Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 911. HOH is the only hospital — 280 beds, JCI-accredited, covers all emergencies. Hyperbaric chamber available for diving injuries.
Response time: 8-15 minutes (small island — 32km long).
Cost: HOH ER: AWG 100-500 ($56-280) for visitors. Admission: AWG 500-2,000/day ($280-1,120).
Healthcare System
Aruba has excellent healthcare for a Caribbean island — a legacy of its status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) is the main public hospital — JCI-accredited. Dr Horacio E Oduber Hospital is modern and well-equipped. Multiple private clinics and doctors. English widely spoken. Complex cases evacuate to Curaçao, Colombia (Bogotá), or the Netherlands.
Designed for: Aruban residents with AZV insurance. Tourists use hospital and private clinics (insurance or cash).
GP Access & Costs
Private doctors and clinics — walk-in or appointment. Hotel doctor services available. Eagle Medical Centre and Centro Medico popular with tourists.
Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day. HOH outpatient: 1-3 hours.
Availability: Good across the island — Aruba is compact.
GP Visit
Private GP: $40-80
Private GP
$40-80
ER Without Insurance
$100-1,000+
Medication
Pharmacies well-stocked. Botica (pharmacy) chain widespread. Prices moderate — higher than mainland South America but reasonable.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Botica di servicio (duty pharmacy) for after-hours.
OTC: Good range. Dutch pharmaceutical standards.
Controlled substances: Dutch-based regulations. Carry prescriptions.
Practical Tips
- Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) — JCI-accredited, well-equipped for a Caribbean island
- Eagle Medical Centre — popular with tourists, English-speaking
- Hyperbaric chamber at HOH for diving injuries — ensure dive insurance
- Botica di servicio (duty pharmacy) for after-hours medication needs
- UV is extremely intense — SPF 50+ essential, reapply frequently
Who can get care in Aruba?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Aruba treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Private doctors and clinics — walk-in or appointment. Hotel doctor services available. Eagle Medical Centre and Centro Medico popular with tourists. Typical cost: Private GP: $40-80. Specialist: $80-200. Hotel doctor: $80-150. Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day. HOH outpatient: 1-3 hours.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $100-1,000+.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- ED card (Embarkation/Disembarkation card — fill out online before travel)
Local contacts in Aruba
Emergency services
911
Call 911. HOH is the only hospital — 280 beds, JCI-accredited, covers all emergencies. Hyperbaric chamber available for diving injuries.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Botica di servicio (duty pharmacy) for after-hours.
Good range. Dutch pharmaceutical standards.
What is the emergency number in Aruba?
911 in Aruba. Call 911. HOH is the only hospital — 280 beds, JCI-accredited, covers all emergencies. Hyperbaric chamber available for diving injuries.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Aruba?
Private GP: $40-80. Specialist: $80-200. Hotel doctor: $80-150. Private consultations: $40-80.
Join the waitlist to see 4 more FAQs
Sources: Aruba Ministry of Public Health, Horacio Oduber Hospital, CDC Travelers' Health — Aruba 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare