Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 1021 for SAMU (French emergency medical service). CHU Mustapha (Algiers) is the main teaching hospital.
Response time: 10-20 min in Algiers/Oran. Rural/Saharan: 30+ min to hours.
Cost: Public ER: free. Private ER: DZD 3,000-15,000 ($22-110).
Healthcare System
Algeria has a large, French-style public healthcare system — free for all. CHU hospitals (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) in major cities are the best public facilities. Private clinics are growing, especially in Algiers and Oran. French is the language of medicine — English is rare. Healthcare quality in Saharan south is very limited.
Designed for: All residents (free public healthcare). Tourists can access both sectors.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at public polyclinics or private cabinets médicaux.
Typical wait: Public: 2-4 hours. Private: same-day.
Availability: Good in northern cities. Very limited in Saharan south.
GP Visit
Public: free
Private GP
DZD 2,000-5,000 ($15-37)
ER Without Insurance
Public: free. Private: $20-200. Evacuation to Paris: $15,000-30,000.
Medication
Very affordable. Government subsidises many medications. Pharmacies well-stocked in cities. French pharmaceutical brands.
Health insurance is required for visa
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Pharmacies de garde (duty pharmacies) operate nights/weekends.
OTC: Good range. French pharmaceutical system — many drugs available.
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions in French. Strict drug laws.
Practical Tips
- CHU Mustapha Pacha (Algiers) — main teaching hospital, French-speaking
- Clinique El Azhar (Algiers) — modern private clinic
- CHU Oran — best facility in western Algeria
- Speak French if possible — it's essential for medical care
- Saharan trips (Tassili, Hoggar): carry full medical kit, satellite phone, evacuation insurance
- Pharmacies de garde (duty pharmacies) posted on pharmacy doors for night/weekend needs
Who can get care in Algeria?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Algeria treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at public polyclinics or private cabinets médicaux. Typical cost: Public: free. Private: DZD 2,000-5,000 ($15-37). Typical wait: Public: 2-4 hours. Private: same-day.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Proof of medical insurance is required for entry or for a visa to Algeria.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Visa (required for most)
- Travel insurance
- Prescriptions in French
Local contacts in Algeria
Emergency services
14 (police) / 17 (gendarmerie) / 1021 (SAMU/ambulance)
Call 1021 for SAMU (French emergency medical service). CHU Mustapha (Algiers) is the main teaching hospital.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Pharmacies de garde (duty pharmacies) operate nights/weekends.
Good range. French pharmaceutical system — many drugs available.
What is the emergency number in Algeria?
14 (police) or 17 (gendarmerie) or 1021 (SAMU/ambulance) in Algeria. Call 1021 for SAMU (French emergency medical service). CHU Mustapha (Algiers) is the main teaching hospital.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Algeria?
Public: free. Private: DZD 2,000-5,000 ($15-37). Private consultations: DZD 2,000-5,000 ($15-37).
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Sources: Algeria Ministry of Health, WHO Algeria, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare