Emergency Numbers & Access
Public ambulances are basic. Use private hospitals (Royal Phnom Penh, SOS International) for emergencies. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.
Response time: 30-60+ minutes; ambulance services unreliable outside cities
Cost: $50-500+ at private facilities
Healthcare System
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.
Designed for: Residents; tourists rely heavily on private clinics
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private international clinics; cash payment
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Availability: Good in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; very limited elsewhere
GP Visit
$30-80 private clinic visit
Private GP
$30-80
ER 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.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Generally 7am-8pm; some 24h in cities
OTC: Wide range sold without prescription, but counterfeit risk
Controlled substances: Drug laws are extremely strict. Carry official prescriptions for all medications.
Practical Tips
- 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
Who can get care in Cambodia?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Cambodia treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private international clinics; cash payment Typical cost: $30-80 private clinic visit Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $200-2,000+.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Travel insurance with medevac
- Passport photos for visa on arrival
Local contacts in Cambodia
Emergency services
119 / 118
Public ambulances are basic. Use private hospitals (Royal Phnom Penh, SOS International) for emergencies. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.
Pharmacies
Generally 7am-8pm; some 24h in cities
Wide range sold without prescription, but counterfeit risk
What is the emergency number in Cambodia?
119 or 118 in Cambodia. Public ambulances are basic. Use private hospitals (Royal Phnom Penh, SOS International) for emergencies. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Cambodia?
$30-80 private clinic visit Private consultations: $30-80.
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Sources: WHO Cambodia, CDC Travelers Health 2024, International SOS
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare