For a long time, the ideal image of anexpatriate in Mauritius was that of an investor in search of tax optimization, sipping a cocktail overlooking the lagoon. But in 2026, the reality on the ground has changed. While taxation remains an asset, it is now a far more vital argument that is driving senior citizens to take the plunge: the promise of active longevity within a state-of-the-art healthcare system.
With an average life expectancy in excess of 74 years, a stable year-round climate (between 20 and 28°C) and a booming private medical sector, Mauritius is one of the most attractive destinations for French-speaking expatriate retirees.
Why choose Mauritius for your retirement?
If there are over 15,000 European expatriates over 55 living in Mauritius today, it’s not just for its turquoise lagoons. Choosing Mauritius for retirement means opting for a rare balance between comfortable living and financial pragmatism. Indeed, an expatriate’s retirement in Mauritius benefits from far greater purchasing power, with a cost of living 20% to 30% lower than in France (excluding premium real estate). This difference gives access to high-quality local services – home help, wellness care or leisure activities – while benefiting from political stability and a secure environment. In this context, the island is no longer just a vacation destination, but a genuine lifestyle project where the quality of the environment contributes directly to longevity.
A private healthcare system that rivals Europe
One of the first questions future expatriates ask themselves concerns the quality of healthcare. In this respect, the island has undergone a spectacular transformation. When you step through the doors of facilities such as Wellkin Hospital or Clinique Darné, you quickly forget your geographical isolation. These establishments, flagships of the C-Care group, offer excellent technical facilities, from interventional cardiology to state-of-the-art medical imaging.
The strength of these private clinics in Mauritius also lies in their human capital. The vast majority of specialists were trained in French or British medical faculties, guaranteeing not only recognized expertise, but also a reassuring cultural and linguistic proximity for French-speaking retirees.
Here are a few examples of costs:
- Private specialist consultation: €40 to €70
- Day hospitalization in a private clinic: €300 to €600
- MRI / scanner: €250 to €500
- Private heart surgery: up to €20,000 – €25,000 without insurance
The emergence of “Smart Cities”: living at the heart of prevention
Beyond the curative aspect, Mauritius is focusing on prevention through its new “Smart Cities”. These smart cities, like Moka and Cap Tamarin, have been designed to combat sedentary lifestyles and isolation, two major enemies of “ageing well”. Such has been their success that over 40% of new real estate developments now include a full range of services: state-of-the-art sports and health facilities, safe walking paths and local medical centers.
Imagine a daily life where your senior residence is connected to shaded pathways and physiotherapy practices, all within minutes of your home. This holistic lifestyle model helps you maintain your independence for longer, enhanced by an annual sunshine rate of over 2,800 hours. This exceptional exposure is a major health asset, helping to synthesize vitamin D and maintain morale, while benefiting from a dry tropical climate that is particularly beneficial for alleviating joint and respiratory pathologies.
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Securing your project: from Premium Visa to health coverage
The Mauritian government has streamlined the procedures required to enjoy this relaxed lifestyle. The Premium Visa allows you to try out the island for a year, while the “Retired” residence permit offers stability for ten years. However, obtaining these permits is subject to one strict requirement: the possession of robust international health cover.
This is where anticipation becomes the key. Although the private healthcare system is of excellent quality, it operates on an Anglo-Saxon model, where each act has a significant cost. Without appropriate protection, the potential out-of-pocket expenses in the event of serious hospitalization (accident, heart disease) can amount to several tens of thousands of euros.
To protect your capital, the average budget for senior international health insurance in Mauritius is generally around €180-250/month, depending on your age and the level of cover you choose. Whether you opt for a 1st Euro solution for total simplicity, ora CFE supplement to keep a foothold in the French system, the choice of your mutual insurance company is the guarantee of your peace of mind and the sustainability of your expatriation project.
Administrative formalities: Which visa should I choose for retirement in Mauritius?
Settling permanently in the Indian Ocean means choosing the legal framework best suited to your project. For senior citizens, there are two main options. The 10-year Mauritius Retirement Residence Permit is the ideal solution for those wishing to make the island their main residence. It requires a regular financial commitment, guaranteeing your autonomy to the Mauritian government. Conversely, the “Premium” form of the Retired Mauritius visa offers greater flexibility: ideal for a transitional year, it allows you to live on the island without becoming a tax resident, provided your income comes from abroad.
Here is a summary of the conditions to help you decide:
| Features | Visa Premium | Retired Residence Permit |
| Period of validity | 12 months (renewable) | 10 years (renewable) |
| Minimum age | No | 50 years |
| Minimum income requirement | ~ €1,380 / month (USD1,500) | 1,500 USD / month (transferred to local account) |
| Tax residence | No (in general) | Yes (after 183 days/year) |
| Right to invest | Limited | Yes (subject to conditions) |
| Health insurance | Mandatory (full coverage) | Mandatory (EDB approval criteria) |
Good to know: The 10-year Residence Permit is often a stepping stone to the Permanent Residence Permit (20 years), available after three consecutive years on the territory, provided the required financial flows are met.
The Santexpat expert’s opinion
Retiring to Mauritius means choosing a lifestyle where health, prevention and pleasure blend harmoniously. For this project to remain a source of long-term serenity, anticipating your international health cover remains a fundamental pillar of any successful expatriation.
