Visitors to the Azores are recommended to take out private medical insurance before leaving home. Not because there are any nasty endemic diseases, but because medical facilities here are somewhat deficient. As healthy as the climate is, and however slim the chances of being bitten by anything worse than a mosquito, there is always the possibility of an accident and it can be a long way home.
All European Union (EU) nationals visiting the Azores are entitled to the reciprocal arrangements covering medical care and expenses. However, dental treatment will mostly have to be paid for. Make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you when travelling to Azores.
Hospitals in the Azores are mostly new and equivalent to normal European standards. On certain islands where there are limited services emergency medical cases have to be flown either to Faial or Terceira. Health centres (centro medico) provide non-hospital treatment.
Pharmacies are widespread, but you should always take a sufficient supply of prescription drugs to more than last the length of your holiday. When travelling, do not pack them all in your suitcase. Always make sure you have enough tablets and any medical equipment you use regularly in your hand luggage. The pharmacies in larger towns will have a rota for out of business hours opening.
Travel vaccinations are not usually recommended, but hepatitis A may be considered for long-term visitors or for those who cannot take reasonable precautions over food and water. Shellfish can constitute a particular hazard, so if this is a must on your agenda then it is generally advised that you be inoculated against hepatitis A. A single dose of hepatitis A vaccine provides protection for one year. The vaccine can be boosted after that time to extend coverage to at least 20 years.
Tap water in the hotels is generally safe to drink. On some islands it tastes better than some bottled waters. If you are in any doubt then drink bottled or treated water. Mineral water is widely sold by the bottle, mostly imported from the mainland, but also sourced on São Miguel.
