It is always recommended that vacationers secure a good travel insurance policy to cover medical costs in the event of an emergency. If the unfortunate should happen, however, St. Maarten/St. Martin is extremely well serviced by excellent health facilities including two hospitals on each side of the island.
St. Maarten is also home to the American University of the Caribbean Medical School, further underlining the high standards of healthcare the island provides.
Pharmacies are well stocked and located all around the island. Opening times are generally standard, and there are several late night opening and emergency pharmacies. The Orange Grove Pharmacy specializes in servicing visitors from the US, Canada, and Europe with a 24-hour emergency delivery service. Pharmacist Frank can be contacted during the planning stages of a vacation for travelers with a health concern.
The Simpson Bay Pharmacy is centrally located in the island's resort and yachting center, with waterfront access for deliveries. They can fulfill large orders for yachts traveling through.
There are many private doctors and specialists in every field as well as dentists, optometrists, and physiotherapists. Your hotel will hold details of hospitals, ambulance services, doctors and other medical services, and our directory lists emergency numbers.
Perhaps the most common ailment, not surprisingly, is heat/sun-stroke so be sensible when acclimatizing to the tropical climate. Protect your head with a suitable hat and apply an appropriate sunscreen. In environments like this, it is recommended that you drink as much water as possible to avoid dehydration; simple common sense advice. The island tap water is safe to drink, but you may prefer to buy bottled water from any of the grocery stores and supermarkets.
Hopefully, you will have no need for medical services on your vacation, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
