Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 124 for SAMU. Espace Médical (Antananarivo) is best for tourist emergencies. French-speaking.
Response time: 20-40 min in Antananarivo. Rural: often unavailable.
Cost: Public ER: minimal fees. Private ER: $30-200.
Healthcare System
Madagascar has very limited healthcare. The best facilities are French-run private clinics in Antananarivo (Espace Médical, Clinique des Soeurs). Public hospitals are severely under-resourced. Outside the capital, healthcare is almost non-existent. French is the medical language. For serious cases, medical evacuation to Réunion (French territory) or South Africa.
Designed for: Residents. Almost no tourist healthcare infrastructure.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics in Antananarivo. French-speaking.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours.
Availability: Basic in Antananarivo. Almost none outside.
GP Visit
$15-40 private GP visit
Private GP
$15-40
ER Without Insurance
$30-300. Evacuation to Réunion: $5,000-15,000. To South Africa: $10,000-25,000.
Medication
Very limited availability. Bring ALL essential medications. Counterfeit drugs are widespread.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Very limited after hours.
OTC: Very limited. Drug quality is a concern.
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions in French. Very strict drug laws.
Practical Tips
- Espace Médical (Antananarivo) — best private clinic, French-speaking, modern equipment
- Clinique des Soeurs (Antananarivo) — well-regarded French-run facility
- HJRA (Hôpital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona) — main public hospital
- National parks/remote areas: carry comprehensive first-aid kit and evacuation insurance
- Malaria prophylaxis essential everywhere — no exceptions
- Plague: avoid contact with rats/fleas, especially Sep-Apr. Seek immediate treatment if fever develops.
- Roads are terrible — budget extra travel time for medical emergencies in rural areas
- Réunion (French territory) is 1hr flight away — EU-standard hospitals as evacuation destination
Who can get care in Madagascar?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Madagascar 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
Walk-in at private clinics in Antananarivo. French-speaking. Typical cost: $15-40 private GP visit. Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $30-300. Evacuation to Réunion: $5,000-15,000. To South Africa: $10,000-25,000..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Visa (on arrival or e-visa)
- Travel insurance with evacuation to Réunion
- Prescriptions in French
- Cash (Ariary and EUR)
Local contacts in Madagascar
Emergency services
117 (police) / 118 (fire) / 124 (SAMU/ambulance)
Call 124 for SAMU. Espace Médical (Antananarivo) is best for tourist emergencies. French-speaking.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Very limited after hours.
Very limited. Drug quality is a concern.
What is the emergency number in Madagascar?
117 (police) or 118 (fire) or 124 (SAMU/ambulance) in Madagascar. Call 124 for SAMU. Espace Médical (Antananarivo) is best for tourist emergencies. French-speaking.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Madagascar?
$15-40 private GP visit. Private consultations: $15-40.
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Sources: Madagascar Ministry of Health, WHO Madagascar, CDC Travelers' Health 2024, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare