Medical travel is an emerging global trend, a new frontier in healthcare that has already taken root in Mauritius, where tourism remains the backbone of the economy. You may wonder how “medical” and “tourism” can fit into the same sentence. Quite simply, it refers to the decision to leave home in order to receive treatment or specialised care abroad.

Over the past two decades, several factors have encouraged travellers to seek medical care outside their home countries. These include rising healthcare costs in industrialised nations, long waiting lists for certain treatments, financial savings, greater privacy and discretion (particularly for cosmetic procedures), cultural similarities in language, food or religion, the liberalisation of trade, and the added benefit of combining treatment with a holiday.

Va-ca-tion. A single word that evokes sunshine and the legendary Mauritian hospitality that has never faded.

Over the years, Mauritius has broadened its horizons by developing a rapidly growing sector: medical tourism. The island has positioned itself as a regional hub for specialised care, combining modern infrastructure, highly qualified medical professionals and a calming environment ideal for recovery.

The most sought after fields include cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, fertility treatment, cardiology and cardiac surgery, dentistry, hair transplants and post operative wellness and rehabilitation.

Thanks to continuous upgrades in its healthcare facilities, Mauritius now welcomes more than 25 000 medical travellers each year, compared to just one thousand in 2005. They come mainly from Southern Africa, La Réunion, Europe and the Middle East. This steady growth is supported by a rise of more than 60% in clinics and specialised centres over the past decade, particularly in the northern and central regions of the island.

A key factor when choosing a destination is where and how the recovery period will unfold. In this respect, Mauritius stands out as an ideal choice, offering the perfect place to rest, heal and enjoy warm sunshine throughout the year.