British Virgin Islands - Health

Medical facilities are adequate but limited. There is one public hospital and one private hospital on Tortola, one public and one private clinic on Virgin Gorda, and clinics with a government nurse on both Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. Prescriptions can be obtained in Tortola.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) provides first aid and transport to Tortola for individuals requiring emergency medical assistance.

There is no hyperbaric chamber in the BVI. Patients requiring treatment for decompression illness are transferred to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Be sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines.

Vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A and B are recommended.

Food and Water Concerns:

Island water is usually potable but check with the source. If in doubt, bottled water is easily accessible.

Ciguatera is present and consumption of fish containing toxins can cause serious illness (paralysis and low blood pressure) and very unpleasant symptoms (itching, numbness, dizziness).

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus have been reported.

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.

Plants and animals:

Be aware of the Manchineel tree (from the Spanish “manzana”, meaning apple). It’s 2 and 5 meters tall and resembles an apple tree. Found in dry and sandy soils (beaches), contact with any part of the tree can cause severe burning.

Jellyfish are often present during the summer months.

Prescription Drugs:

Medicines are widely available in public and private pharmacies throughout the islands.

Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Emergency Numbers:

See Emergencies.

Useful links:

• Ministry of Health and Social Development - Government of the Virgin Islands
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated:  October 2023