Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 999. Seychelles Hospital (Victoria) handles all major emergencies. Praslin and La Digue: health centres for basic care, transfer to Mahé for serious cases.
Response time: 10-15 minutes on Mahé. Praslin: 15-20 min. La Digue: health centre + boat transfer to Praslin or helicopter to Mahé.
Cost: Public ER: SCR 100-500 ($7-37). Private clinic: SCR 500-2,000 ($37-148). Medical evacuation: $10,000-30,000.
Healthcare System
Seychelles has surprisingly good healthcare for a small island nation. Seychelles Hospital (Victoria, Mahé) is the main facility — modern and reasonably well-equipped. Praslin and La Digue have health centres. English and French are widely spoken in healthcare. Free public healthcare for residents; tourists pay modest fees. For complex cases, medical evacuation to Mauritius, India, or South Africa.
Designed for: All residents (free public healthcare). Tourists can use public hospitals or private clinics.
GP Access & Costs
Public health centres and Seychelles Hospital. Limited private clinics on Mahé. English-speaking.
Typical wait: Public: 1-3 hours. Private: same-day.
Availability: Good on Mahé. Basic on Praslin. Minimal on La Digue and other islands.
GP Visit
Public: SCR 100-300 ($7-22)
Private GP
SCR 500-1,500 ($37-111)
ER Without Insurance
SCR 500-5,000 ($37-370). Evacuation: $10,000-30,000.
Medication
Public pharmacy at Seychelles Hospital provides medications at subsidised prices. Private pharmacies available but limited stock. Bring medications from home.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Seychelles Hospital pharmacy: extended hours.
OTC: Limited range. Bring essential medications.
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions.
Practical Tips
- Seychelles Hospital (Victoria, Mahé) — main hospital. Modern and English-speaking.
- Bring ALL medications — pharmacy stock limited on all islands
- Medical evacuation insurance is essential — complex cases go to Mauritius or India
- Coral cuts: clean immediately, apply antiseptic. Tropical water infections are aggressive.
- Jellyfish and sea urchins common — wear water shoes in shallow reef areas
Who can get care in Seychelles?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Seychelles 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
Public health centres and Seychelles Hospital. Limited private clinics on Mahé. English-speaking. Typical cost: Public: SCR 100-300 ($7-22). Private: SCR 500-1,500 ($37-111). Typical wait: Public: 1-3 hours. Private: same-day.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: SCR 500-5,000 ($37-370). Evacuation: $10,000-30,000..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Accommodation booking
- Return ticket
- Prescriptions
Local contacts in Seychelles
Emergency services
999 (emergency) / 151 (ambulance)
Call 999. Seychelles Hospital (Victoria) handles all major emergencies. Praslin and La Digue: health centres for basic care, transfer to Mahé for serious cases.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Seychelles Hospital pharmacy: extended hours.
Limited range. Bring essential medications.
What is the emergency number in Seychelles?
999 (emergency) or 151 (ambulance) in Seychelles. Call 999. Seychelles Hospital (Victoria) handles all major emergencies. Praslin and La Digue: health centres for basic care, transfer to Mahé for serious cases.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Seychelles?
Public: SCR 100-300 ($7-22). Private: SCR 500-1,500 ($37-111). Private consultations: SCR 500-1,500 ($37-111).
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Sources: Seychelles Ministry of Health, WHO Seychelles, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare