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    Healthcare in Mozambique
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    Healthcare in Mozambique

    Mozambique runs a public system severely under-resourced. limited private clinics in maputo system. Emergency numbers: 112 / 117 (fire) / 119 (ambulance). Doctor visits: $30-100 USD at private clinics Typical wait: Same day at private; 3-8 hours at public

    Emergency

    112 / 117 (fire) / 119 (ambulance)

    GP Cost

    $30-100 USD at private clinics

    Insurance

    Strongly recommended

    System

    Public system severely under-resourced. Limited private clinics in Maputo.

    Emergency Numbers & Access

    In an emergency, call 112

    Ambulance service very limited. Private vehicle transport is standard.

    Response time: 30-60+ minutes in Maputo; unavailable in most rural areas

    Cost: Public nominal; private $50-500+ USD

    Healthcare System

    Mozambique has extremely limited healthcare outside Maputo. Hospital Central de Maputo is the main public facility. Private clinics like Clínica de Sommerschield offer better care for foreigners. Northern provinces (Cabo Delgado — insurgency zone) and rural areas have minimal medical infrastructure. Malaria is the leading cause of death. Cholera outbreaks occur. Medical evacuation to Johannesburg is standard for serious cases.

    Designed for: Residents. Tourists need private clinics and evacuation insurance.

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    GP Access & Costs

    Walk-in at private clinics in Maputo; public hospitals accept walk-ins

    Typical wait: Same day at private; 3-8 hours at public

    Availability: Maputo has reasonable private options; Beira and Nampula have basic hospitals

    GP Visit

    $30-100 USD at private clinics

    Private GP

    $30-100 USD

    ER Without Insurance

    $200-3,000+ USD

    Medication

    Pharmacies in Maputo stock basics. Bring all personal medications. Anti-malarials essential.

    Practical Tips

    • Clínica de Sommerschield (Maputo) — best private clinic for foreigners
    • Medical evacuation insurance ESSENTIAL — Johannesburg is 1.5hr flight
    • Carry anti-malarials and comprehensive medical kit
    • Portuguese phrasebook or translation app critical for medical visits
    • Avoid travel to Cabo Delgado province

    Who can get care in Mozambique?

    Emergency care for anyone

    Emergency departments in Mozambique 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 Maputo; public hospitals accept walk-ins Typical cost: $30-100 USD at private clinics Typical wait: Same day at private; 3-8 hours at public

    Insurance needed for entry or visa

    Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $200-3,000+ USD.

    Documents worth having ready

    • Travel insurance with evacuation cover (ESSENTIAL)
    • Passport
    • Visa

    Local contacts in Mozambique

    Emergency services

    112 / 117 (fire) / 119 (ambulance)

    Ambulance service very limited. Private vehicle transport is standard.

    Pharmacies

    Pharmacy hours vary by city; larger towns usually have a late-night rota.

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    What is the emergency number in Mozambique?

    112 or 117 (fire) or 119 (ambulance) in Mozambique. Ambulance service very limited. Private vehicle transport is standard.

    How much does a Doctor visit cost in Mozambique?

    $30-100 USD at private clinics Private consultations: $30-100 USD.

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    Sources: Mozambique Ministry of Health, WHO Mozambique, CDC Travelers' Health 2024

    Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare

    Further Reading

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