Healthcare in Macau
When planning a lengthy stay in a foreign country, the question of staying safe and healthy naturally comes up. If you are moving to Macau, you're in luck as the region has a well-developed system of public and private medical facilities. What's more, with Hong Kong just a short ride away, you will have even more options when it comes to healthcare.
Macau's healthcare system, just like in most countries, is divided into private and public and there are three main hospitals in the region: the Hospital Conde S. Januário (public), Kiang Wu Hospital (private) and M.U.S.T Hospital (private). Apart from that, you will find a large number of health centres offering free healthcare to residents as well as smaller private clinics.
Public healthcare in Macau
As mentioned above, there is only one public hospital in Macau ' the Hospital Conde S. Januário, located in Macau Peninsula. Here, all legal residents can get medical services free of charge. However, as the Hospital Conde S. Januário is the only public healthcare facility in the region, it suffers from a high occupancy rate, and you will need to prepare yourself for long lines and slow service.
Private healthcare
Private healthcare in Macau is provided by two big hospitals: Kiang Wu Hospital and M.U.S.T Hospital (Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital) as well as a large number of private clinics across the city. You can also find clinics offering treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Naturally, if you seek treatment in a private medical facility, fees will apply, which vary from hospital to hospital.
Expatriates in Macau can receive care at any chosen facility. However, it is highly recommended that you arrange private health insurance before arrival (if your company does not provide you with one) ' the costs of treatment in a private facility can get quite high.
There are many insurance companies to choose from in Macau, according to your needs and budget. Some of the leading health insurance providers are:
Consider having a look at their offers according to your needs and get a free quote on Expat.com's Health Insurance for expatriates in Macau page.
Good to know:
Some expats prefer to travel to the neighbouring Hong Kong for medical treatment. You can find out more in our healthcare in Hong Kong article.
Pharmacies and medicine
You should not have any problems finding the needed medication in Macau ' there are many pharmacies in the city, and are well-stocked in both western and traditional Chinese medicine. Over-the-counter medication can also be purchased in the popular health and beauty chains: Watsons and Mannings.
Good to know:
If you can't find the exact medication you are looking for, ask the pharmacist for a similar product with the same main acting agent.
Staying healthy in Macau
Macau is a very safe place to live and, apart from the transition to a different climate, you should not experience any health issues upon the move. Note that Macau's climate is subtropical with very hot and humid summers, which may cause discomfort for people with certain health conditions. Typhoons are a common occurrence in the region and strong rainstorms can cause severe flooding and landslides ' make sure to check the weather forecasts regularly, specifically from May to October.
In case of emergency, call 999 (Chinese) or 112 (English).
Useful links:
