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: Excellent healthcare fully integrated with the French system. Princess Grace Hospital Centre is the main facility — modern and well-equipped. Monaco offers world-class medical care.
Quality: ★★★★★ Excellent
World-class healthcare. Princess Grace Hospital Centre is a modern, fully equipped facility with all major specialties. Monaco's healthcare is integrated with France's system — patients can also access hospitals in Nice (20 min away). Many doctors trained at top French and international institutions.
Monaco attracts high-end medical tourists for specialized procedures, wellness treatments, and cosmetic surgery. Princess Grace Hospital Centre offers premium international patient services.
Where to actually go.
Main hospital with full emergency department, all major specialties, and modern equipment. International patient services. Many staff speak English. World-class facility.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies open 8:30am-7:30pm weekdays, 9am-12:30pm Saturday. Rotating duty pharmacy (pharmacie de garde) for nights and weekends.
Prescription rules: Prescription (ordonnance) required for antibiotics and most medications. French prescriptions valid. EU prescriptions generally accepted. Pharmacists can recommend OTC alternatives.
Well-stocked pharmacies with the same products available in France. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide medical advice. Green cross sign indicates pharmacies. Duty pharmacy info available at all pharmacy doors and police stations.
Available over the counter
- paracétamol (Doliprane)
- ibuprofène (Advil/Nurofen)
- antihistamines
- antacids
- cold remedies
- throat lozenges
- sunscreen
- homeopathic remedies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- J'ai besoin d'un médicament contre le mal de tête
- J'ai mal au ventre
- J'ai des allergies
- Où est la pharmacie la plus proche?
- J'ai besoin d'un médecin
Chains you'll see
- Pharmacie du Rocher — Independent pharmacy (Monaco-Ville (old town))
- Pharmacie de Monte-Carlo — Independent pharmacy (Monte-Carlo, near the Casino)
- Pharmacie du Centre Hospitalier — Hospital pharmacy (Princess Grace Hospital Centre)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Doliprane / Efferalgan / Dafalgan
Widely available. French brands. Ask for 'paracétamol' at the pharmacy. - ibuprofen → Advil / Nurofen / Ibuprofène
Widely available OTC. Ask for 'ibuprofène'. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium / Lopéramide
Available OTC at all pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry prescriptions and a doctor's letter for all medications. Documentation in French is ideal but English is widely understood. For controlled substances, obtain a Schengen certificate if possible. Keep medications in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Xanax · Opioids
Illegal in Monaco. Do not bring any cannabis or CBD products.
Carry a prescription and a doctor's letter. French Schengen certificate recommended.
Carry prescription. Same regulations as France.
If something breaks.
Availability: Excellent dental care with multiple private practices offering premium services.
Cost range: $100-400 USD for basic procedures — premium pricing
Top-quality dental care. Many dentists cater to international clientele. Cosmetic dentistry widely available. Prices reflect Monaco's premium positioning.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $20-40/week
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is NOT valid in Monaco — it is not in the EU/EEA. Healthcare costs are HIGH (premium French pricing). Private travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Filing a claim
Princess Grace Hospital accepts major credit cards and can bill international insurers directly for significant procedures. For routine visits, payment is typically expected upfront with reimbursement from your insurer. Obtain detailed receipts (feuille de soins) with diagnosis codes.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $80-200 |
| ER visit | $200-600 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $500-1,500 |
| Ambulance | $150-400 |
Costs are at the premium end of French healthcare pricing. EHIC not valid. Quality is excellent. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Nice, France (CHU de Nice — 20 minutes)
Secondary destination: Marseille or Paris, France
Typical cost band: $1,000-5,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Evacuation is rarely needed — Princess Grace Hospital handles almost all cases. CHU de Nice is 20 minutes away for additional specialties. Helicopter transfer to major French hospitals is quick and routine.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Routine vaccinations
No special vaccinations needed. Standard European health precautions apply.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe to drink and of excellent quality. Same water supply system as the French Riviera.
Food safety
Exceptional food safety standards. Monaco has some of the finest restaurants in the world with rigorous hygiene standards. All food establishments are well-regulated.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: SOS Amitié France: 09 72 39 40 50 (French-language support)
English-speaking therapists: Several English-speaking therapists and psychiatrists in private practice. Many international practitioners.
Good mental health services available for a microstate. Private practitioners predominate. French and English widely spoken in therapeutic settings.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Monaco has been improving accessibility, though the hilly terrain and historic buildings present challenges.
Hospital accessibility: Princess Grace Hospital is fully wheelchair accessible with modern facilities.
Accessible transport: Public elevators and escalators connect different levels of the city. Buses have accessibility features. The principality's small size helps with navigation.
Monaco's public elevators are a unique accessibility feature connecting steep areas. Major hotels and the Casino area are accessible. Request accessible rooms in advance.
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 facilities.
Testing availability: Testing available at Princess Grace Hospital and private labs.
Monaco follows similar protocols to France. Standard precautions apply.
Monaco travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO Europe
- Monaco Government — Department of Health
- Princess Grace Hospital Centre