Falkland Islands
Health
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
The general standard of healthcare in the Falkland Islands is good. The only hospital is located in Stanley and offers very modern facilities with medical, dental and nursing staff. There is no resident qualified optician. More complex treatments might require medical evacuation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Healthcare arrangements for visiting UK residents
Under a reciprocal arrangement between the NHS and the health service in the Falkland Islands, all UK residents are entitled to receive the treatment below free while visiting the Falkland Islands:
- Hospital treatment;
- Other medical treatment;
- Prescribed medicines;
- Ambulance travel
Evidence of UK residency (NHS medical card or passport) will be required. Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance cover for medical air ambulance evacuation – this is not covered under the reciprocal healthcare arrangement. Any other medical costs in the third country are also not covered.