Health in French Polynesia
Health in French Polynesia: what you need to know
French Polynesia is not a high-risk health destination, but it has tropical specificities every traveler should know. Healthcare in Tahiti is decent (public hospital, private clinics), but quality drops quickly once you leave Papeete. In the Tuamotu atolls or the Marquesas Islands, the local infirmary may be your only option before evacuation to the capital — sometimes several hours away by plane.
Recommended vaccines
No mandatory vaccines except yellow fever if arriving from an endemic country. Hepatitis A & B, typhoid and tetanus strongly advised.
Dengue is endemic
Dengue circulates year-round with peaks in the rainy season (Nov–Apr). No traveler vaccine available. Mosquito protection is essential.
Ciguatera fish poisoning
Poisoning from certain reef fish. No specific treatment, symptoms can persist for months. Always ask locals before eating freshly caught fish.
Emergencies in Papeete
CHPF public hospital + 2 private clinics. 24/7 emergency services in Tahiti. On other islands, evacuation may be needed for serious cases.
Vaccinations: what's required and recommended
See a doctor or travel vaccination center at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for booster doses. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced over weeks.
| Vaccine | Status | Lead time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Required* | 10 days | *Only if arriving from an at-risk country (sub-Saharan Africa, tropical South America). International certificate required. |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended | 2 weeks | Transmitted via water and food. 1 dose = 1 year protection; booster at 6–12 months = 20 years. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended | 1 month (3 doses) | Blood-borne and sexual transmission. Often combined with Hep A (Twinrix). |
| Typhoid | Recommended | 2 weeks | Food-borne transmission. Especially for long stays or rural areas. |
| Tetanus-Polio-Diphtheria | Recommended | Check your records | Booster every 10 years. Update if overdue. |
| Rabies | Optional | 1 month (3 doses) | Consider for stays over 1 month, rural areas, or animal contact. |
| Dengue (Dengvaxia) | Not for travelers | — | Not available for non-immune travelers. Reserved for residents who previously had dengue. |
Tropical diseases: dengue, ciguatera, leptospirosis
French Polynesia has several tropical diseases that many visitors from temperate countries are unfamiliar with. Here are the main ones, with symptoms to watch for and the right reflexes.
Dengue Fever
Transmission: Bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito (active during the day).
Symptoms: Sudden high fever ≥ 39°C (102°F), intense headache, severe muscle and joint pain ("tropical flu"), skin rash 3–4 days later.
Action: Seek medical care immediately. Rest, hydrate, paracetamol/acetaminophen only (never aspirin or ibuprofen — bleeding risk). Hospitalization if warning signs appear (abdominal pain, persistent vomiting).
Prevention: DEET or Icaridin repellent, long sleeves at dusk, impregnated mosquito net.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Transmission: Eating carnivore reef fish: grouper, barracuda, jack, parrotfish, snapper.
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (within 24h), then neurological effects: tingling in mouth/limbs, reversal of hot/cold sensation, chronic fatigue (weeks to months).
Action: No antidote. Hospitalize for symptomatic treatment. Avoid alcohol, fish and coconut during recovery (reactivation risk).
Prevention: Ask locals which fish to avoid in specific areas. Restaurant and market fish are generally considered safe.
Leptospirosis
Transmission: Skin contact with water or soil contaminated by infected animal urine (rats, pigs). Common after heavy rain or flooding.
Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle pain (especially calves), conjunctivitis. Severe forms: kidney and liver damage.
Action: Antibiotics (doxycycline or amoxicillin). Early treatment is very effective.
Prevention: Avoid swimming in fresh water after heavy rain. Wear shoes when hiking.
Marine Hazards
Sea urchin spines: Remove with tweezers. Never squeeze. See a doctor if infection develops.
Coral cuts: Often get infected in tropical conditions. Clean immediately with iodine antiseptic.
Stingrays: Shuffle your feet when walking in shallow lagoon water. If stung → very hot water (113°F/45°C) neutralizes the toxin.
Blue-ringed octopus: Rare but deadly. Never handle an unknown octopus.
Healthcare by island
The quality of available healthcare varies significantly depending on which island you're on. Plan accordingly and take out evacuation insurance if visiting remote islands.
🏙️ Tahiti
Full infrastructure- CHPF Mamao — 24/7 ER, surgery, ICU
- Clinique Cardella — private medical and surgical care
- Polyclinique de Paofai — specialists, imaging
- Many private medical and dental practices
- Pharmacies open 7 days in Papeete
🏝️ Moorea
Partial infrastructure- Moorea Hospital (Afareaitu) — general medicine, minor emergencies
- A few private GPs
- Serious cases → ferry 30 min or helicopter to Tahiti
- Pharmacy at Maharepa
🏝️ Bora Bora
Partial infrastructure- Bora Bora Hospital — general medicine, minor emergencies
- GP and nurses on site
- Surgery or serious cases → Air Tahiti flight to Papeete (45 min)
- Pharmacy in Vaitape village
🏝️ Raiatea / Taha'a
Partial infrastructure- Raiatea Hospital — more equipped than Bora Bora, has radiology
- Serves as reference for all Leeward Islands
- Complex cases → evacuation to Papeete (55 min by air)
🤿 Rangiroa / Tuamotu
Infirmary only- Infirmary or dispensary on each atoll
- Basic care only
- Medical emergencies → evacuation to Papeete (45–90 min by air)
- Medical evacuation insurance MANDATORY
🏔️ Marquesas / Australs
Very limited- Hospitals in Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa (Marquesas)
- Limited capacity — no complex surgery
- Evacuation to Papeete: 3–5 hours
- Bring a complete personal medical kit
Travel insurance and medical evacuation
Travel insurance with medical coverage and repatriation is strongly recommended — and essentially mandatory if you visit remote islands. A medical evacuation from the Tuamotu or Marquesas can cost €8,000–€25,000 without insurance.
| Insurance type | Typical coverage | Indicative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, World Elite Mastercard) |
Medical up to €300k, repatriation included | Included with card | Short trips when travel is paid with the card |
| Standard travel insurance (AXA, Allianz, World Nomads…) |
Medical €150k–300k, repatriation, cancellation | €30–80 / week | Tourists, short to medium stays |
| Long-stay / expat insurance (Cigna, Aetna, AXA International…) |
Full international medical, hospitalisation, repatriation | €80–250 / month | Expats, stays over 3 months |
| Digital nomad insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads) |
Emergency medical, repatriation, adventure sports | €40–80 / month | Remote workers, long-term travelers |
Medical costs and dental care in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is not a medical tourism destination. Healthcare costs are comparable to or higher than Western Europe. Plan your dental and medical check-ups before you leave.
Dental Care
Dentists are concentrated in Papeete. Acceptable quality, but prices are high by European standards.
Composite filling: €100–150
Ceramic crown: €500–1,000
Implant: €1,000–1,700
Ophthalmology
Several ophthalmologists in Papeete, often with long wait times (4–8 weeks). LASIK surgery available.
LASIK eye surgery: €2,500–3,800
Glasses/contacts: comparable to Europe
General Consultation
GPs available in Papeete and on main islands. No online booking platform (no Doctolib) — call directly.
Specialist: €42–84
CHPF public ER: free for genuine emergencies
Private clinic ER: €67–125
Pharmacies
Well-stocked in Papeete and on main islands. Medications are 30–60% more expensive than in mainland France. Bring your regular prescriptions for remote islands.
Prescription drugs: available with local Rx
OTC medications: available, pricier
COVID/flu tests: available OTC
Frequently asked questions — Health in French Polynesia
Plan your trip to French Polynesia
Budget, itineraries, best time to visit: all our free guides written from Tahiti.
See the budget guide →