With its turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and swimmable reefs, the Maldives is the ultimate tropical paradise. But along with packing your swimsuit and sunscreen, it’s important to plan ahead for a safe and healthy trip in this island nation.
While the Maldives is generally safe, certain health risks like sunburn, dehydration, and waterborne illnesses are inherent in a beach destination. And the country’s remoteness means medical care may not be easily accessible.
By taking a few sensible precautions and following key travel health and safety tips, you can effectively prevent and respond to any health issues that may arise. This allows you to fully relax and experience the magic of the Maldives without worry.
Read on for a complete guide to staying healthy and safe as you embark on your Maldives getaway.
Pre-Travel Health Preparations
Taking care of a few health preparations before your trip will give you vital peace of mind while in the Maldives:
Immunizations
There are no vaccination requirements to enter the Maldives. However, the CDC recommends vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid to protect against food and waterborne diseases. Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks pre-travel.
Insurance Coverage
Confirm your health insurance provides adequate coverage internationally. If not, purchase separate travel health insurance and medical evacuation coverage in case of any major illnesses or injuries requiring hospitalization while abroad.
Medications
Bring enough of any essential prescription medications in their original containers, plus over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and antihistamines. Consider packing motion sickness tablets if prone to seasickness for the boat transfers.
First Aid Supplies
Pack a small first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, thermometer, insect repellent, and any other useful supplies. This allows you to self-treat minor cuts, burns, rashes or allergic reactions.
Water Safety in the Maldives
Many illnesses in the Maldives come from ingesting bacteria or viruses in contaminated food or recreational water. Follow these tips for staying hydrated and having fun in the water safely:
Drink Bottled Water
Drink only bottled water, even when brushing teeth. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks with ice, unbottled beverages, and raw fruits/vegetables rinsed in tap water.
Swim Sensibly
When snorkeling, don’t let water enter your nose or mouth. Avoid swallowing water when swimming in lagoons. Take breaks often when scuba diving. Never dive alone.
Exercise Caution in Heavy Rain
After heavy rainfall, avoid swimming in stagnant pools or groundwater that may be contaminated. Floodwaters may contain harmful debris too.
Prevent Injuries on Coral
Wear water shoes when walking in lagoons to avoid injuries on coral. Cuts expose you to infection from marine bacteria. If injured, promptly clean and disinfect any wounds.
Practice Sun Safety
Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid midday sun to prevent painful sunburns. Stay hydrated and seek shade to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. Cover up with hats, shades and lightweight, breathable clothing.
Food Safety Precautions
By being prudent with foods and beverages, you can avoid the number one travel illness: food poisoning. Follow these food safety guidelines:
Choose Low Risk Foods
Stick to hot, thoroughly cooked foods instead of high-risk items like raw salad greens, cold seafood platters, and unpeeled fruits. Avoid uncooked vegetables outside resorts.
Inspect Restaurants
Eat only at clean, reputable restaurants. Check that tables, cutlery and glasses are cleaned properly between customers. Avoid street food vendors.
Handle Self-Catering Carefully
When preparing food in self-catering accommodation, wash hands thoroughly first and sterilize surfaces/utensils. Cook meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly. Peel and wash produce.
Say No to Buffets
Avoid large resort buffets, where food sits out for hours and multiple guests handle utensils. Opt for a la carte dining when possible.
Drink Bottled Water
When dining out, only drink sealed bottled water and avoid tap water, fountain sodas, and ice in beverages. Check bottled water seals are intact.
General Health and Safety Tips
A few other precautions will help you steer clear of risks and enjoy a healthy trip in the Maldives:
Use Insect Repellent
Use DEET or picaridin repellent at dusk/dawn to prevent mosquito and sandfly bites that may transmit dengue fever or chikungunya.
Avoid Overexposure to Sun
Limit direct sun exposure, especially between 10am-2pm. Seek shade. Use sunscreen, shirts, hats and sunglasses. Drink fluids frequently.
Exercise Caution on Excursions
Follow safety briefings for all activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing or jet skiing. Avoid alcohol before water activities. Wear life jackets.
Get Medical Care Promptly
See a doctor quickly if you develop concerning symptoms like high fever, body aches, bloody diarrhea or difficulty breathing. Avoid self-medicating.
Monitor Travel Advisories
Check official government travel advisories and WHO disease outbreak notices periodically leading up to your trip for any developing risks. Be prepared to modify plans as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Maldives Health and Safety Tips
What vaccinations are recommended for travel to the Maldives?
While no vaccinations are mandatory, the CDC suggests vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid. Discuss recommended vaccinations with your doctor and get them at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
Is malaria a risk in the Maldives?
No, there is virtually no risk of malaria transmission in Maldives, as the mosquito species that carries malaria does not exist there. Malaria prophylaxis medication is not necessary.
What precautions should I take regarding dengue fever?
Use DEET insect repellent diligently to avoid mosquito bites that could potentially transmit dengue fever. Promptly see a doctor if you develop high fever, rash, muscle pains or bleeding while in Maldives, or within two weeks after returning.
Is it safe to drink any tap water in the Maldives?
No, only drink bottled water in the Maldives. Never drink tap water, have drinks with ice cubes, or brush teeth using tap water due to contamination risks. Stick to sealed bottled water.
What should I do if I have an injury while snorkeling or diving?
Carefully clean any scrapes, cuts or coral scratches sustained underwater with soap and safe drinking water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and keep covered until healed to avoid infection. Seek medical care for serious or worsening injuries.
How can I protect my skin and eyes from sun damage?
Use a broad-spectrum, reef-safe sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapply often when outdoors. Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants for added protection.
What should I do if I start feeling unwell during my trip?
If you develop concerning symptoms like high fever, body aches, diarrhoea or breathing difficulties, promptly visit a doctor at a reputable clinic. Do not wait as you may risk serious dehydration or complications. Inform staff of any major pre-existing conditions.
Summary
The Maldives promises a blissful tropical escape, and with sensible preparations and precautions, you can relax fully knowing you’ve taken steps to stay healthy. Get any recommended vaccinations and medications, choose safe foods and water, use repellent and sun protection, review travel advisories, and know how to get prompt medical care if needed. Following these health and safety tips will allow you to create only good memories during your Maldives getaway.