Health & Medical Emergencies in Mauritius
What to Do & Who to Call
When traveling to a foreign country, it’s always wise to be prepared for health or medical emergencies. This guide provides essential information and contact details to help you stay safe during your visit to Mauritius.
Hospitals & Emergency Services in Mauritius
Mauritius has both government and private hospitals. For a higher standard of care, private hospitals are recommended, but it’s crucial to have travel medical insurance to cover potential expenses.
Emergency services in Mauritius are reliable, but they are not free. Medical aid coverage is required to access these services. When calling emergency services, the dispatcher will ask specific questions to ensure you receive the appropriate help and to pinpoint your location.
What to Have Ready When Making an Emergency Call
To ensure a swift response, provide the following information:
- Your phone number.
- Your name or the name of the contact person on the scene.
- The location of the incident with nearby landmarks, crossroads, or streets.
- Details of the emergency, such as the nature of the incident.
- The type of assistance needed, e.g., ambulance, fire services, or police.
- Actions taken so far to assist the patient or address the situation.
Tips for Contacting Emergency Services
- Stay calm and wait for the dispatcher to ask questions.
- Do not hang up until instructed to do so.
- Ensure the line remains open in case they need to call back.
- If possible, send someone to meet and guide emergency responders to the exact location.
Important Emergency Numbers in Mauritius
- Ambulance (SAMU): 114
- Police: 112 or 999
- Tourism Police: 213 17 40
- Coastguards: 212 27 47
- Central Police: 208 12 12
Public Hospitals in Mauritius
- Sir S. Ramgoolam National Hospital (Pamplemousses)
- Phone: (230) 209 35 00
- Victoria Hospital (Candos – Quatre Bornes)
- Phone: (230) 425 30 31
- Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital (Rose Belle)
- Phone: (230) 603 70 00
- A.G. Jeetoo Hospital (Port Louis)
- Phone: (230) 203 10 01
- Flacq Hospital (Centre de Flacq)
- Phone: (230) 413 25 32
Health Precautions in Mauritius
- Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
Mauritius is free of malarial mosquitoes, but cases of dengue fever have been reported. Use mosquito repellents and take precautions to avoid bites. - Stonefish Stings:
Though rare, stonefish stings can be fatal. Seek immediate medical attention. Many hotels have anti-venom serum available. - Medical Evacuations:
In complex cases, evacuation to Réunion or South Africa may be required. Ensure your travel insurance covers such scenarios.
General Advice
Good private healthcare is available in Mauritius but can be expensive. Always carry proof of your travel insurance and ensure you have accessible funds for any medical expenses or repatriation needs.
For assistance and more information, we are here to ensure your Mauritius travel experience is as smooth as possible. Explore Mauritius Specials, Holiday Deals, and more at www.mauritius.co.za.
