What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Good healthcare system for a Caribbean island. Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital is the main facility and handles most conditions. Several private clinics and specialist offices available. Healthcare follows Dutch standards as Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Healthcare quality is good by Caribbean standards. Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital is modern and well-equipped for most conditions. Private clinics offer additional specialist care. For highly complex procedures, patients may be transferred to Colombia, Curaçao, or the Netherlands. English, Dutch, Papiamento, and Spanish are widely spoken by medical staff.
Aruba is not a major medical tourism destination, but its hospital handles a wide range of procedures at costs below U.S. prices. Some visitors from neighboring South American countries seek care here.
Where to actually go.
Aruba's only hospital. Modern facility with emergency department, ICU, surgery, and most specialties. Staff speak English, Dutch, Papiamento, and Spanish. 24/7 emergency services.
Private medical center with various specialists. Good option for non-emergency care. Multilingual staff.
Government facility. Limited English. Bring a translator app.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies open 8am-6pm weekdays, Saturday mornings. Duty pharmacy (dienstdoende apotheek) available evenings and weekends on rotation.
Prescription rules: Prescription medications require a valid prescription. Dutch, U.S., and most international prescriptions are generally accepted. Controlled substances require proper documentation.
Pharmacies are well-stocked with Dutch and international medications. Staff speak multiple languages including English. Duty pharmacy rotation is published in local newspapers and posted at pharmacy doors. Hotel front desks can direct you to the nearest open pharmacy.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- antacids
- oral rehydration salts
- sunscreen
- after-sun care
- insect repellent
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Mi mester un remedi pa dolor di cabes
- Mi tin dolor di stoma
- Mi tin alergia
- Unda ta e botica mas cerca?
- Mi mester un dokter
Chains you'll see
- Botica (pharmacy) network — Green cross sign (Multiple locations across the island including Oranjestad, San Nicolas, and near hotel areas)
- Botica Eagle — Pharmacy sign (Near Eagle Beach area, convenient for tourists)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol / Panadol
Widely available OTC. Dutch brand names common alongside international brands. - ibuprofen → Ibuprofen / Brufen / Advil
Available OTC at all pharmacies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium / Diacure
Available OTC at pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Bring prescriptions, a doctor's letter for any controlled medications, travel insurance documentation, and your health insurance card. English or Dutch documentation is ideal.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Opioids
Strictly regulated. Carry a doctor's letter, original prescription, and keep in original packaging.
Cannabis is illegal in Aruba despite being tolerated in the Netherlands. Do not bring any cannabis products.
If something breaks.
Availability: Several private dental clinics available across the island, especially in Oranjestad and near tourist areas.
Cost range: $60-200 USD per visit
Dental care quality is good. Many dentists trained in the Netherlands or U.S. English widely spoken.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $35-60/week
Strongly recommended. Hospital and medical costs can be expensive for visitors. Ensure coverage includes emergency evacuation for conditions requiring advanced specialist care.
Filing a claim
Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital and private clinics accept credit cards. Obtain itemized receipts and medical reports. Some U.S. insurance plans may have arrangements with the hospital. Submit claims to your travel insurer with documentation.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $60-120 |
| ER visit | $200-500 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $400-1000 |
| Ambulance | $100-250 |
Medical costs are moderate to high. USD is widely accepted. Credit cards accepted at the hospital and most clinics.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Miami, USA
Secondary destination: Bogotá, Colombia
Typical cost band: $25,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Evacuation is typically to Miami for conditions requiring specialized care not available on the island. Air ambulance services are well-established for the Caribbean route.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, flu)
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country. Aruba is outside the Zika and dengue risk zone but occasional cases occur.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink throughout Aruba. It is desalinated seawater and meets international standards. Aruba has some of the best tap water quality in the Caribbean.
Food safety
Food safety standards are high. Restaurants follow good hygiene practices. Aruba offers a diverse culinary scene with Dutch, Caribbean, and international cuisine. Street food and beach vendors are generally safe.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Contact Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital for psychiatric referrals at +297-527-4000
English-speaking therapists: Available. Multiple English-speaking psychologists and counselors practice on the island.
Mental health services are available. The hospital has a psychiatric department. Private therapists offer English-language services. Small island community may limit privacy for some travelers.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Aruba is relatively accessible for the Caribbean. Many hotels and resorts have accessible rooms. Beach wheelchairs available at some locations.
Hospital accessibility: Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital is wheelchair accessible with modern facilities.
Accessible transport: Arubus (public bus) has limited accessibility. Taxis and rental cars are the best options. Some hotels offer accessible shuttle services.
High-rise hotel area along Palm Beach and Eagle Beach has the best accessibility. Contact resorts in advance for accessible rooms and beach wheelchair availability.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mandatory mask requirements. May be requested in healthcare facilities.
Testing availability: COVID testing available at Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital and private labs.
Aruba's healthcare system has returned to normal operations. Standard hygiene precautions recommended.
Aruba travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
- Aruba Tourism Authority
- Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital