Healthcare in the Maldives for expats: hospitals, insurance and medicals

Healthcare is one of the most important things to understand before moving to the Maldives. The country has made big strides in health services, but it is a small nation spread across many islands, specialist care is concentrated in Malé, and some treatments are only available abroad. For foreigners, the key facts are that you will pay for care privately and that good health insurance is essential. This guide explains how the system works.

How the system is organised

Healthcare in the Maldives is delivered through a mix of public and private providers:

• Malé has the country's main hospitals, including Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the main public referral hospital, and private hospitals and clinics.
• Hulhumalé has its own hospital and clinics serving the growing population there.
• Regional and atoll hospitals serve the atolls, with health centres on smaller islands providing basic care.
• Resorts usually have an in-house doctor or nurse, or arrangements with a nearby clinic.

For complex conditions, Maldivian patients are often referred abroad, commonly to hospitals in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries.

Aasandha: not for foreigners

Aasandha is the Maldives' national health insurance scheme, covering Maldivian citizens for treatment in the Maldives and at approved hospitals abroad. It is for citizens. Foreign residents and visitors should not expect to be covered by it, and should arrange private insurance.

Private health insurance

For expatriates, private health insurance is essential:

• Medical costs are paid privately. Without insurance, hospital stays and specialist treatment can be expensive.
• Visa requirements. Reports indicate that an expatriate health insurance policy, issued by a local insurer, is required for many visa applications and extensions, such as dependent visas. Rules have changed over time, so check the current requirement for your visa type.
• Employer cover. Many employers provide health insurance for foreign staff. Check what it covers (outpatient, inpatient, dental, maternity), any limits, and whether family members are included.

What to look for in a policy

• Inpatient and outpatient cover, with realistic limits.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation, so that you can be flown to Malé or abroad if needed. This matters more in the Maldives than in most countries.
• Treatment abroad, in case care isn't available locally.
• Pre-existing conditions: what is covered and what is excluded.
• Direct billing with hospitals you are likely to use, so you don't have to pay upfront and claim back.
• Maternity cover, if relevant; many policies have waiting periods.

Work permit medicals

All foreign workers need a work permit medical. Key points:

• The medical must be done at a hospital or clinic authorised for work permit medicals, and include all tests required by the Ministry of Health.
• Since January 2024, people arriving on a work permit entry pass must have the medical report submitted through the Xpat system within 15 days of arrival.
• Work permits are only issued or extended after the medical report is submitted.
• Late medicals attract fines.
• Work permit medical services have been extended to some island health centres, so workers outside Malé may not need to travel to the capital.

Dependants applying for visas usually need a medical screening report too. See our guides to the work visa and permit renewals.

Seeing a doctor

In Malé and Hulhumalé, you can visit hospital outpatient departments or private clinics without a referral. Waiting times vary; private clinics are often quicker. Bring your ID or passport and insurance card, and ask whether your insurer has direct billing with the clinic. Many doctors in the Maldives trained abroad, and English is widely used in healthcare.

Pharmacies and medication

Pharmacies are common in Malé and Hulhumalé and on larger islands, and stock many common medicines. However, specific brands or specialist medicines may not be available, and supplies can be limited on smaller islands. If you take regular medication:

• bring a supply when you arrive, with a copy of your prescription;
• check that your medicines are permitted in the Maldives, especially strong painkillers, sleeping tablets and other controlled medicines, which may need documentation; and
• find a local doctor who can prescribe ongoing treatment.

Emergencies

The ambulance service can be reached by calling 102. In Malé, emergency departments at the main hospitals operate around the clock. On islands, emergencies are handled by the local health centre or hospital, with transfer by sea ambulance or air to Malé when needed. At resorts, contact reception immediately; resorts have procedures for medical emergencies, including links to evacuation services.

Because transfers take time, people with serious medical conditions should think carefully before living or staying on remote islands, and make sure their insurance covers evacuation.

Diving and decompression

The Maldives is a world-class diving destination, and decompression illness is a recognised risk. Hyperbaric (decompression) chamber facilities exist in the country, but they are limited. Dive with registered operators, follow safe diving practices, and make sure your insurance specifically covers diving and hyperbaric treatment.

Paying for treatment

Hospitals and clinics charge for consultations, tests and treatment. If your insurer has a direct billing agreement with the provider, you may only pay any excess or co-payment. Otherwise, you pay and claim the cost back. Keep itemised bills, receipts and medical reports, and submit claims promptly. Before planned treatment or hospital admission, ask the hospital for an estimate and check with your insurer whether pre-approval is needed.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Antenatal care and childbirth services are available in Malé, at both public and private hospitals. Expectant parents should check early which hospital they will use, what their insurance covers (many policies have waiting periods for maternity), and what the plan is if complications arise. If you live on an outer island, discuss with your doctor when to move closer to a hospital before the due date.

Resort and remote workers

Staff working at resorts usually have access to the resort's doctor or nurse for minor issues. For anything serious, transfer to a regional hospital or Malé is needed, by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight. Make sure you know your employer's procedure for medical emergencies, and that your insurance covers transfers.

Dental and eye care

Dental clinics and opticians are available in Malé and Hulhumalé. Dental cover is often limited or excluded from health insurance, so check your policy. For complex dental work, some expats choose to have treatment during visits home.

Mental health

Moving to a small island nation, often far from family, can be hard. Mental health services exist in Malé but are more limited than in many countries. Some insurance policies cover counselling or online consultations; check yours. Staying connected with friends and family, and building a local social network, makes a real difference.

Staying healthy in the tropics

• Sun and heat: use high-factor sunscreen, drink plenty of water and avoid the midday sun.
• Mosquito-borne illness: dengue occurs in the Maldives. Use repellent and remove standing water around your home.
• Food and water: bottled or filtered water is widely used; desalinated tap water is common in Malé, but many residents filter it.
• Vaccinations: check with your doctor before travel; travellers from some countries may be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Checklist for new arrivals

1. Confirm your employer's insurance and what it covers.
2. Add evacuation and treatment-abroad cover if it is missing.
3. Complete your work permit medical within 15 days of arrival.
4. Bring a supply of regular medication with prescriptions.
5. Save the ambulance number (102) and your nearest hospital's details.
6. Register with a clinic or doctor for routine care.