Your questions answered
SOS Tourist Doctor was founded by a team of experienced physicians who have been providing medical care to tourists in Mauritius for over three decades. Based on our extensive experience assisting thousands of visitors, we’ve found that over 75% of medical requests can be effectively addressed through online consultations.
With modern technology, you can now connect with one of our licensed doctors via text, audio, or video consultation directly from your phone. Within minutes, you’ll receive a diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and—if necessary—an electronic prescription for medication. This streamlined process saves you time, stress, and expenses, allowing you to focus on enjoying your holiday.
- Download the SOS Tourist Doctor App. Get it on Google Play or the App Store.
- Register
If you have any additional questions, feel free to give us a call directly at 8911.
Our Member Support team would be happy to assist you!
We handle a wide range of tourist health issues, from minor skin rashes to complex conditions like ruptured brain aneurysms. Our services are fast, efficient, and high-quality, but please note they are for non-emergency situations. If you have a life-threatening condition (e.g., heart attack, accident, bleeding), call SAMU at 114 for an ambulance. Send us a message, and we will follow up at the clinic/hospital and liaise with your insurance company.
No, this is not a subscription or membership-based program. SOS Tourist Doctor provides a pay-per-use service accessible to everyone. You only pay when you require medical assistance.
No appointment is required for general or urgent care consultations—you can connect with a board-certified clinician on demand within minutes.
For mental health services (e.g., psychiatry) or specialist consultations, an appointment is necessary. Use the self-scheduling feature on our mobile app to book your session.
Yes, your request is immediately received by our on-duty physicians, regardless of the time or day you submit it. Whether it’s late at night, early Sunday morning, or a public holiday, a licensed doctor is always available to assist you.
When you receive an appointment option, it is from a qualified physician who has reviewed your request and is prepared to provide the necessary medical support.
Yes, antibiotics can be prescribed during a video consultation with a doctor. In Mauritius, antibiotics are not available over the counter and most pharmacies do not have on-site doctors. You’ll need a doctor’s prescription to purchase antibiotics from a pharmacy.
You can message your doctor with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 3 days after the first contact.
Download the SOS Tourist Doctor app or visit our website. Register, request a consultation, and connect with a licensed doctor via video, audio, or text within minutes—no need to leave your accommodation.
Yes! SOS Tourist Doctor provides 24/7 telemedicine support for tourists. Our on-duty doctors are available around the clock, including weekends and holidays, to assist you via the app or website.
No appointment is needed for urgent or general care. You can instantly connect with a board-certified clinician on demand. For specialist or mental health services, use our self-scheduling feature in the app to book a session.
Absolutely. Our multilingual team includes English- and French-speaking doctors to ensure clear communication. Simply select your preferred language when requesting a consultation.
Yes, you can consult a licensed doctor online via video, audio, or text through the SOS Tourist Doctor app or website. In-person visits are only required for emergencies or procedures that cannot be conducted remotely (e.g., physical examinations, vaccinations, or lab tests).
Download the SOS Tourist Doctor app or visit our website, register, and request a consultation. You’ll connect with a doctor within minutes for urgent care. For non-urgent cases, responses are typically provided within 1–2 hours.
Online consultations can address non-emergency conditions, such as:
- Cold, flu, or infections
- Allergies or skin conditions
- Mental health support (initial assessment)
- Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Travel-related illnesses (e.g., food poisoning, jet lag)
For emergencies (e.g., chest pain, severe trauma, or difficulty breathing), visit the nearest hospital or call 114 (Mauritius emergency number).
If a prescription is required, your doctor will issue an e-prescription directly to your SOS Tourist Doctor app. You can then collect your medication at any partner pharmacy in Mauritius. Some pharmacies also offer delivery services (check availability in your area).
No, travel insurance is not mandatory. You can pay out of pocket for consultations, treatments, or medications. However, we recommend checking if your travel or health insurance covers telemedicine services in Mauritius to minimize costs.
Coverage depends on your insurance policy. SOS Tourist Doctor works with leading Mauritian and international insurers. We advise:
1.Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage for telemedicine or in-person care.
2.Upload your insurance details in the app to streamline billing.
You’ll receive a detailed invoice after your consultation, payable via credit/debit card or mobile money (e.g., M-Pesa, Juice). Prices are transparent and displayed upfront before your appointment.
Yes. After your consultation, you’ll receive a digital receipt and, if needed, a medical certificate (e.g., for sick leave or insurance claims) via the app. These documents are legally valid and accepted by most insurers.
1.Call 114 (Mauritius emergency number) for an ambulance.
2.Go to the nearest hospital:
○Public hospitals (e.g., Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, Victoria Hospital) provide free emergency care for tourists.
○Private hospitals (e.g., Clinique Darne, Fortis Clinique Darne) offer 24/7 emergency services (fees apply).
3.Contact SOS Tourist Doctor via the app for immediate telemedicine support while waiting for help.
Yes. Dial 114 for a public ambulance (free) or request a private ambulance through SOS Tourist Doctor (fees apply). Private ambulances are often faster and equipped with advanced life support.
- Bringing medication:
- Carry a doctor’s prescription and keep medications in original packaging.
- Restricted drugs (e.g., opioids, psychotropics) require a Mauritian import permit (apply via Mauritius Ministry of Health).
- Purchasing locally:
- Most over-the-counter (OTC) medications (e.g., painkillers, antacids) are available without a prescription.
- Prescription-only medications (e.g., antibiotics, antidepressants) require a local prescription (SOS Tourist Doctor can provide this).
Recommended facilities for tourists:
- Public:
- SSRN Hospital (Pamplemousses) – Major trauma center.
- Victoria Hospital (Candos) – General emergency care.
- Private:
- Fortis Clinique Darne (Floréal) – Multispecialty, English/French-speaking staff.
- Clinique du Nord (Mapou) – 24/7 emergency and ICU.
- Wellkin Hospital (Moka) – Pediatric and adult emergency care.
Pharmacies are widely available in cities, shopping malls, and tourist areas. Most are open:
- Weekdays: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturdays: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
- Sundays/Holidays: Some 24/7 pharmacies (e.g., Pharmacie de la Gare in Port Louis, Pharmacie du Nord in Grand Baie) remain open. Use the SOS Tourist Doctor app to locate the nearest open pharmacy.
Can I get my prescription filled at any pharmacy, or are there specific ones I should go to?
You can fill e-prescriptions at any licensed pharmacy in Mauritius. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, antibiotics), some pharmacies may require additional verification. Partner pharmacies (listed in the app) offer priority service for SOS Tourist Doctor patients.
1.Book via SOS Tourist Doctor: Use the app to schedule a specialist consultation (in-person or telemedicine).
2.Referral: If needed, your GP will refer you to a trusted specialist.
3.Direct booking: Contact private hospitals (e.g., Fortis Clinique Darne) for same-day appointments.
Yes. SOS Tourist Doctor offers:
- Telemedicine consultations with psychiatrists or psychologists (English/French).
- In-person sessions at partner clinics (e.g., Wellkin Hospital).
Book via the app or call +230 8911(SOS Tourist Doctor hotline).
Your doctor will:
1.Schedule a follow-up (telemedicine or in-person) if needed.
2.Share your medical records with a local specialist (with your consent).
3.Coordinate with your home country’s healthcare provider if repatriation is required.
- COVID-19 Testing:
- PCR Tests: Available at public hospitals (free for tourists with symptoms) or private labs (e.g., Labo Plus, Synlab; ~Rs 2,500–4,000).
- Rapid Antigen Tests: Offered at pharmacies and clinics (~Rs 800–1,500).
- Book via SOS Tourist Doctor for home testing (additional fees apply).
- Other Infectious Diseases (e.g., dengue, malaria):
- Public hospitals provide free testing for notifiable diseases.
- Private labs (e.g., InnoVent) offer same-day results for a fee.
- Recommended Vaccinations:
- Routine vaccines (MMR, flu, COVID-19).
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid (if traveling to rural areas).
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from a risk country; certificate required).
- Health Precautions:
- Use mosquito repellent (dengue risk).
- Drink bottled water in remote areas.
- Avoid raw seafood from street vendors.
- Remote Areas (e.g., Chamarel, Le Morne):
- Mobile clinics visit weekly (check schedules via the app).
- SOS Tourist Doctor can arrange on-site telemedicine or ambulance transport to the nearest hospital.
- Smaller Islands (e.g., Rodrigues, Agaléga):
- Rodrigues has a public hospital (24/7 emergency care).
- Agaléga has a health center (limited services; evacuation to Mauritius may be required).
Yes. SOS Tourist Doctor coordinates medical repatriation with:
- International air ambulance services (e.g., AMREF Flying Doctors).
- Your travel insurance provider (if covered).
- Local hospitals for stabilization before transport.
1.Assessment: Your doctor determines if repatriation is medically necessary.
2.Logistics: SOS Tourist Doctor arranges air ambulance or commercial flight (with medical escort if needed).
3.Costs:
- Covered by travel insurance if included in your policy.
- Out-of-pocket if uninsured (costs vary: €10,000–50,000+ for air ambulance).
4.Documentation: We provide medical reports and flight clearance for immigration.