Nepal Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Nepal — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Nepal has limited healthcare infrastructure outside Kathmandu Valley. Private hospitals in Kathmandu provide reasonable care, but trekking regions have only basic health posts. Helicopter evacuation is common for trekking emergencies.
System type: Public system + private hospitals in Kathmandu; very limited outside valley
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 102 or 112
Typical response time: Variable; 15-30 min in Kathmandu, unavailable in remote areas
Costs: $30-500+ at private hospitals; helicopter rescue $3,000-5,000+
Helicopter rescue is the only option in mountain emergencies. Altitude sickness is a major risk above 2,500m. Kathmandu hospitals handle most tourist emergencies.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics in Kathmandu; cash or insurance
Typical wait: Same-day in Kathmandu
Typical cost: $15-50 private clinic visit
Good in Kathmandu; health posts only in trekking areas
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Tetanus, Polio
Rabies is very common — pre-exposure vaccination strongly recommended for trekkers. Altitude sickness medication (Acetazolamide) advised for high-altitude treks.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: no
Visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Separate trekking permits (TIMS) required for most trekking areas.
Documents to prepare:
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation
- Passport photos
- Trekking permits
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $15-50
Emergency care without insurance: $100-5,000+ (helicopter rescue)
Medication: Basic medications available cheaply in Kathmandu. Very limited supply in mountains — bring everything you need.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Generally 8am-8pm in cities
Over the counter: Many medications available OTC in Kathmandu but quality varies
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions for all medications.
Things that catch visitors out in Nepal
- Helicopter evacuation is the only option for mountain emergencies — ensure insurance covers it
- Altitude sickness can be life-threatening — acclimatize properly
- Healthcare is essentially unavailable above base camp level
- Power outages and water quality are ongoing concerns even in Kathmandu
Practical tips for travellers
- Insurance MUST include helicopter evacuation — standard policies often exclude it
- CIWEC Hospital and Nepal International Clinic in Kathmandu are best for tourists
- Carry Acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness prevention
- Bring a complete first-aid kit for trekking — nothing available on trails
- Pre-exposure rabies vaccination strongly recommended (dog bites common)
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