What actually happens to travelers here.
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: Small public hospital (Belau National Hospital) in Koror. Limited specialist services. Compact of Free Association with the US provides some healthcare connections. Serious cases evacuated to Manila or Guam.
Quality: ★★☆☆☆ Limited
Belau National Hospital provides basic emergency and inpatient care. Limited diagnostics and no advanced specialist services. Visiting medical teams from Taiwan, Japan, and the US periodically supplement local capacity. Serious conditions require evacuation to Manila, Guam, or Hawaii.
Palau is not a medical tourism destination. Palauans needing specialist care travel to Manila, Guam, Hawaii, or Taiwan under various assistance programs.
Where to actually go.
Only hospital in Palau. Basic emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services. Limited diagnostics. Has a recompression chamber for diving emergencies. English is an official language.
Finding what you need.
Access: Limited
Hours: Hospital pharmacy open during business hours. One or two private pharmacies in Koror with limited hours.
Prescription rules: Prescription system exists but options are very limited. US prescriptions recognized due to Compact of Free Association. Bring your own supply of all medications.
Very limited pharmacy options. Hospital pharmacy is the most reliable source. Bring ALL medications you will need. Stock is unpredictable. Staff speak English.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- oral rehydration salts
- antacids
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
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
- Belau National Hospital Pharmacy — Hospital pharmacy (Koror)
- Palau Pharmacy — Private pharmacy (Koror town)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Tylenol
Available at hospital pharmacy. US brands used. - ibuprofen → Advil / Motrin
Available but stock may be limited. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Bring your own supply to be safe.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter for all prescription medications. English documentation is standard. Keep in original packaging. Bring a complete supply plus extra — resupply is not guaranteed.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD
Illegal in Palau. Strict enforcement.
Carry a doctor's letter and original prescription. Keep in original packaging.
If something breaks.
Availability: Basic dental services at Belau National Hospital. Very limited private options.
Cost range: $30-100 USD for basic procedures
Dental care is basic. No cosmetic dentistry. Bring dental emergency supplies for remote island trips.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $35-60/week
Medical evacuation insurance is ESSENTIAL. Evacuation to Manila or Guam can cost $20,000-60,000+. Ensure coverage includes diving injuries (decompression sickness) and water sports — diving is the primary tourist activity.
Filing a claim
Belau National Hospital requires payment at time of service. Cash (USD) is preferred. Some credit cards accepted. Obtain itemized receipts for insurance claims. Documentation may be basic.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $30-80 |
| ER visit | $80-250 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $100-300 |
| Ambulance | $50-150 |
Palau uses the US dollar. Costs are moderate. Payment expected at time of service. Diving-related treatments (recompression) can be very expensive.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Manila, Philippines
Secondary destination: Guam (US territory) or Honolulu, Hawaii
Typical cost band: $20,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Manila is the closest major medical hub (3-hour flight). Guam has a US military hospital and is a common evacuation point. Limited flight schedules may cause delays. Diving injuries can be treated locally at the recompression chamber.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccinations
No special vaccinations required for most travelers. Dengue fever risk exists — use insect repellent. No malaria in Palau. Ensure tetanus is up to date for coral cuts.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water in Koror is treated and generally safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available. On remote islands, use bottled water.
Food safety
Food at hotels and established restaurants is safe. Fresh seafood is excellent. Be cautious with reef fish from unverified sources (ciguatera risk). Wash produce with safe water.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Crisis Text Line: text HELLO to 741741 (US-based)
English-speaking therapists: Very limited. One or two counselors available through the hospital.
Mental health services are extremely limited. Arrange telehealth before traveling if you need ongoing support.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility infrastructure is very limited throughout Palau.
Hospital accessibility: Belau National Hospital has basic wheelchair access.
Accessible transport: No public transport system. Taxis available. Boats to Rock Islands are not wheelchair accessible.
Diving operators may accommodate some disabilities — inquire in advance. Resorts vary widely in accessibility. Contact accommodations before booking.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates.
Testing availability: Limited testing available at Belau National Hospital.
Bring rapid tests if concerned. Standard precautions apply.
Palau travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- WHO Western Pacific
- US Embassy Palau
- Palau Ministry of Health