🇨🇼 Curaçao Healthcare Guide
St Elisabeth Hospital in Willemstad is Curacao's main facility and handles most emergencies, with complex cases transferred to Colombia or the Netherlands. The island's healthcare system operates in Papiamentu and Dutch, with some English — having your medication list with generic names saved and accessible smooths any interaction from the pharmacy counter to the emergency department.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $25 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Curaçao Medical Centre (CMC) in Willemstad is the island’s main hospital, providing emergency, inpatient, and specialist care. St. Elisabeth Hospital also handles general cases. Dutch healthcare standards apply, and care is competent for most non-complex needs. Specialist cases beyond local capacity are referred to hospitals in Colombia or the Netherlands.
Dutch healthcare standards
Curaçao follows Dutch medical protocols and pharmaceutical standards. EU prescriptions and medical documentation are generally familiar to local providers.
Colombia referral pathway
For specialist care unavailable on the island, Bogotá and Medellín are the most common referral destinations.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Pharmacies in Willemstad are well-stocked by Caribbean standards, following Dutch pharmaceutical regulations. Specialist medications may need to be ordered from the Netherlands. Carry your full supply, as restocking can take several days for uncommon prescriptions.
Dutch pharmaceutical regulations
Curaçao’s pharmacies follow Dutch rules. Most EU prescriptions are accepted, though pharmacist verification is standard.
Tips for travellers
CMC covers most specialist care for the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), making it the regional hub. For complex conditions beyond local capacity, referral to Colombia or the Netherlands is arranged. Having your treatment plan saved and accessible in Dutch, Papiamento, or English helps CMC’s specialists assess your care and determine whether local management is feasible.
ABC islands referral hub
Curaçao’s CMC serves as the specialist referral centre for Aruba and Bonaire as well.