Myanmar (Burma) Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Myanmar (Burma) — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Myanmar has one of the most under-resourced healthcare systems in Southeast Asia. Private hospitals in Yangon offer basic-to-moderate care. Serious conditions require medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Political instability has further strained the system.
System type: Public system with severe limitations + private hospitals in Yangon
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 199
Typical response time: 30-60+ minutes; unreliable
Costs: $30-300+ at private hospitals
Ambulance service is unreliable. Private hospitals (Pun Hlaing, Asia Royal) in Yangon are best. Medical evacuation to Bangkok is common.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics; cash payment
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Typical cost: $15-40 private clinic visit
Limited to Yangon and Mandalay; essentially unavailable elsewhere
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria risk in rural areas. Dengue present. Rabies is common. Japanese Encephalitis risk in rural/agricultural areas.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: no
e-Visa available for tourism. Check current travel advisories due to political situation. Some areas restricted.
Documents to prepare:
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- e-Visa
- Travel insurance with medevac
- Passport photos
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $15-40
Emergency care without insurance: $100-2,000+
Medication: Basic medications available cheaply. Counterfeit risk exists. Bring all personal medications.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Generally 8am-8pm
Over the counter: Many medications available OTC; quality varies
Controlled substances: Extremely strict drug laws — severe penalties. Carry prescriptions for ALL medications.
Things that catch visitors out in Myanmar (Burma)
- Medical evacuation to Bangkok is standard for any serious condition
- Political instability has severely impacted healthcare access
- Cash only — ATMs unreliable; bring USD and exchange locally
- Internet connectivity is unreliable — download maps and info offline
Practical tips for travellers
- Medical evacuation insurance covering Bangkok transfer is ESSENTIAL
- Pun Hlaing International Hospital in Yangon is the best option for foreigners
- Bring a complete supply of all medications — do NOT rely on local pharmacies
- Check current travel advisories before visiting — situation is volatile
- Carry USD cash as backup — banking system is unstable
Have a travel question about Myanmar (Burma)?
Ask Alex, our AI travel companion, gives members country-specific travel answers about local hospitals, English-speaking doctors, pharmacy rules and more — for Myanmar (Burma) and 170+ other countries. It does not provide personal medical advice.