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health insurance in Mauritius

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Mutuelle Maurice: a must-have for expatriates living abroad

Moving to Mauritius as an expatriate is much more than just a change of scenery: it’s a real adventure that attracts many French speakers dreaming of paradise beaches and new perspectives. Before you pack your bags and plunge into this new life, it’s essential to think about your health. A mutual insurance plan adapted to Mauritius can make all the difference, covering your needs, whether for a simple consultation, hospitalization or specific care. With this security in your pocket, you’ll be able to enjoy your Mauritian experience to the full, with peace of mind!

Understanding the Mauritian Health System

Mauritius has a public healthcare system offering free care to permanent residents, including expatriates. However, the public sector faces long waiting times and limited resources. For this reason, many French people living abroad opt for the private sector to benefit from top-quality services and reduce waiting times.

Why subscribe to a private health insurance plan?

In the private healthcare sector in Mauritius, treatment can quickly become costly. For example, a consultation with a general practitioner varies between Rs. 500 and Rs. 600, while a consultation with a specialist can cost up to Rs. 1,200. Hospitalization costs, meanwhile, range from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 11,000 per day, depending on the services offered. Taking out private health insurance will enable you to cover these expenses and access quality care without worrying about high costs.

Health Insurance Options for Expatriates

1. Local health insurance: In Mauritius, several local insurance companies offer plans designed for permanent residents. In most cases, these plans cover medical consultations, hospitalization and sometimes even dental and optical care. However, it is important to note that these plans may present certain limitations, notably in terms of the extent of coverage or the choice of healthcare providers available. So it’s essential to check the details before you sign up, to make sure they fully meet your needs.
2. International health insurance: These plans offer more comprehensive coverage, often enhanced by repatriation assistance and protection for travel to other countries. They’re perfect for those seeking optimum flexibility and the freedom to choose their practitioners, wherever they may be.
3. Supplementary CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger): If you’re a French expatriate, joining the CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger) means you’ll retain cover comparable to that provided by Social Security in France. However, for complete protection, it’s often advisable to take out supplementary insurance. This will cover costs not covered by the CFE, giving you peace of mind in the event of unforeseen expenses.

Selection criteria for your health insurance

Taking out appropriate international health insurance is a key step for any expatriate moving to Mauritius. It provides access to quality care while keeping medical expenses under control. To find the ideal cover, it’s essential to compare the different options and choose the one that best suits your needs and situation. A tool like the Santexpat.fr comparator can help you make the right choice, so you can enjoy your expatriation with peace of mind.

• Medical needs assessment: Identify your specific needs, such as regular treatments, frequent dental care or maternity plans, to select the right health cover.
• Budget: Compare all the international health insurance offers available on the market on Santexpat.fr. You’ll be able to compare offers including options and taking your budget into account.
• Extent of cover: It’s important to check that the health insurance you’ve chosen covers essential care for you and your family.
• Provider network: Check whether the health insurance you’ve chosen offers a network of healthcare providers close to where you live. This will give you easier access to care.

Practical advice before you leave for Mauritius

The tropical climate of Mauritius can sometimes throw up a few surprises for expatriates, such as diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya. Fortunately, it’s easy to reduce these risks by adopting a few simple reflexes: use repellents, wear long, light clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Before you leave, don’t forget your health record. Although some vaccinations are not compulsory, they are strongly recommended to avoid unpleasant surprises. In particular, make sure you’re up to date for hepatitis A and B, typhoid and the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine (DTP).

Nothing is more reassuring than knowing where to go in case of need. Take a moment to locate health care facilities near your home, and note down local emergency numbers. Being well-prepared will enable you to embark on your new life in Mauritius with a light mind and enjoy this wonderful adventure to the full!