Lumo

Staying healthy in Monaco: vaccines, insurance & doctor access

By Lars Eriksson3 min read
Staying healthy in Monaco: vaccines, insurance & doctor access
Photo by Alyona Nagel on Pexels (https://www.pexels.com/photo/scenic-view-of-monaco-harbor-with-yachts-and-cityscape-39506005/)

Monaco is a low-risk destination health-wise, but a bit of preparation goes a long way — make sure routine vaccines are current, carry proper travel insurance, and know how to reach a doctor outside normal hours. This guide covers what's actually documented, so it stays short and sticks to the facts.

Is tap water safe to drink in Monaco?

There's no specific guidance confirming tap water safety in Monaco from the sources checked here. If you want certainty, check current CDC or WHO guidance before you go, or ask your healthcare provider for destination-specific advice. Bottled water is always a safe fallback if you're unsure.

What vaccinations are recommended before visiting?

Before traveling to Monaco, make sure routine vaccines are up to date — this includes chickenpox (varicella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td), flu, MMR, polio, and shingles. COVID-19 vaccination is also recommended for all eligible travelers; the vaccine currently available in Monaco is the monovalent Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech), for adults and children 12 and over.

Hepatitis A is recommended for most travelers, particularly if you plan to visit smaller towns, rural areas, or eat street food, where the risk of food- or water-related infection is higher. Hepatitis B is recommended for any unvaccinated traveler, regardless of age.

This is general information, not medical advice — talk to your doctor or a travel medicine clinic about what's right for you before departure.

How do pharmacies and medical care work in Monaco?

Detailed information on pharmacy locations and hours wasn't found in the sources used for this guide, so check locally once you arrive or ask your hotel. For medical issues outside normal hours, Monaco runs a doctor on-call service (médecine de ville), reachable 7 days a week from 7 PM to 7 AM via 116 117.

Importantly, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are not accepted in Monaco. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover any medical treatment and repatriation if needed.

If you think you might have COVID-19, pharmacies offer antigen tests without a prescription (reimbursed by Monaco's Social Security Funds), while PCR tests are done at private laboratories and are fully reimbursed with a medical prescription. Self-tests are also available.

What about swimming safety?

Swim only in designated swimming areas, follow lifeguard instructions, and pay attention to warning flags on beaches. Avoid swallowing untreated water, as it can carry germs. Monaco has published a "Guide to responsible, safe bathing in the Principality," which covers its three beaches and the measures in place to maintain water quality — worth a look if you plan to spend time in the sea.

FAQ

Do I need specific vaccines for Monaco? Routine vaccines (varicella, DTaP/Tdap/Td, flu, MMR, polio, shingles) should be current, and Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and COVID-19 vaccination are recommended. Confirm what applies to you with your own healthcare provider.

What number do I call for a doctor at night? Dial 116 117 for the doctor on-call service, available every day from 7 PM to 7 AM.

Can I use my EHIC or GHIC card in Monaco? No — neither is accepted. Travel with adequate health insurance and funds to cover treatment and repatriation.

This guide is informational only and not medical advice.

Sources

Related Topics

Monaco health requirementstravel vaccines Monacotravel insurance Monacomedical care Monaco

Stay Connected Anywhere

Prepaid eSIM data plans for 180+ countries and territories. No physical SIM required.

Browse eSIM PlansBack to Guides