What actually happens to travelers here.
Major cities typically treat water, but rural areas and older infrastructure can be unreliable. Bottled water is a cheap insurance policy.
Routine care is available in major cities; complex trauma, cardiac, or surgery typically requires air evacuation to a regional hub. Travel insurance with $250K+ evacuation coverage is essential.
The system.
System: Limited public healthcare. Majuro Hospital is the main facility on the capital atoll. Ebeye has a smaller hospital. Outer atolls have basic health aides only. As a US Compact of Free Association state, some patients are referred to Hawaii or the Philippines for specialist care.
Quality: ★★☆☆☆ Limited
Healthcare is basic but functional for routine issues. Majuro Hospital has improved in recent years but still lacks advanced diagnostic equipment. English is widely spoken by medical staff. Serious conditions require evacuation to Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Marshall Islands is not a medical tourism destination. Patients needing specialist care are referred to Honolulu, Hawaii or Manila, Philippines through government referral programs.
Where to actually go.
Main hospital in the Marshall Islands. Emergency department. English spoken. Basic diagnostic equipment and some visiting specialists.
Smaller facility serving Ebeye population. Basic emergency care only.
Government facility. Limited English. Bring a translator app.
Finding what you need.
Access: Limited
Hours: Hospital pharmacy in Majuro open 8am-5pm weekdays. Very limited private pharmacy options.
Prescription rules: Prescriptions are required for controlled substances. General enforcement is relaxed. English documentation accepted. US prescriptions may be recognized due to Compact of Free Association relationship.
Pharmacy options are very limited. The hospital pharmacy is the main source of medication. Private pharmacies in Majuro may have slightly wider stock. Bring all needed medications. English is spoken everywhere.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- oral rehydration salts
- antihistamines
- insect repellent
- sunscreen
- antiseptic 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
- Majuro Hospital Pharmacy — Hospital pharmacy (Majuro Atoll)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Tylenol / Acetaminophen
US brand names used. Available at hospital pharmacy. - ibuprofen → Advil / Ibuprofen
US brand names used. Available at hospital and retail stores. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium / Loperamide
May be available at hospital pharmacy or retail stores
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications in English. Keep medications in original packaging. Bring generous extra supplies for outer atoll travel.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Opioids
Carry a doctor's letter. US DEA regulations may apply.
Bring documentation from prescribing physician.
If something breaks.
Availability: Limited. Basic dental services at Majuro Hospital.
Cost range: $10-50 for basic procedures
Dental care is basic. The hospital has a dental clinic but limited equipment. Complex dental work requires travel to Hawaii.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $50-90/week
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation to Hawaii is essential. Evacuation can cost $40,000-100,000+. Ensure coverage includes remote Pacific island travel and dive-related injuries if applicable.
Filing a claim
Obtain itemized receipts from hospital. Cash or credit card payment accepted at Majuro Hospital. Save all documentation for insurance reimbursement. Contact your insurer's assistance line for evacuation authorization.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $20-50 |
| ER visit | $50-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $50-150 |
| Ambulance | Limited availability |
US dollars are the official currency. Costs are moderate. Public hospital fees are subsidized. Payment expected at time of service.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)
Secondary destination: Manila, Philippines
Typical cost band: $40,000-100,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Evacuation to Honolulu is the standard protocol for serious conditions. Flights are limited — commercial evacuation may take 24-48 hours. Air ambulance is the fastest option for critical cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccinations
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country. Dengue fever is present. No malaria risk.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution — Municipal water in Majuro is not reliably safe. Use bottled or boiled water for drinking. Rainwater catchment is the primary freshwater source — quality varies. Hotels generally provide safe water. Outer atolls rely entirely on rain catchment.
Food safety
Eat freshly cooked food. Fish and seafood are staples and generally safe when fresh. Be cautious with reef fish due to ciguatera risk — ask locals. Imported canned goods are widely available. Limited fresh produce options.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
English-speaking therapists: Very limited English-speaking mental health professionals
Mental health services are limited. Some counseling available through hospital and community health programs. Consider telehealth services.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility infrastructure is very limited.
Hospital accessibility: Majuro Hospital has basic accessibility. Other facilities are not designed for wheelchair access.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Flat atoll terrain aids mobility. Roads are basic.
Flat terrain on atolls is relatively wheelchair-friendly. However, facilities and transport are not designed for accessibility. Arrange assistance in advance.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask requirements in place.
Testing availability: Limited COVID testing at Majuro Hospital.
COVID treatment capacity is limited. Serious cases may require evacuation.
Marshall Islands travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO International Travel and Health
- US State Department
- Pacific Islands Health Officers Association