Healthcare

The Seychelles government provides free healthcare to all residents — citizens and legal residents alike — through a network of public facilities. The Ministry of Health oversees the system, which includes the main Seychelles Hospital in Victoria (Mahé), smaller hospitals on Praslin and La Digue, and health centres across inhabited islands. Primary care, emergency treatment, and basic specialist services are available at no cost.

While the public system is free, most expats take out comprehensive international health insurance. The key reason: Seychelles' medical facilities are limited, and complex procedures — major surgery, advanced diagnostics, specialist oncology, cardiology — typically require evacuation to South Africa, India, or Dubai. Medical evacuation by air ambulance can cost $50,000–$100,000+ without insurance.

Seychelles has adequate healthcare for routine medical needs but lacks the specialist depth of larger countries. The Seychelles Hospital in Victoria handles most conditions, including emergency surgery, maternity, and basic diagnostics. For advanced imaging (MRI, CT), specialist oncology, complex cardiac procedures, or advanced surgery, evacuation is standard practice.

Mental health services in Seychelles are developing but remain limited. The Ministry of Health provides some psychiatric and counselling services through the public system, but the range of available therapists and specialists is small. Many expats use telehealth platforms for therapy and counselling.