Health & Safety
The Maldives are a health-safe travel destination — no malaria, no dengue risk (very low), clean drinking water in resorts. But the remoteness has its price: In an emergency, it can take time for help to arrive.
Vaccinations & Medicine
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended:
- Hepatitis A (strongly recommended)
- Hepatitis B (for longer stays)
- Typhoid (for stays on local islands)
- Update standard vaccinations (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles)
Medical Care
| Location | Care | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| Resorts (4–5★) | Own doctor + infirmary | Immediate |
| Malé: ADK Hospital | Modern care, international department | Speedboat/Seaplane |
| Malé: IGMH | Main state hospital, emergency room 24/7 | Speedboat/Seaplane |
| Local Islands (large) | Health Centre, basic care | On site |
| Local Islands (small) | First aid, then transfer to Malé | Variable |
Travel Pharmacy
- Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium, electrolytes)
- Painkillers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol)
- Band-aids & disinfectants (for coral cuts!)
- Antihistamines (for mosquito and jellyfish stings)
- Ear drops (divers/snorkelers — Swimmer's Ear)
- Sunburn gel (Aloe Vera, After Sun)
- Mosquito repellent (DEET 30 %+)
Dangers in the Water
- Currents: Atoll channels (Kandu) can have strong currents — never snorkel alone in channels, always listen to the guide's recommendation.
- Sun: At the equator, UV radiation is extreme. SPF 50+, sun hat, rash guard when snorkeling. Sunburn is the most common medical emergency in the Maldives!
- Corals: Do not step on corals — they are sharp and cause painful, slow-healing cuts. And they are protected!
- Sharks: Reef sharks are harmless and shyer than you think. Not a single fatal shark attack in the history of Maldivian tourism.
- Stingrays: In shallow water, shuffle your feet (Stingray Shuffle) to scare off sleeping rays.
- Jellyfish: Occasionally during monsoon season (May–October). Mostly harmless but painful. Rash guard and long pants when snorkeling provide protection.
- Stonefish: Extremely rare but highly venomous. Never walk barefoot on reefs or rocks — always wear water shoes or fins.
Achtung
An international travel health insurance with repatriation is absolutely mandatory! Medical care on remote islands is minimal, and evacuation by seaplane or speedboat can cost thousands of dollars. Check if your insurance covers diving accidents (DAN insurance for divers recommended).
