Emergency Numbers & Access
Ambulance service unreliable. Private transport to hospital is common.
Response time: 30-60+ minutes in major cities; unreliable elsewhere
Cost: Public $10-50; private $50-500+ USD
Healthcare System
Cameroon has basic healthcare in Douala (economic capital) and Yaoundé (political capital) with several private clinics and hospitals. Centre Hospitalier d'Essos and Clinique de la Cathédrale in Yaoundé are decent options. Public hospitals are overcrowded and under-equipped. Northern regions and Anglophone crisis areas (NW/SW) have severely disrupted services. Malaria is endemic nationwide. Yellow fever vaccination required.
Designed for: Residents. Tourists should use private clinics and carry comprehensive insurance.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics; public hospitals accept walk-ins
Typical wait: Same day at private; 2-6 hours at public
Availability: Douala and Yaoundé have adequate private options; very limited in north and rural areas
GP Visit
$20-80 USD at private clinics
Private GP
$20-80 USD
ER Without Insurance
$100-2,000+ USD
Medication
Pharmacies available in cities. Quality of medications may vary — buy from reputable pharmacies only.
Practical Tips
- Clinique de la Cathédrale (Yaoundé) and Clinique Fouda — good private options
- Always carry cash — many clinics don't accept cards
- Avoid travel to NW and SW regions due to ongoing conflict
- Anti-malarial prophylaxis is ESSENTIAL
- French language skills critical for medical care
Who can get care in Cameroon?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Cameroon 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 clinics; public hospitals accept walk-ins Typical cost: $20-80 USD at private clinics Typical wait: Same day at private; 2-6 hours at public
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $100-2,000+ USD.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover
- Yellow fever certificate
- Passport
- Visa
Local contacts in Cameroon
Emergency services
112 / 119 (police)
Ambulance service unreliable. Private transport to hospital is common.
Pharmacies
Pharmacy hours vary by city; larger towns usually have a late-night rota.
What is the emergency number in Cameroon?
112 or 119 (police) in Cameroon. Ambulance service unreliable. Private transport to hospital is common.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Cameroon?
$20-80 USD at private clinics Private consultations: $20-80 USD.
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Sources: Cameroon Ministry of Public Health, WHO Cameroon, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare