Medical Guide for Migrants: CMC Hospital, Costs, and Free Alternatives
Getting sick in a foreign country without legal documents or health insurance is one of the biggest fears for any migrant. In Curaçao, the healthcare system is not free and operates under mandatory policies (SVB) or private insurance.
However, if you are undocumented or do not yet have a formal job, there are international and local norms that protect your right to life. Below, we explain exactly how the healthcare system works on the island for foreigners in 2026.
1. Emergencies at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC)
The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) is the main and most modern hospital on the island. Many people avoid going out of fear of deportation or being denied care, but you should know the following:
The cost: Although emergency care is guaranteed, it is not free. Once the patient is stabilized, the billing department will generate a medical bill in your name. Hospital costs in Curaçao are high (thousands of guilders), and the debt will be recorded.
2. Private Consultations (Huisarts or General Practitioner)
If your situation is not a vital emergency (for example: fever, infections, sprains), the hospital will not treat you for free and will require an upfront deposit. In these cases, the best option is to visit a Huisarts (private general practitioner).
- Costs: A private medical consultation for uninsured individuals costs between $70 and $140 USD (approximately 60 to XCG 250). Nighttime or weekend consultations are more expensive.
- Requirement: Upfront payment in cash or card is generally required.
- Where to find one? You can look for clinics like Medpoint Curaçao or Curaçao International Clinic, which are accustomed to treating tourists and expats, and many allow you to schedule an appointment via WhatsApp.
3. The Alternative for the Undocumented: Salú pa Tur
For undocumented migrants and asylum seekers who cannot afford a private doctor, the Salú pa Tur Foundation is the main and safest alternative.
It is a clinic operated by local NGOs and supported by UNHCR, specifically designed to provide primary care to uninsured migrants in Curaçao.
- Services: They offer general medicine consultations, gynecology, prenatal care, and management of chronic diseases (such as diabetes or hypertension).
- Costs: Basic care is free or at a very low symbolic cost if external laboratory tests are required.
- Location: They are located at Landhuis Kas Chikitu, 191 Franklin D. Rooseveltweg, Willemstad. You can contact them at +5999 529 5442.
This information is for guidance purposes. In extreme situations, always seek to reach the nearest emergency room (Spoedeisende Hulp).