Cambodia Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Cambodia — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Cambodia has a developing healthcare system. Public hospitals are underfunded and often lack equipment. Expatriate and tourist healthcare relies on private clinics in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Serious cases require medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore.
System type: Mixed public-private; limited public infrastructure
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 119 or 118
Typical response time: 30-60+ minutes; ambulance services unreliable outside cities
Costs: $50-500+ at private facilities
Public ambulances are basic. Use private hospitals (Royal Phnom Penh, SOS International) for emergencies. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private international clinics; cash payment
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Typical cost: $30-80 private clinic visit
Good in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; very limited elsewhere
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Tetanus
Malaria prophylaxis recommended for rural/border areas. Dengue risk year-round. Rabies common in stray dogs.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: no
e-Visa available for most nationalities. Visa on arrival at airports and land borders ($30 USD).
Documents to prepare:
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Travel insurance with medevac
- Passport photos for visa on arrival
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $30-80
Emergency care without insurance: $200-2,000+
Medication: Medications cheap but quality/authenticity can be questionable. Buy from reputable pharmacies only. Counterfeit drugs are a real risk.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Generally 7am-8pm; some 24h in cities
Over the counter: Wide range sold without prescription, but counterfeit risk
Controlled substances: Drug laws are extremely strict. Carry official prescriptions for all medications.
Things that catch visitors out in Cambodia
- Public hospitals should be avoided by tourists — conditions are very basic
- Medical evacuation to Bangkok is common for serious conditions
- Counterfeit medications are widespread — buy only from hospital pharmacies
- Cash (USD) is the primary currency — ATMs available but bring backup
Practical tips for travellers
- Medical evacuation insurance is ESSENTIAL — serious cases go to Bangkok
- Use Royal Phnom Penh Hospital or SOS International Clinic for quality care
- Bring a complete supply of any regular medications from home
- Drink only bottled/purified water; avoid ice from unknown sources
- Anti-malarial medication needed for rural and border areas
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