How Does Tourist Healthcare Work in Maldives?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Africa & Oceania
1The Quick Answer
Medical facilities are very limited outside Malé, and medical evacuation insurance is absolutely essential for all visitors.
2What You Need to Know
ADK Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé provide the best local care, but serious conditions require evacuation to India, Sri Lanka, or Singapore. Resorts maintain basic medical facilities, but anything beyond minor injuries or illness needs specialist treatment abroad. Divers face particular risk from decompression sickness — always confirm the location of the nearest hyperbaric chamber before your first dive. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is not optional here; it is a necessity.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Purchase travel insurance that explicitly covers medical evacuation by air ambulance — standard policies often exclude this expensive service.
- 2Ask your resort or dive operator to identify the nearest hyperbaric chamber before any diving, as not every atoll has one.
- 3Bring a full supply of any prescription medications, as pharmacies outside Malé are extremely limited in stock.
Important Warning
Medical evacuation flights to India or Singapore can cost USD 10,000–50,000 without insurance — do not travel without comprehensive cover.
How does this compare?
Tourist Healthcare rules in nearby and similar countries:
Private hospitals are excellent but extremely expensive — comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is absolutely essential.
New Zealand's public healthcare is excellent, but travel insurance is essential as tourists are not fully covered by the public system.
Use private hospitals in Nairobi (Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Hospital); outside Nairobi healthcare is extremely limited and medical evacuation insurance is mandatory.
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More About Maldives
Most resorts automatically add a 10% service charge, but small additional tips in USD are appreciated by housekeeping and boat staff.
Updated 2025-06
There are no roads between islands — transport is by seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight, with no rideshare apps available.
Updated 2025-06
Islam is the state religion and its laws apply strictly — alcohol, pork, gambling, drugs, and LGBTQ relationships are all illegal on local islands.
Updated 2025-06
Police: 119; Ambulance: 102; Fire: 118; Coast Guard: 191.
Updated 2025-06
Swimwear is fine at resort beaches and private sandbanks, but on local islands you must cover shoulders and knees at all times.
Updated 2025-06
Alcohol is completely banned on all local islands and is only legally available at resort islands, liveaboards, and the international departure terminal.
Updated 2025-06
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