Lebanon Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Lebanon — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Lebanon historically had some of the best healthcare in the Middle East, with excellent private hospitals and highly trained doctors. The ongoing economic crisis (since 2019) has devastated the system — many doctors have emigrated, public hospitals face severe shortages of medications, fuel, and equipment. Private hospitals in Beirut still function but at much higher USD costs. Payment is often cash-only.
System type: Private-dominated healthcare system in severe economic crisis
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 112 or 140 (Red Cross) or 175 (Internal Security)
Typical response time: 15-30 minutes in Beirut; highly variable elsewhere
Costs: $100-500+ USD (cash payment often required upfront)
Call 140 for Red Cross ambulance (most reliable). Call 112 for general emergencies. Private hospitals may require cash deposit before treatment. Public hospitals face severe resource shortages.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Private clinics (appointment); public facilities severely strained
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics if paying cash
Typical cost: $30-80 USD cash
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (stray animals)
No malaria or dengue. Water quality has declined — use bottled water. Cholera outbreaks have occurred.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: no
Many nationalities receive free visa on arrival for 30 days. Israeli stamps in passport will result in entry refusal.
Documents to prepare:
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Passport
- Cash (USD) for medical payments
- List of medications with prescriptions
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $30-80 USD (cash)
Emergency care without insurance: $100-500+ USD; cash deposit often required before treatment
Medication: Severe medication shortages due to economic crisis. Many common drugs unavailable or in short supply. Bring ALL needed medications with you.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: 8am-8pm; many closed irregularly due to supply shortages
Over the counter: Significantly reduced due to economic crisis — do not rely on local availability
Things that catch visitors out in Lebanon
- Economic crisis has devastated healthcare — medication shortages are severe
- Many hospitals require USD cash deposit before treatment
- Power cuts affect hospitals (generators used but fuel may be limited)
- Many experienced doctors have emigrated — specialist availability reduced
- Lebanese pound has lost 98% of its value — pricing is chaotic
Practical tips for travellers
- American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) is the best hospital — still functioning well
- Hôtel-Dieu de France and Clemenceau Medical Center are other good private options in Beirut
- Bring ALL medications you might need — do NOT rely on local pharmacies
- Carry significant USD cash — card payments may not work everywhere
- Power cuts are routine — carry a phone charger/power bank
- Lebanese Red Cross (140) provides the most reliable ambulance service
- Outside Beirut, medical facilities are much more limited
- Check UK FCDO / US State Dept advisories before travel — security situation can change rapidly
- Medical evacuation to Istanbul, Amman, or Dubai for serious cases
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