For the honeymooner, the diver, or the digital nomad, Seychelles offers a pristine escape. But in 2026, the healthcare landscape is in a state of transition. While the government pushes forward with the new National Health Strategic Plan, the reality remains that for high-end medical care, resources are concentrated on the main island of Mahé.
If you step on a stonefish in La Digue or suffer decompression sickness (the bends) while diving off Desroches, you need to know exactly where the nearest hyperbaric chamber is. The gap between the accredited private service at Panafricare and a rural clinic on Praslin is significant.
This guide is your survival manual. We will navigate the public-private divide, reveal the best Hospitals in Seychelles for tourists, and provide the essential protocols for a safe trip in the Indian Ocean.
The Landscape: Public vs. Private Care
To navigate healthcare here, you must understand the geography of the system.
1. The Public System (Health Care Agency)
- The Hub: Seychelles Hospital (also known as Victoria Hospital) on Mahé.
- The Reality: This is the national referral center. It handles all major trauma, deliveries, and surgeries.
- Cost: Free for locals. Tourists pay a “User Fee” which is reasonable by international standards, but wait times can be long.
- 2026 Status: The “Red Roof” building is historic but aging. Construction of the New Seychelles Hospital is a major government priority, but for now, facilities at the old site can feel dated.
2. The Private Sector (Tourist Clinics)
- The Hubs: Panafricare Clinic, Euromedical Family Clinic.
- The Reality: These are outpatient clinics. They do not generally have large inpatient wards or ICUs.
- Best For: Fast consultations, reliable lab tests, and prescription refills.
- Quality: Panafricare is the first in the region to achieve Temos International Accreditation, meaning its quality management meets European standards.
3. The Outer Islands
- The Reality: Most resort islands (like North Island or Fregate) have a resident nurse or doctor for minor issues. For anything serious, you will be evacuated by helicopter to Mahé.
Top Hospitals in Seychelles: A Deep Dive
We have analyzed the facilities to bring you the most reliable options in 2026.
1. Seychelles Hospital (Victoria Hospital) – Mont Fleuri, Mahé
The beating heart of the nation’s health system.
- Best For: Major Trauma, Diving Accidents (Hyperbaric Chamber), and Emergency Surgery.
- Why it stands out: It is the only facility with a functioning Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a dedicated dialysis center. If you have a car accident or a heart attack, the ambulance will bring you here.
2. Panafricare Clinic – Providence, Mahé
The gold standard for private outpatient care.
- Best For: General Practice, Diagnostics, and Corporate Health.
- Why it stands out: It holds Temos Accreditation, a rare trust signal in East Africa. It is clean, modern, and efficient. Many expats use this as their primary “GP” office to avoid the queues at the public hospital.
3. Logan Hospital – La Digue
The lifeline of the smallest main island.
- Best For: Stabilization and Minor Injuries (Bike accidents).
- Why it stands out: La Digue has no cars (mostly), so bicycle accidents are the #1 injury. Logan Hospital can stitch you up and perform basic X-rays, but for anything complex, you go on the ferry to Praslin or Mahé.
4. Baie Sainte Anne Hospital – Praslin
The regional hub for the second island.
- Best For: Ultrasound, Basic Emergency Care, and Observation.
- Why it stands out: It serves the population of Praslin and is the first stop for tourists injured at Anse Lazio. It has better facilities than La Digue but still relies on Mahé for major surgery.
5. Silhouette Island Medical Center (Hilton Labriz)
A hidden gem for divers.
- Best For: Diving Emergencies.
- Why it stands out: Surprisingly, this island resort medical center houses a DAN-certified recompression chamber, which is critical for divers in the area who cannot reach Victoria immediately.
📊 Comparison: Top Medical Facilities
Use this table to decide where to go based on your emergency level.
| Facility Name | Location | Type | Key Strength | Best For |
| Seychelles Hospital | Victoria (Mahé) | Public | Trauma/ICU | Major Emergencies |
| Panafricare Clinic | Providence (Mahé) | Private | Accreditation | Expats, Checkups |
| Baie Ste Anne Hospital | Praslin | Public | Regional Care | Emergencies on Praslin |
| Logan Hospital | La Digue | Public | Stabilization | Bike Accidents |
| Euromedical Clinic | Eden Island | Private | Location | Yachties/Eden Residents |
| Anse Royale Hospital | South Mahé | Public | Access | Emergencies in the South |
| Silhouette Med Center | Silhouette Is. | Private | Hyperbaric | Diving Accidents |
| Behram’s Pharmacy | Victoria | Pharmacy | Supplies | Prescription Meds |
💡 Real Success Story: The Diver’s Safety Net
Seychelles is a bucket-list diving destination, but depth comes with risks.
Case Study: The Decompression Incident
The Challenge: A diver off the coast of Beau Vallon surfaced too quickly and began experiencing numbness and joint pain (The Bends).
The Solution: The dive boat captain radioed ahead to the Seychelles Hospital Hyperbaric Unit.
The Protocol: The patient was rushed to the specialized chamber at the hospital in Mont Fleuri.
The Outcome: After a 5-hour recompression session, the nitrogen bubbles were resolved.
The Cost: The treatment cost approx. $3,000 USD. Because the diver had specific Dive Insurance (DAN), it was fully covered. Without it, the bill would have been immediate out-of-pocket.
“I didn’t realize how close the line is between a holiday and a hospital stay. The team at the chamber was professional, but the bill would have ruined my trip if I didn’t have insurance.” — Jonas, Germany
👉 Planning to dive? Verify your insurance covers “Hyperbaric Therapy” here: https://www.myhospitalnow.com/forum/
Essential Tips for Patients & Tourists
1. Medical Evacuation (Medevac)
If you require complex neurosurgery or advanced cardiac intervention, you may need to be flown to India, Dubai, or South Africa.
- Cost: A private air ambulance costs $50,000 to $100,000 USD.
- Action: Ensure your travel insurance has a high limit for “Medical Repatriation.”
2. Emergency Numbers
- 151: The direct line for Medical Emergency / Ambulance.
- 999: Police assistance.
3. Pharmacy Hours
- Availability: Pharmacies (Behram’s, Lifecare) are mostly in Victoria and Eden Island.
- Sunday Rule: Most pharmacies are closed or have very limited hours on Sundays. Always pack a travel kit with painkillers, antihistamines (for bug bites), and seasickness pills.
4. Water Safety & Marine Risks
- Stonefish: Wear reef shoes. Stonefish stings are excruciatingly painful and require immediate hospital treatment (hot water immersion helps neutralize venom).
- Tap Water: Tap water is chlorinated and technically safe on Mahé, but most tourists stick to bottled water to avoid stomach upsets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is healthcare free in Seychelles for tourists?
No. While it is free for Seychellois nationals, visitors must pay. Fees are lower than in the US but higher than in Southeast Asia.
2. Where is the hyperbaric chamber?
There is a main chamber at Seychelles Hospital (Victoria) on Mahé and a facility on Silhouette Island.
3. Do doctors speak English?
Yes. English, French, and Creole are the official languages. Most medical staff are fluent in English.
4. Can I buy antibiotics over the counter?
Generally, no. You need a prescription from a local doctor.
5. Is there a hospital on Eden Island?
There are private clinics like Euromedical on Eden Island, which are perfect for residents and those staying in the luxury villas.
6. Is Malaria present in Seychelles?
No. Seychelles is Malaria-free. However, Dengue Fever outbreaks can occur. Use repellent.
7. What if I am on a remote island?
Most luxury private islands have a nurse. For serious issues, the resort will arrange a helicopter evacuation to Mahé.
8. Are vaccinations required?
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if you are arriving from a country with risk of transmission (e.g., Kenya, Brazil).
9. How do I pay?
Private clinics accept credit cards. Public hospitals may require cash (Seychelles Rupees) for smaller fees, though cards are increasingly accepted.
10. Is dental care available?
Yes. Panafricare and other private clinics offer dental services, including emergency extractions.
Conclusion: Paradise with a Plan
Seychelles is safe, stunning, and sufficiently equipped for most travel mishaps. However, the isolation that makes it beautiful also makes advanced medical care a logistical challenge.
Rely on Panafricare for your minor needs, trust Seychelles Hospital for trauma, and never, ever dive without insurance.
Join our community for real-time advice.
👉 Ask Questions on the Forum: https://www.myhospitalnow.com/forum/
👉 Explore Hospital Reviews: https://www.myhospitalnow.com/blog/category/hospitals-in-seychelles