Health & Medical Preparation
Vaccinations, insurance requirements, altitude considerations, cold-related injuries, and medical facilities available during Antarctic travel. What to know before you go.
Antarctica has no hospitals, no pharmacies, and no emergency rooms. The nearest major medical facility is in Ushuaia, Argentina -- a minimum of 48 hours away by sea or several hours by emergency air evacuation (weather permitting). Medical preparation and comprehensive insurance are not optional.
Pre-Travel Medical Requirements
Medical Declaration
All Antarctic expedition operators require a medical declaration form, typically:
- Completed by your personal physician within 90 days of departure
- Covering cardiovascular health, respiratory function, mobility, and mental health
- Disclosing all current medications and chronic conditions
- Declaring any history of seizures, blood clots, or altitude sickness
Dental Check
Get a full dental examination before departure. Dental emergencies in Antarctica can only be managed with pain relief -- there are no dental facilities available.
Vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are legally required for Antarctica. However, the following are recommended:
| Vaccination | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Current boosters recommended; some operators require |
| Influenza | Strongly recommended -- close quarters on ships |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria | Ensure up to date |
| Hepatitis A & B | Recommended for all international travel |
| Yellow Fever | Required if transiting through endemic zones (some South American ports) |
Insurance Requirements
Mandatory Coverage
All Antarctic tour operators require comprehensive travel insurance with:
- Emergency medical evacuation: Minimum $200,000 coverage (interior expeditions: $500,000)
- Medical treatment: Coverage for treatment at the nearest adequate facility
- Trip interruption/cancellation: Weather and ice conditions cause regular changes
- Repatriation: Coverage for medical repatriation to your home country
Recommended Providers
Look for insurers experienced in polar travel. Standard travel insurance often excludes "extreme" destinations. Confirm in writing that your policy covers:
- Antarctica (south of 60 S)
- Zodiac operations
- Any adventure activities you plan to undertake (kayaking, diving, mountaineering)
- Helicopter evacuation
Altitude Considerations
Peninsula (Sea Level)
No altitude concerns for standard ship-based expeditions.
Interior & South Pole
- Union Glacier: ~700m elevation. Minimal altitude concern
- Polar Plateau: 2,835m at the South Pole. The physiological altitude feels higher due to the spinning of the Earth compressing the atmosphere at the poles -- effective altitude is approximately 3,400m
- Symptoms: Headache, nausea, shortness of breath, insomnia
- Prevention: Acclimatize at Union Glacier before ascending. Hydrate aggressively. Ascend gradually if skiing
- Treatment: Descent is the definitive treatment. Supplemental oxygen available at Amundsen-Scott Station for emergencies
Cold-Related Medical Issues
Dehydration
Cold, dry Antarctic air dehydrates rapidly. You may not feel thirsty. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day, more during physical activity. Signs: headache, dark urine, fatigue.
UV Exposure
The Antarctic ozone hole means UV radiation levels can be extreme, even on overcast days. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours on exposed skin. UV-reflecting off snow and ice can cause snow blindness -- always wear quality sunglasses.
Seasickness
The Drake Passage is notoriously rough. Scopolamine patches (prescription) are the gold standard. Begin treatment before departure from Ushuaia. Ship doctors carry additional medications.
Medical Facilities During Your Trip
On Ship
Expedition ships carry a licensed medical doctor and a basic medical facility including:
- Emergency stabilization equipment
- Basic X-ray (on larger vessels)
- Prescription medications for common conditions
- Wound care and minor surgical capability
On Continent
Research stations have medical officers but are not equipped to treat tourists. In genuine emergencies, station doctors will assist, but this is not a planned service. Self-sufficiency is the expectation.
Evacuation
Medical evacuation from Antarctica is complex, weather-dependent, and expensive. Helicopter evacuations from landing sites to the ship are possible in good weather. Ship-to-mainland evacuations require 48+ hours. Air evacuations from interior camps depend entirely on weather and may take days.