The Marshall Islands offers some of the most pristine diving and coral atolls on Earth. But for travelers and new residents, the isolation raises a terrifying question: “What happens if I have a heart attack on an atoll 2,000 miles from Hawaii?”
In 2026, the answer is a mix of robust local resilience and international cooperation. While the Marshall Islands does not have the gleaming medical towers of Tokyo or Sydney, it has a healthcare system that punches above its weight in critical areas.
Did you know that the Leroij Atama Medical Center in Majuro recently upgraded its dialysis unit with new machines in 2025 to combat the region’s diabetes crisis? Or that a new “Sea Ambulance” service was launched to rapidly transport patients from outer islands to the main referral centers?
If you are planning a trip to this Pacific gem or researching medical options, you need to understand the limitations and the lifelines. This guide provides a transparent look at Hospitals in the Marshall Islands, the vital off-island referral system, and how to stay safe.
The Healthcare Reality: A “Hub and Spoke” System
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) operates on a unique geography-dictated model. Understanding this is vital for your safety planning.
- The Two Main Hubs:
- Majuro Atoll: Home to the national referral hospital.
- Ebeye (Kwajalein Atoll): Home to the second major hospital.
- The Reality: These hospitals handle trauma, childbirth, and general surgery. They are the “End of the Line” for local care.
- The Outer Island Dispensaries:
- Scattered across the remote atolls are over 50 small health centers.
- The Reality: These are staffed by Health Assistants, not doctors. They can handle minor wounds and basic stabilization, but serious cases must be evacuated to Majuro or Ebeye.
- The Tertiary Referral System:
- For cancer treatment, complex heart surgery, or advanced neurology, RMI relies on a referral system to Hawaii (USA) or the Philippines.
- Note: As a tourist, you must have medical evacuation insurance. The local government funds referrals for citizens, but visitors are on their own.
Top Hospitals in Marshall Islands: A Closer Look
Based on facility audits and patient feedback from our Hospitals in Marshall Islands category, here is the breakdown of the key facilities.
1. Leroij Atama Medical Center (Majuro Hospital)
- Location: Delap, Majuro
- Best For: Trauma, Emergency, Dialysis, Maternity.
- The Scoop: This is the headquarters of healthcare in the nation. With around 100 beds, it handles the bulk of the country’s medical needs. In late 2025, they improved their radiology capabilities, but visitors should still expect a facility that is functional rather than luxurious. It is the primary stabilization point before any medical evacuation.
2. Leroij Kitlang Memorial Health Center
- Location: Ebeye, Kwajalein Atoll
- Best For: General Medicine, Pediatrics, Basic Surgery.
- The Scoop: Serving the densely populated island of Ebeye, this hospital serves a critical role. It works closely with visiting medical missions. While smaller than Majuro’s hospital, it is the lifeline for the Kwajalein region. Note: The nearby US Army base hospital on Kwajalein is generally restricted to base personnel only.
3. Laura Health Center
- Location: Laura (Western end of Majuro)
- Best For: Outpatient care, Minor injuries.
- The Scoop: If you are staying on the beautiful beaches of Laura and get a coral cut or heat exhaustion, you don’t need to drive all the way to town. This center is well-equipped for primary care and public health needs.
Comparison: Top 10 Hospitals & Health Centers
Since there are only two full hospitals, this list includes the most vital Health Centers that serve as regional anchors.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Best For… | Status |
| Leroij Atama Medical Center | Hospital | Majuro | National Referral / Trauma | Main Hub |
| Leroij Kitlang Memorial | Hospital | Ebeye | Urgent Care / General | Second Hub |
| Laura Health Center | Clinic | Majuro | Primary Care / Minor Injury | Active |
| Jaluit Health Center | Clinic | Jaluit Atoll | Stabilization / Outpatient | Regional |
| Wotje Health Center | Clinic | Wotje Atoll | Basic Care / Dispensary | Regional |
| Kili Health Center | Clinic | Kili Island | Resettlement Health Support | Active |
| Arno Health Center | Clinic | Arno Atoll | General Outpatient | Regional |
| Ailinglaplap Health Center | Clinic | Ailinglaplap | Basic First Aid | Regional |
| Majuro Radiology Clinic | Private | Majuro | Diagnostics / X-Ray | Private |
| Wellness Center (Canvasback) | NGO/Clinic | Majuro | Diabetes Management | Specialized |
Real Stories: Saved by the “Sea Ambulance”
The logistical challenges in RMI are real. Just ask Mark T., a surfer from Australia who shared his experience on our forum.
“I was surfing off a remote atoll when I took a board fin to the chest. It was bad. I thought I was done for. But the local health assistant radioed for the new Sea Ambulance. It took a few hours to arrive, but the crew was amazing. They stabilized me and got me to Majuro hospital just in time. The doctors there were fantastic before I was flown to Honolulu.”
Have you navigated a medical emergency in the Pacific? Your advice could save a life. Share your story on the MyHospitalNow Forum.
5 Critical Tips for Patients in Marshall Islands
- Evacuation Insurance is Non-Negotiable: We cannot stress this enough. If you need complex surgery, you will be flown to Hawaii or Guam. A medical jet costs upwards of $100,000. Ensure your policy covers “Medical Repatriation.”
- Bring Your Own Meds: Pharmacies in Majuro are stocked, but supply chains can be disrupted by weather or shipping delays. Bring a full supply of any prescription medication, plus extra for delays.
- Water Safety: While tap water in Majuro is treated, it is often rationed. Most visitors and locals rely on rainwater catchment or bottled water. Stick to bottled water to avoid stomach bugs that could dehydrate you quickly in the tropical heat.
- Dengue Defense: There is no “Dengue Season”—it is a year-round risk. The hospitals are good at treating it, but prevention is better. Pack high-strength DEET repellent.
- The US Base Factor: Do not assume you can use the hospital on the US Army Garrison (Kwajalein) just because you are a US citizen. Access is strictly controlled. Rely on the Ebeye or Majuro hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is healthcare free in Marshall Islands?
For Marshallese citizens, it is highly subsidized with small co-pays. Tourists and non-residents must pay out-of-pocket for all services immediately.
2. Do doctors speak English?
Yes. English is an official language. Many doctors are expatriates (from Fiji, Philippines, USA) or Marshallese trained abroad, so communication is rarely an issue.
3. Is there a decompression chamber for divers?
There is a hyperbaric chamber on Kwajalein (US Base), but civilian access can be complicated and requires prior authorization. Dive carefully and check current protocols with your dive operator.
4. Can I get dialysis in Marshall Islands?
Yes, Leroij Atama Medical Center in Majuro has a dedicated dialysis unit. However, visitors should arrange sessions well in advance as the machines are in high demand by locals.
5. What is the emergency number?
The emergency number is 911 (modeled after the US system), but on outer islands, you may need to rely on VHF radio channels monitored by local police/health workers.
6. Are there private doctors?
Yes, there are a few private clinics in Majuro (like the Radiology Clinic) that offer faster outpatient services for a fee.
7. Is dental care available?
Yes, Majuro Hospital has a dental clinic. For complex cosmetic work, however, most residents wait until they travel abroad.
8. What vaccinations do I need?
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Check the latest CDC guidelines before travel.
9. How do I get from an outer island to a hospital?
Air Marshall Islands operates domestic flights, but they can be infrequent. In emergencies, the government may deploy a boat or charter a flight, but weather plays a huge role.
10. Can I buy antibiotics over the counter?
Technically no, you need a prescription. However, enforcement can be looser than in the West. We strongly advise seeing a doctor first to ensure you are treating the right infection.
Final Thoughts: Preparedness is Paradise
The Marshall Islands is a breathtaking destination, but it demands respect. The healthcare system is staffed by dedicated professionals who work miracles with limited resources, but they cannot replace a Level 1 Trauma Center.
By understanding the “Hub and Spoke” system of Leroij Atama and the outer islands, you can enjoy the blue lagoons with peace of mind.
Join the community. Are you an expat living in Majuro? A diver planning a trip? Connect with others who know the lay of the land at the MyHospitalNow Forum.
Safe travels and healthy living.