Vanuatu Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Vanuatu — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Vanuatu has extremely limited healthcare. Vila Central Hospital in Port Vila (Efate) is the main facility. Northern Provincial Hospital in Luganville (Santo) is the second facility. Outer islands have dispensaries staffed by nurses only. No specialists, limited surgical capacity, no blood bank. Cyclones (Nov-May) can isolate islands for days. Malaria is present on most islands. Medical evacuation to Nouméa (New Caledonia) or Australia is required for serious conditions.
System type: Basic public system. Very limited private options.
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 112 or 115 (fire)
Typical response time: 20-60+ minutes in Port Vila; unavailable on outer islands
Costs: Public low-cost; evacuation extremely expensive
Very basic emergency care. No ambulance on most islands.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at Vila Central Hospital or private clinic in Port Vila
Typical wait: 1-3 hours
Typical cost: $30-100 AUD at private clinics
Port Vila only for reasonable care; Luganville has basic services
Vaccines for travel
Required: Yellow fever if arriving from endemic country
Recommended: Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (recommended for most islands)
Malaria is present — prophylaxis recommended especially for outer islands. Dengue outbreaks common.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: limited
Documents to prepare:
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation (ESSENTIAL)
- Passport
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $30-100 AUD
Emergency care without insurance: $300-3,000+ AUD
Medication: Very limited pharmacy supply. Bring all medications.
Things that catch visitors out in Vanuatu
- No blood bank — know your blood type
- Outer islands completely cut off during cyclones
- Malaria risk on most islands
- No specialist medical care available in-country
Practical tips for travellers
- Vila Central Hospital — main medical facility in Port Vila
- ProMedical clinic in Port Vila offers better tourist-focused care
- Evacuation insurance ESSENTIAL — nearest advanced care is Nouméa or Brisbane
- Carry anti-malarials if visiting outer islands
- Satellite phone recommended for remote island travel
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