Madeira - Health
Visitors Health in Madeira
Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, located in Funchal, is the primary public hospital in Madeira that offers 24-hour emergency services.
There are also several private clinics and hospitals in Madeira, which offer a wide range of medical services and specialties. Private health services generally have shorter waiting times and greater availability of appointments, but costs can be significantly higher. Hospital Particular da Madeira located in the parish of São Martinho (Funchal) offers 24h emergency services.
There are many English-speaking doctors and dentists in Madeira.
EU citizens should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for a temporary stay in Madeira, allowing access to necessary medical care under the same conditions as local residents.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is available at Hospital da Luz and Hospital Dr. Nelio Mendonça in Funchal.
Ensure that you have adequate travel health insurance.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
You should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, which is transmitted by contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travelers.
Visitors should be vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before departure.
Rabies has not been reported in Madeira; therefore, most travelers are considered to be at low risk. However, bats may carry bat lyssavirus (bat rabies).
Food and Water Concerns:
Madeira’s tap water undergoes rigorous treatment and quality standards, ensuring safety for drinking. However, bottled water and purification methods are readily available for added assurance.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
There is a risk of Dengue Fever in this country. Take all necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten.
Prescription Drugs:
Madeira’s pharmacies offer a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, health advice, and first aid services, some with extended opening hours and overnight emergency services.
Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.
The SESARAM webpage provides a list of hospitals and health centers in Madeira.
For a list of SAR (Salvamento) offices throughout Portugal see page 38 onwards of this document (2021).
Useful link:
Last updated: July 2024
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Related to following destinations: Madeira
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We arrived at Marina Quinta do Lorde on August 14, 2024. This marina is located in one of the windiest areas of the island, where wind gusts can suddenly reach up to 30 knots right at the entrance, alongside strong tidal currents that must be considered when entering. The marina entrance is quite narrow.
The staff at the marina are friendly, and the check-in process is smooth. As we were coming from Spain, we were not required to clear with the authorities, as the marina notified them on our behalf. However, it is essential to contact the Portuguese Maritime Authority via VHF Channel 16 upon entering Madeira waters to inform them of which marina you will be docking at.
This marina is part of a resort complex (currently under renovation) and features a small coffee shop, a dive center, and a whale-watching tour operator. It is relatively isolated, with the nearest market located about 5 km away, so renting a car is advisable for greater mobility. There is a bus stop in front of the complex, and taxis are readily available.
If you wish to sail within Madeira’s waters—such as to Porto Santo, Desertas Islands, and Selvagens Islands—you must register and complete the request forms at https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt. You can also request scuba diving permits through the same portal. For additional information, you can email info.srtc@madeira.gov.pt.
We cleared out of Madeira via Marina Quinta do Lorde, which kindly filled out the official form for us. Our last port of call before exiting Portuguese waters was the Selvagens Islands, where there is a military base. You must call in on Channel 16 when approaching. In this area, there is only one allowed anchorage area, which is at Ensenada das Cagarras in the southern part of the island. It is necessary to pre-book the single anchorage buoy. If the buoy is occupied, you can drop anchor in the bay, but be aware that the bottom is flat and rocky with limited grip.
Marina Quinta do Lorde is very much open even though the resort is closed.
Marina staff very friendly with good English. Immigration will visit the marina to stamp passports in and out.
Good discounts for Ocean Cruising Club members.
Some interesting links about Madeira:
The Islets of Porto Santo: A treasure to preserve
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/LivroIPSanto.pdf
Ponta de São Lourenço: The most Eastern peninsula of Madeira
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/Livro_PSLourenco_2011.pdf
The Eastern Mountainous Massif of Madeira
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/LivroMMOrientalMadeira.pdf
The Laurissilva of Madeira-World Heritage
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/FLORESTA%20LAURISSILVA.pdf
We arrived from Gibraltar at the Quinta do Lorde Marina 26th May 2017. The Marina can be highly recommended. Everything is in perfect order, there are enough places for visitors. The staff is very helpful and the facilities are first class! The price for one week is moderate. The Marina is integrated in a 5-Star Resort with apartments, hotel and restaurant, very quiet. There is also a very experienced French ship chandler on site, who can manage a lot of problems of the boat.
Bus connection to Funchal. Rent a car by the Marina Office. Small Supermarket in the Marina. Petrol station just at left hand side of the entrance.
The marina Funchal is very crowded and cannot be recommended. Alternatively is Calheta Marina (inform them you are coming first by telephone).
A. Griesemer – SY Gamper