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: French overseas territory with a French-standard healthcare system. Centre Hospitalier de la Polynésie Française (CHPF) in Tahiti is modern and well-equipped. Outer islands have dispensaries with limited capabilities. French social security system applies to residents; tourists pay out of pocket.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Healthcare in Tahiti is good by Pacific Island standards with modern facilities at CHPF. Bora Bora and Moorea have medical centers for routine care. Remote atolls have basic dispensaries only. For very complex cases, patients are evacuated to metropolitan France, New Zealand, or Australia.
French Polynesia is not a medical tourism destination, though it is a major wellness and honeymoon destination. Spa and wellness treatments at luxury resorts are popular.
Where to actually go.
Main hospital for all of French Polynesia. Modern facility with emergency, surgical, and specialist departments. French-speaking; limited English. Handles trauma, cardiac, and complex cases.
Private clinic in Papeete. Good general care and some specialties. French-speaking staff.
Small medical center on Bora Bora. Handles routine care and minor emergencies. Serious cases transferred to Tahiti by air.
Finding what you need.
Access: Moderate
Hours: Pharmacies in Papeete open 7:30am-6pm weekdays, Saturday mornings. A duty pharmacy system operates for after-hours needs. Outer islands have limited pharmacy access — major resorts may have basic supplies.
Prescription rules: French prescription rules apply. Antibiotics and many medications require a prescription (ordonnance). Pharmacists can advise and sell appropriate OTC medications. French medical standards are followed.
Pharmacies in Tahiti are well-stocked and follow French pharmaceutical standards. Pharmacists speak French; some speak English in tourist areas. Medications may use French brand names. Bring essential medications — outer islands have very limited supplies. Look for the green cross (croix verte) pharmacy sign.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- sunscreen (high SPF)
- after-sun gel
- oral rehydration salts
- anti-nausea/motion sickness pills
- insect repellent
Useful pharmacy phrases
- I need headache medicine: J'ai besoin d'un médicament pour le mal de tête
- I have a stomachache: J'ai mal au ventre
- I need allergy medicine: J'ai besoin d'un médicament contre les allergies
- Where is the nearest pharmacy?: Où est la pharmacie la plus proche?
- I need to see a doctor: J'ai besoin de voir un médecin
Chains you'll see
- Pharmacie de Tahiti — Look for the green cross (croix verte) sign (Papeete and surrounding Tahiti)
- Pharmacie de la Cathédrale — Green cross sign near Papeete cathedral (Central Papeete)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Doliprane / Efferalgan / Dafalgan
French brand names used. Doliprane is the most common. Widely available. - ibuprofen → Advil / Nurofen / Ibuprofène
Readily available at pharmacies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium / Lopéramide
Available at pharmacies. French packaging.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names, ideally translated into French. Keep medications in original packaging. French customs may inspect medications. An 'ordonnance' (French prescription) format is ideal but English documentation is accepted.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Opioids
Illegal under French law. Strict enforcement.
Controlled under French regulations. Carry a doctor's prescription, ideally in French, and original packaging.
Carry a doctor's letter. French regulations may differ from your home country — check before travel.
If something breaks.
Availability: Several dental practices in Papeete and surrounding Tahiti. Very limited on outer islands.
Cost range: $60-200 for basic procedures
Dental care in Tahiti follows French standards and is of good quality. French-speaking dentists. Costs are higher than mainland France. Outer islands have no dental services.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $30-55/week
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Healthcare costs follow French pricing which can be expensive for tourists without coverage. Medical evacuation from remote atolls can be very costly. Ensure coverage for water sports and diving if planned.
Filing a claim
Keep all receipts (feuilles de soins) and medical reports. French-style itemized bills are standard. Facilities may accept credit cards; some require upfront payment. Submit claims with documentation to your insurer. EU EHIC cards are NOT valid in French Polynesia. CFP franc (XPF) is the local currency.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $50-100 |
| ER visit | $150-500 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $300-800 |
| Ambulance | $100-300 |
Healthcare costs follow French pricing and can be significant. CFP franc (XPF) is the local currency. Credit cards accepted at major facilities. Inter-island medical transfers add substantial cost.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Papeete, Tahiti (from outer islands)
Secondary destination: Auckland, New Zealand or metropolitan France
Typical cost band: $10,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Evacuation from remote atolls to Tahiti is the primary concern. Air Tahiti operates inter-island flights. For cases beyond CHPF's capacity, evacuation to New Zealand or France is arranged. French military aircraft may assist in emergencies.
What to get done before you fly.
Required
- Yellow Fever (only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid (for extended stays or outer island travel)
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio)
No major vaccination concerns for most travelers. There is no malaria in French Polynesia. Dengue fever outbreaks occur periodically — use mosquito repellent. Zika and chikungunya have also been reported.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink in Tahiti and Bora Bora. Water quality on some smaller and more remote atolls may vary — use bottled water when uncertain. Hotels and resorts provide safe drinking water. Bottled water is widely available.
Food safety
Food safety standards are generally good, following French norms. Fresh fish (poisson cru, the national dish) is safe at established restaurants. Be cautious of ciguatera fish poisoning — locals know which reef fish to avoid. Tropical fruit is abundant and safe. Resort dining meets international standards.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
English-speaking therapists: Very few English-speaking therapists. Most mental health services are in French.
Mental health services follow the French model. CHPF has a psychiatric department. Private psychologists and psychiatrists available in Papeete. Services on outer islands are minimal.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility varies significantly. Luxury resorts on Tahiti and Bora Bora may have good accessibility features. Public infrastructure and outer islands have limited accessibility.
Hospital accessibility: CHPF is a modern hospital with wheelchair access. Smaller medical centers may be less accessible.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Resorts may offer accessible shuttle services. Overwater bungalows are generally not wheelchair accessible.
Contact your resort in advance about accessibility needs. Beach access may be difficult. Boat transfers between islands and to overwater bungalows present challenges for wheelchair users.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates. Some healthcare facilities may still require masks.
Testing availability: COVID testing available at CHPF and some private labs in Papeete.
COVID situation has stabilized. French Polynesia follows metropolitan France's health guidelines.
French Polynesia travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
- French Ministry of Health (Ministère de la Santé)
- Institut Louis Malardé (local health authority)