Choosing hospitals in French Polynesia
French Polynesia has healthcare facilities, mainly concentrated on the island of Tahiti. The main medical facility is the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française (CHPF) in Papeete. This public hospital provides general medical services, surgery, maternity care, as well as more specialized treatments such as cardiology and neurology.
However, in the more remote islands of the archipelago, medical facilities are limited, often consisting of small clinics or health centers providing basic care. In case of emergencies or treatments requiring advanced equipment, evacuation to Tahiti or even to France may be necessary.
Good to know: If you are an expat, check with your insurance provider to ensure your plan covers medical evacuation, as these costs can become very high.
For maritime emergencies, you can contact CROSS Polynesia (Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue) at +689 40 54 16 16.