Do you need travel insurance?
Yes, always. Almost every US and EU student plan works fine here. Look for a policy that covers Caribbean travel, includes at least €50,000 of medical, and covers emergency evacuation. Coverage is inexpensive and mandatory for peace of mind.
Clinics and hospitals
The main hospital is Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), a modern facility in Otrobanda with 24/7 emergency care. Several private clinics around Willemstad handle everyday visits with same-day English-speaking appointments.
What happens in an emergency
Dial 912 for police, ambulance, or fire. NextWave staff are on WhatsApp 24/7 and will meet you at the hospital, translate, and coordinate with your insurance if you ever need it.
Basic island health tips
Drink more water than you think you need. Wear reef-safe sunscreen and reapply after every swim. Sea urchins live near rocks, so reef shoes are worth the €10. Tap water in Curaçao is desalinated and safe to drink.