Bonaire - Health

Access to quality medical care is limited on the island. Medical facilities may require cash payment for medical treatment. In the event of a major illness or injury, medical evacuation can be exceedingly expensive.

Getting travel insurance that covers the extra costs for repatriation and hospitalization is recommended.

There is one hospital on the island - San Francisco Hospital - which has 60 beds and is fully equipped. There are a number of medical doctors on the island and an air ambulance service is available. There is also an out-of-hours walk-in clinic (Huisartsenpost Bonaire) at Kaya Soeur Bartolo 7. It is open from 6 pm until midnight (Mon-Fri) and all day Sat & Sun.

For diving emergencies, Bonaire has a Hyperbaric Chamber located behind the Centro Medico Office which is across the street from the San Francisco Hospital. It has trained medical personnel, on call 24 hours a day.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Bonaire.

Typhoid vaccination is also recommended.

A vaccination for yellow fever is required if traveling from a country with a risk of YF virus transmission.

Food and Water Concerns:

The water is safe to drink. On Bonaire, drinking water is distilled and purified from seawater.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Dengue Fever and Zika Virus are present in the Caribbean so it is advisable to take precautions against mosquitos and mosquito bites. Chikungunya is also a risk in this country.

Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Prescription Drugs:

Pharmacies provide prescription and over-the-counter medicine, but be aware that you may have difficulty finding some of the medications normally available in your home country and that visitors need a local prescription in order to get a prescription filled.

Make sure to carry any prescription medicines you need with you, in the original packaging, with a copy of your doctor's prescription.

Emergency Numbers: 
See Emergencies.

Useful Links:

• Bonaire Public Health Department
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated:  October 2023