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: British Overseas Territory with a well-equipped hospital and private clinics. King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is the main facility. Healthcare is expensive — similar to US pricing.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital provides good general and emergency care with modern equipment. Several specialist services available on-island. For complex procedures, patients are evacuated to the US (Boston or Baltimore). Private clinics offer high-quality care for routine needs.
Bermuda is not a medical tourism destination due to high costs. Residents needing specialist care travel to the US, primarily Boston or Baltimore.
Where to actually go.
Main hospital with 24/7 emergency department. Modern facility with CT, MRI, and surgical capabilities. Only acute care hospital on the island.
Psychiatric and substance abuse facility. Not for general emergencies.
Government facility. Limited English. Bring a translator app.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies open 8am-6pm weekdays, 9am-5pm Saturday. Hospital pharmacy available for emergencies.
Prescription rules: Prescription required for most medications. US and UK prescriptions generally recognized. Good stock of common medications.
Several pharmacies across the island are well-stocked. US and UK brands common. Prices are higher than the US mainland. Staff speak English.
Available over the counter
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- ibuprofen (Advil)
- antihistamines
- antacids
- cold remedies
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
- hydrocortisone cream
Useful pharmacy phrases
- I need headache medicine
- I have a stomachache
- I have allergies
- Where is the nearest pharmacy?
- I need a doctor
Chains you'll see
- Bermuda Pharmacy — Independent pharmacy (Hamilton (city center))
- Phoenix Drug Store — Long-established pharmacy chain (Multiple locations across Bermuda)
- Clarien Pharmacy (at KEMH) — Hospital pharmacy (King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Paget)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Tylenol / Panadol
Widely available. US brands predominant. - ibuprofen → Advil / Motrin
Widely available OTC at all pharmacies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Available OTC at pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry prescriptions and a doctor's letter for all medications. English documentation is standard. Keep medications in original labeled containers. Bermuda customs may inspect medications.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD
Illegal in Bermuda. Do not bring any cannabis products.
Carry a doctor's letter, prescription, and keep in original packaging. Declare at customs.
If something breaks.
Availability: Several private dental practices with modern equipment and well-trained dentists.
Cost range: $100-350 USD for basic procedures — comparable to US pricing
Good quality dental care but expensive. Many dentists trained in the US, UK, or Canada.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $35-60/week
Healthcare in Bermuda is VERY expensive — similar to US pricing. Medical evacuation to the US can cost $20,000-50,000+. Ensure coverage includes water sports, scooter accidents (very common), and medical evacuation.
Filing a claim
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital accepts major credit cards and insurance. Non-residents should expect to pay upfront or provide insurance details. Obtain itemized bills with diagnosis codes. US insurance may provide partial coverage — check before traveling.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $150-300 |
| ER visit | $500-1,500 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $1,000-2,500 |
| Ambulance | $300-800 |
Healthcare costs are HIGH — comparable to the US. USD accepted everywhere at par. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Boston, USA (Massachusetts General Hospital / Brigham and Women's)
Secondary destination: Baltimore, USA (Johns Hopkins Hospital)
Typical cost band: $20,000-50,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Air ambulance to the US East Coast takes about 2 hours. Bermuda Hospitals Board coordinates evacuations. Multiple daily commercial flights to the US also available.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Routine vaccinations
No special vaccinations required. Bermuda has no tropical disease risks. Standard health precautions apply.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink. Bermuda collects rainwater on white limestone roofs — this is the primary water source and is well-filtered. Bottled water also available.
Food safety
Excellent food safety standards throughout the island. Restaurants are well-regulated. Fresh fish (especially wahoo and rockfish) is a highlight. Bermuda has strict food safety inspections.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Crisis Text Line: text HELLO to 741741 (US-based)
English-speaking therapists: Several English-speaking therapists and counselors available in private practice.
Mental health services are available but limited compared to larger countries. Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute is the primary facility.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Bermuda has made improvements in accessibility but the historic architecture and narrow roads present challenges.
Hospital accessibility: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is fully wheelchair accessible.
Accessible transport: Public buses have limited accessibility. Ferries have some wheelchair access. Taxis can accommodate some needs.
Many hotels and resorts have accessible rooms — book in advance. Historic sites may have limited access. Sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates. May be requested in healthcare settings.
Testing availability: Testing available at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and private labs.
Bermuda has returned to normal operations. Standard precautions apply.
Bermuda travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Bermuda Hospitals Board
- Government of Bermuda — Department of Health