Emergency Numbers & Access
SAMU (1300) provides ambulance service in Libreville.
Response time: 20-40 minutes in Libreville
Cost: Public $10-50; private $50-300 USD
Healthcare System
Gabon is wealthier than most Central African nations due to oil revenue, and healthcare is slightly better. Centre Hospitalier de Libreville is the main hospital. Clinique El Rapha and other private clinics in Libreville offer reasonable care. Oil companies maintain medical facilities in Port-Gentil. Lopé and Ivindo National Parks have no medical facilities — jungle evacuation required. Malaria is endemic. Ebola outbreaks have occurred historically.
Designed for: Residents. Oil industry workers have company clinics. Tourists use private facilities.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics in Libreville
Typical wait: Same day at private; 2-4 hours at public
Availability: Libreville and Port-Gentil have reasonable options; rainforest areas have nothing
GP Visit
$30-80 USD
Private GP
$30-80 USD
ER Without Insurance
$100-2,000+ USD
Medication
Pharmacies in Libreville. Better stocked than most Central African countries.
Practical Tips
- Clinique El Rapha (Libreville) — recommended private clinic
- If visiting national parks, carry comprehensive medical kit and satellite phone
- Anti-malarial prophylaxis ESSENTIAL
- French is the only language in medical settings
- Evacuation insurance important for rainforest/park visits
Who can get care in Gabon?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Gabon 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 in Libreville Typical cost: $30-80 USD Typical wait: Same day at private; 2-4 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 Gabon
Emergency services
1300 (SAMU) / 18 (fire) / 17 (police)
SAMU (1300) provides ambulance service in Libreville.
Pharmacies
Pharmacy hours vary by city; larger towns usually have a late-night rota.
What is the emergency number in Gabon?
1300 (SAMU) or 18 (fire) or 17 (police) in Gabon. SAMU (1300) provides ambulance service in Libreville.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Gabon?
$30-80 USD Private consultations: $30-80 USD.
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Sources: Gabon Ministry of Health, WHO Gabon, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare