Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 912 for ambulance. CMC (2019, modern) is the main and only hospital. Hyperbaric chamber available for diving emergencies.
Response time: 10-15 minutes. Island is 61km long — reasonable coverage.
Cost: CMC ER: ANG 100-500 ($56-280) for visitors. Admission: ANG 500-1,500/day.
Healthcare System
Curaçao has functional healthcare with one main hospital — Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), opened 2019, replacing the aging St Elisabeth Hospital. CMC is modern and well-equipped. Multiple private clinics available. English and Spanish widely spoken alongside Papiamentu and Dutch. Complex cases evacuate to Colombia or the Netherlands.
Designed for: Curaçao residents with SVB insurance. Tourists use hospital and private clinics.
GP Access & Costs
Private clinics — walk-in or appointment. Hotel doctors available in tourist areas.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. CMC outpatient: 1-4 hours.
Availability: Adequate in Willemstad. Limited in western/eastern ends of island.
GP Visit
Private GP: ANG 50-150 ($28-84)
Private GP
ANG 50-150 ($28-84)
ER Without Insurance
ANG 200-2,000 ($112-1,120)
Medication
Botica (pharmacy) chains available. Moderate prices. Dutch pharmaceutical standards.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Botica di warda (duty pharmacy) for after-hours.
OTC: Good range.
Controlled substances: Dutch-based regulations. Carry prescriptions.
Practical Tips
- Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) — modern hospital (2019). Main facility for everything.
- Multiple dive shops coordinate diving emergency protocols — ask about nearest chamber
- Botica di warda (duty pharmacy) for after-hours — locations listed on pharmacy doors
- UV protection essential year-round — Caribbean latitude, intense sun
- Bring regular medications — some may not be available locally
Who can get care in Curaçao?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Curaçao 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 clinics — walk-in or appointment. Hotel doctors available in tourist areas. Typical cost: Private GP: ANG 50-150 ($28-84). Specialist: ANG 100-300 ($56-168). Typical wait: Private: same-day. CMC outpatient: 1-4 hours.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: ANG 200-2,000 ($112-1,120).
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Digital Immigration Card (fill online before travel)
Local contacts in Curaçao
Emergency services
912 (ambulance) / 911 (police) / 114 (fire)
Call 912 for ambulance. CMC (2019, modern) is the main and only hospital. Hyperbaric chamber available for diving emergencies.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Botica di warda (duty pharmacy) for after-hours.
Good range.
What is the emergency number in Curaçao?
912 (ambulance) or 911 (police) or 114 (fire) in Curaçao. Call 912 for ambulance. CMC (2019, modern) is the main and only hospital. Hyperbaric chamber available for diving emergencies.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Curaçao?
Private GP: ANG 50-150 ($28-84). Specialist: ANG 100-300 ($56-168). Private consultations: ANG 50-150 ($28-84).
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Sources: Curaçao Medical Center, WHO/PAHO, CDC Travelers' Health — Curaçao 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare