Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 911. CWMH (Suva) and Lautoka Hospital handle major emergencies. Nadi has private clinics near tourist areas. Outer islands: nursing stations only.
Response time: Suva/Nadi: 15-30 minutes. Rural/outer islands: hours or unavailable — boat/helicopter required.
Cost: Public ER: FJD 20-100 ($9-45). Private clinic: FJD 100-500 ($45-225). Medical evacuation to NZ/Australia: $30,000-80,000+.
Healthcare System
Fiji has basic but functional healthcare in main urban areas (Suva, Lautoka, Nadi). Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva is the main referral hospital. Lautoka Hospital serves the west. Private clinics in Nadi cater to tourists. Outer islands have basic nursing stations only — serious cases require evacuation to the mainland or to New Zealand/Australia. Cyclone season (Nov-Apr) can disrupt medical access. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.
Designed for: Residents. Tourists can access public hospitals and private clinics but should have travel insurance.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at public hospitals or private clinics. No referral needed. English spoken everywhere.
Typical wait: Public: 1-4 hours. Private (Nadi): same-day or next-day.
Availability: Good in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka. Very limited on outer islands.
GP Visit
Public: FJD 5-30 ($2-14)
Private GP
FJD 80-250 ($36-113)
ER Without Insurance
Public ER: FJD 20-100 ($9-45). Private: FJD 200-2,000 ($90-900). Evacuation to NZ: $30,000-80,000+.
Medication
Basic medications available at hospital pharmacies. Limited range in rural areas. Bring essential medications.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12pm. Hospital pharmacies have extended hours.
OTC: Basic range available in towns. Very limited on outer islands.
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions for all medications.
Practical Tips
- Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH, Suva) — main referral hospital for Fiji
- Lautoka Hospital — serves western Fiji including resort areas
- Nadi private clinics (e.g. Nadi Medical Centre) — best option for tourists near resorts
- Medical evacuation insurance is ESSENTIAL — nearest advanced care is New Zealand (3hr flight)
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes — coral cuts are common and infections aggressive in tropics
- Dengue mosquito repellent is important, especially in rainy season
- Decompression chamber available in Suva for diving emergencies
Who can get care in Fiji?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Fiji treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at public hospitals or private clinics. No referral needed. English spoken everywhere. Typical cost: Public: FJD 5-30 ($2-14). Private: FJD 80-250 ($36-113). Typical wait: Public: 1-4 hours. Private (Nadi): same-day or next-day.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: Public ER: FJD 20-100 ($9-45). Private: FJD 200-2,000 ($90-900). Evacuation to NZ: $30,000-80,000+..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
- Return ticket
- Prescriptions in English
Local contacts in Fiji
Emergency services
911 (police/fire/ambulance) / 9170 (ambulance)
Call 911. CWMH (Suva) and Lautoka Hospital handle major emergencies. Nadi has private clinics near tourist areas. Outer islands: nursing stations only.
Pharmacies
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-12pm. Hospital pharmacies have extended hours.
Basic range available in towns. Very limited on outer islands.
What is the emergency number in Fiji?
911 (police/fire/ambulance) or 9170 (ambulance) in Fiji. Call 911. CWMH (Suva) and Lautoka Hospital handle major emergencies. Nadi has private clinics near tourist areas. Outer islands: nursing stations only.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Fiji?
Public: FJD 5-30 ($2-14). Private: FJD 80-250 ($36-113). Private consultations: FJD 80-250 ($36-113).
Join the waitlist to see 4 more FAQs
Sources: Fiji Ministry of Health, WHO Fiji, CDC Travelers' Health 2024, DFAT (Australia) Travel Advice Fiji
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
Further Reading
Healthcare in Australia
Emergency numbers, Doctor costs and visitor access in Australia.
Read guideHealthcare in New Zealand
Emergency numbers, Doctor costs and visitor access in New Zealand.
Read guideHealthcare in Papua New Guinea
Emergency numbers, Doctor costs and visitor access in Papua New Guinea.
Read guide