Healthcare in Madeira for visitors: hospitals, pharmacies and mosquitoes
What to do if you get ill in Madeira: emergency numbers, the hospital and health centres, pharmacies, EHIC and insurance, mosquitoes and dengue, sun and tap water.
Madeira has good public and private health care. Here is how it works for visitors.
Emergencies
Call 112 for an ambulance, police or fire service. The main public hospital, with a 24-hour emergency department, is the Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça in Funchal. There are also private hospitals and clinics in Funchal with emergency services.
Health centres
Every municipality has a public health centre, a centro de saúde, run by the regional health service (SESARAM). Some have urgent care services. For minor problems, a health centre or a private clinic is quicker than the hospital.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmácias, with a green cross) are everywhere, and pharmacists are well trained and helpful for minor illnesses. Many medicines that need a prescription elsewhere are available after a consultation with the pharmacist. A rota of pharmacies stays open at night and on Sundays; the duty pharmacy is posted on every pharmacy door.
Paying and insurance
- EU, EEA and Swiss visitors: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It covers necessary public treatment on the same terms as residents.
- UK visitors: the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) works in the same way in public services.
- Everyone: take travel insurance that covers private care, mountain rescue and repatriation. It matters if you plan to hike or do adventure sports.
Mosquitoes and dengue
A mosquito species that can carry dengue has been present in Madeira since the 2000s, and there was an outbreak in 2012. Since then health authorities monitor it closely. In summer and autumn, especially in Funchal and along the south coast:
- use insect repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk,
- close windows or use screens at night,
- see a doctor if you develop a high fever after your trip.
Everyday health
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Sun: the UV index is high for much of the year. Use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
- Hiking: most injuries are slips on wet paths. Wear good shoes. See hiking safety.
- Food: standards of hygiene are high.
See also is Madeira safe?