🇼🇸 Samoa Healthcare Guide
Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia on Upolu is Samoa's main facility and handles most emergencies, with a smaller hospital on Savai'i. English is widely spoken alongside Samoan, and the standard of care for basic emergencies is adequate. For anything requiring specialist treatment, evacuation to New Zealand is the standard protocol — knowing this, and having your medical summary saved and accessible for a facility that won't have access to your home records, makes the process smoother if a transfer is needed.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $60 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTM) in Apia is Samoa’s main hospital, providing emergency, inpatient, and limited specialist care on Upolu. Savai’i (the larger but less populated island) has Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital in Tuasivi with basic services. Samoa’s healthcare infrastructure is vulnerable to cyclones; the 2009 tsunami and subsequent storms caused significant damage that took years to rebuild. Private clinics in Apia supplement the public hospital.
Cyclone vulnerability
Samoa’s healthcare infrastructure is cyclone-vulnerable. During cyclone season (November–April), access to facilities may be disrupted.
Savai’i access
Savai’i’s hospital in Tuasivi provides basic care. Specialist needs require the ferry to Upolu (1 hour) and then travel to Apia.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Apia has pharmacies stocking common medications, but the range is limited and specialist prescriptions may be unavailable. Savai’i has minimal pharmacy access. Carry your full medication supply for the entire stay.
Limited specialist stock
Samoan pharmacies stock basics but rarely carry specialist medications. Bring everything you need from home.
Tips for travellers
TTM Hospital provides basic specialist care, but complex chronic conditions are referred to Auckland (New Zealand), which has an established Pacific patient referral pathway. Having your treatment plan accessible in English helps both Samoan and New Zealand providers continue your care. Auckland’s hospitals are experienced with Pacific Island referrals and have Samoan-speaking staff.
Auckland referral pathway
Auckland hospitals have established pathways for Pacific Island patients, including Samoan-speaking staff and cultural liaison services.