1,500 ($37-111).
Good on Mahé. Basic on Praslin. Minimal on La Digue and other islands.
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus booster
No malaria. Dengue present — use repellent. Leptospirosis risk from freshwater. Coral cuts: treat immediately.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: limited
All nationalities welcome without prior visa — unique open-door policy. Visitor permit on arrival. Must show accommodation booking and return ticket.
Documents to prepare:
- Passport
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Accommodation booking
- Return ticket
- Prescriptions
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: SCR 500-1,500 ($37-111)
Emergency care without insurance: SCR 500-5,000 ($37-370). Evacuation: $10,000-30,000.
Medication: Public pharmacy at Seychelles Hospital provides medications at subsidised prices. Private pharmacies available but limited stock. Bring medications from home.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Seychelles Hospital pharmacy: extended hours.
Over the counter: Limited range. Bring essential medications.
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions.
Things that catch visitors out in Seychelles
- English is widely spoken — zero language barrier (official language)
- Public healthcare is free/very cheap even for tourists — surprisingly good for a small nation
- La Digue has NO hospital — boat/helicopter to Mahé for emergencies
- Medical evacuation insurance essential — nearest advanced care is Mauritius or India
- All nationalities welcome without visa — one of the most open entry policies in the world
Practical tips for travellers
- Seychelles Hospital (Victoria, Mahé) — main hospital. Modern and English-speaking.
- Bring ALL medications — pharmacy stock limited on all islands
- Medical evacuation insurance is essential — complex cases go to Mauritius or India
- Coral cuts: clean immediately, apply antiseptic. Tropical water infections are aggressive.
- Jellyfish and sea urchins common — wear water shoes in shallow reef areas
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