Emergency Numbers & Access
Very basic emergency care. No ambulance on most islands.
Response time: 20-60+ minutes in Port Vila; unavailable on outer islands
Cost: Public low-cost; evacuation extremely expensive
Healthcare System
Vanuatu has extremely limited healthcare. Vila Central Hospital in Port Vila (Efate) is the main facility. Northern Provincial Hospital in Luganville (Santo) is the second facility. Outer islands have dispensaries staffed by nurses only. No specialists, limited surgical capacity, no blood bank. Cyclones (Nov-May) can isolate islands for days. Malaria is present on most islands. Medical evacuation to Nouméa (New Caledonia) or Australia is required for serious conditions.
Designed for: Residents. Tourists should have comprehensive insurance.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at Vila Central Hospital or private clinic in Port Vila
Typical wait: 1-3 hours
Availability: Port Vila only for reasonable care; Luganville has basic services
GP Visit
$30-100 AUD at private clinics
Private GP
$30-100 AUD
ER Without Insurance
$300-3,000+ AUD
Medication
Very limited pharmacy supply. Bring all medications.
Practical Tips
- Vila Central Hospital — main medical facility in Port Vila
- ProMedical clinic in Port Vila offers better tourist-focused care
- Evacuation insurance ESSENTIAL — nearest advanced care is Nouméa or Brisbane
- Carry anti-malarials if visiting outer islands
- Satellite phone recommended for remote island travel
Who can get care in Vanuatu?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Vanuatu 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 Vila Central Hospital or private clinic in Port Vila Typical cost: $30-100 AUD at private clinics Typical wait: 1-3 hours
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $300-3,000+ AUD.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation (ESSENTIAL)
- Passport
Local contacts in Vanuatu
Emergency services
112 / 115 (fire)
Very basic emergency care. No ambulance on most islands.
Pharmacies
Pharmacy hours vary by city; larger towns usually have a late-night rota.
What is the emergency number in Vanuatu?
112 or 115 (fire) in Vanuatu. Very basic emergency care. No ambulance on most islands.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Vanuatu?
$30-100 AUD at private clinics Private consultations: $30-100 AUD.
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Sources: Vanuatu Ministry of Health, WHO Vanuatu, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare