Emergency Numbers & Access
Belau National Hospital has a 24/7 emergency room. Recompression chamber available for diving emergencies.
Response time: 10-20 minutes in Koror; slower in outer islands
Cost: $50-500 USD
Healthcare System
Palau has Belau National Hospital in Koror — a small but reasonably equipped facility for a Pacific island nation. US-affiliated (Compact of Free Association) so some medical referrals go to Hawaii, Guam, or the Philippines. Diving medicine available due to tourist diving industry. No specialist surgery — complex cases evacuated. Population of ~18,000 means healthcare is intimate but limited. Dengue present seasonally.
Designed for: Residents. Tourists can access Belau National Hospital.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at Belau National Hospital outpatient; small private clinics available
Typical wait: 30 min-2 hours
Availability: Koror has adequate basic care; Rock Islands have no medical facilities
GP Visit
$50-150 USD
Private GP
$50-150 USD
ER Without Insurance
$200-2,000 USD
Medication
Limited pharmacy. Bring personal medications. Diving medications available at hospital.
Practical Tips
- Belau National Hospital in Koror — your main medical option
- If diving, ensure insurance specifically covers diving accidents and recompression
- Nearest specialist care is Guam (2hr flight) or Manila (3hr flight)
- Coral cuts infect easily in tropical water — clean and treat immediately
Who can get care in Palau?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Palau 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 Belau National Hospital outpatient; small private clinics available Typical cost: $50-150 USD Typical wait: 30 min-2 hours
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $200-2,000 USD.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance with diving and evacuation cover
- Passport
Local contacts in Palau
Emergency services
911
Belau National Hospital has a 24/7 emergency room. Recompression chamber available for diving emergencies.
Pharmacies
Pharmacy hours vary by city; larger towns usually have a late-night rota.
What is the emergency number in Palau?
911 in Palau. Belau National Hospital has a 24/7 emergency room. Recompression chamber available for diving emergencies.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Palau?
$50-150 USD Private consultations: $50-150 USD.
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Sources: Palau Ministry of Health, WHO Western Pacific, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare