Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 911 — operators speak Arabic and English. Jordan Hospital and Al Khalidi Hospital have the best-regarded ERs in Amman. For trauma: Al Bashir Government Hospital is the main public trauma centre (overcrowded but experienced). King Hussein Cancer Center has specialised emergency services for oncology patients. Private hospitals generally provide faster, cleaner emergency care. Deposits may be required at private hospitals — carry credit card or cash. In Aqaba and Dead Sea resort areas, local private clinics handle most tourist emergencies; serious cases are transferred to Amman (3-4 hours by road, helicopter available).
Response time: 8-15 minutes in Amman, 15-30 minutes in other cities. Civil Defence operates ambulance service. Private hospitals have their own ambulance services (often faster).
Cost: Public hospital ER: JOD 5-30 ($7-42). Private hospital ER: JOD 30-200 ($42-280). Private ambulance: JOD 20-50 ($28-70). Civil Defence ambulance: free/nominal. Private hospital admission: JOD 50-300/day ($70-420). ICU (private): JOD 200-800/day ($280-1,130). Surgery (private): JOD 500-15,000 ($700-21,150).
Healthcare System
Jordan punches far above its weight in healthcare. With 106 hospitals (65 private), the country has the highest ratio of doctors per capita in the region. Amman alone has 15+ JCI-accredited hospitals — more than many countries. The medical tourism industry generates $2+ billion annually, attracting 250,000+ medical tourists from Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, Palestine, and increasingly from Europe and the US. Private hospitals in Amman are modern, English-speaking, and priced at 50-80% below US/European equivalents. Key hospitals: King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC — world-class oncology), Jordan Hospital, Al Khalidi Hospital, Specialty Hospital, Ibn Al Haytham Hospital (ophthalmology), and Abdali Hospital. Many senior Jordanian doctors trained at Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and top UK/European institutions.
Designed for: Jordanian citizens and insured residents through Civil Insurance Program or Royal Medical Services. Jordan is the #1 medical tourism destination in the Middle East and top 5 globally — the private sector actively courts international patients.
GP Access & Costs
Private clinics everywhere — walk-in accepted, no referral needed for any specialist. Many doctors operate evening clinics (عيادة مسائية) from 4-10pm. Pharmacy-doctor partnerships common — pharmacists refer to nearby doctors. Medical tourism coordination companies (Jordan Healthcare Group, Medical Jordan) arrange full packages. Telemedicine growing through Altibbi platform (Jordanian-founded, largest Arabic telemedicine platform).
Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day, often within 30 minutes. Evening clinics: 30-90 minutes. Specialist (private): same-day to 3 days. Public hospital outpatient: 1-4 hours. Medical tourism appointments: pre-arranged, immediate.
Availability: Excellent in Amman — private clinics in every neighbourhood, concentrated in Shmeisani, Sweifieh, and Abdoun areas. Good in Irbid, Zarqa, and Aqaba. Limited in rural areas and eastern desert. Amman has an extraordinary density of specialists for a city its size.
GP Visit
Private GP: JOD 10-30 ($14-42)
Private GP
GP: JOD 10-30 ($14-42). Specialist: JOD 20-60 ($28-85). Professor: JOD 30-80 ($42-113). Dental implant: JOD 200-450 ($280-635 — 70% cheaper than Europe). Knee replacement: JOD 3,000-5,000 ($4,230-7,050 — 80% cheaper than US). LASIK: JOD 400-800 ($564-1,130 — 60% cheaper than UK). Cardiac bypass: JOD 5,000-10,000 ($7,050-14,100).
ER Without Insurance
Private ER: JOD 30-200 ($42-280). Admission: JOD 50-300/day ($70-420). ICU: JOD 200-800/day ($280-1,130). Surgery: JOD 500-15,000 ($700-21,150). Medical evacuation: rarely needed — Amman hospitals handle almost everything.
Medication
Very affordable. Jordan has a strong generic pharmaceutical industry (Hikma Pharmaceuticals, founded in Amman, is now a global top-50 pharma company). Most medications cost JOD 1-10 ($1.40-14). Pharmacies are well-stocked and professional. Pharmacists can recommend treatments and many medications sold without prescription. Imported brand-name drugs: JOD 5-30 ($7-42).
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Most pharmacies: 8am-10pm daily. Pharmacie de garde (صيدلية مناوبة — duty pharmacy) system ensures 24/7 access. Pharmacy One (فارمسي ون), Ibn Sina, and City Pharmacy are major chains. Pharmacists are well-trained (PharmD degree) and often speak English.
OTC: Liberal — many medications available without prescription including antibiotics (technically restricted but widely dispensed). Pharmacists are knowledgeable first-line care providers. Quality is good — Jordanian pharmaceutical manufacturing meets international standards.
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws — Jordan has zero tolerance for recreational drugs. Carry doctor's letter for all controlled medications (opioids, benzodiazepines, ADHD medications). Tramadol and codeine products require documentation. Cannabis: illegal with severe penalties. Jordanian customs may inspect medications.
Practical Tips
- Jordan Hospital (الأردن) and Al Khalidi Hospital (الخالدي) — best all-round private hospitals in Amman. English-speaking.
- King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) — world-class oncology centre. Seek referral here for any cancer-related concerns.
- Buy a Jordan Pass online BEFORE arrival — saves JOD 40 visa fee and includes Petra entry
- Medical tourism tip: dental work, LASIK, orthopaedics, and cosmetic surgery are Jordan's strongest sectors — 50-80% cheaper than West
- Dead Sea safety: don't shave before, cover cuts, don't put face underwater, limit to 20 minutes, drink water constantly
- Stay hydrated everywhere — Jordan is arid and dehydration happens fast, especially at Petra (bring 3+ litres)
- Evening clinic hours (4-10pm) are the busiest — morning visits are quicker
- Altibbi (الطبي) telemedicine app — Jordanian-founded, Arabic and English, excellent for initial medical advice
- Pharmacists at Pharmacy One and Ibn Sina chains are well-trained — good first stop for minor ailments
- Carry JOD cash for smaller clinics and pharmacies — cards accepted at major hospitals
Who can get care in Jordan?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Jordan 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
Private clinics everywhere — walk-in accepted, no referral needed for any specialist. Many doctors operate evening clinics (عيادة مسائية) from 4-10pm. Pharmacy-doctor partnerships common — pharmacists refer to nearby doctors. Medical tourism coordination companies (Jordan Healthcare Group, Medical Jordan) arrange full packages. Telemedicine growing through Altibbi platform (Jordanian-founded, largest Arabic telemedicine platform). Typical cost: Private GP: JOD 10-30 ($14-42). Specialist: JOD 20-60 ($28-85). Professor/consultant: JOD 30-80 ($42-113). Dental check-up: JOD 10-25 ($14-35). Dental procedure (crown/implant): JOD 80-350 ($113-493). Blood tests: JOD 5-30 ($7-42). MRI: JOD 80-200 ($113-280). Full-body check-up package: JOD 50-200 ($70-280). Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day, often within 30 minutes. Evening clinics: 30-90 minutes. Specialist (private): same-day to 3 days. Public hospital outpatient: 1-4 hours. Medical tourism appointments: pre-arranged, immediate.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: Private ER: JOD 30-200 ($42-280). Admission: JOD 50-300/day ($70-420). ICU: JOD 200-800/day ($280-1,130). Surgery: JOD 500-15,000 ($700-21,150). Medical evacuation: rarely needed — Amman hospitals handle almost everything..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Jordan Pass (جوردن باس — HIGHLY recommended: includes visa fee + 40+ attractions including Petra)
- Travel/medical insurance
- Prescription medications with doctor's letter
- Cash (JOD or USD — widely accepted) for clinic deposits
- Medical tourism package documentation (if applicable)
Local contacts in Jordan
Emergency services
911 (unified emergency) / 199 (civil defence/ambulance)
Call 911 — operators speak Arabic and English. Jordan Hospital and Al Khalidi Hospital have the best-regarded ERs in Amman. For trauma: Al Bashir Government Hospital is the main public trauma centre (overcrowded but experienced). King Hussein Cancer Center has specialised emergency services for oncology patients. Private hospitals generally provide faster, cleaner emergency care. Deposits may be required at private hospitals — carry credit card or cash. In Aqaba and Dead Sea resort areas, local private clinics handle most tourist emergencies; serious cases are transferred to Amman (3-4 hours by road, helicopter available).
Pharmacies
Most pharmacies: 8am-10pm daily. Pharmacie de garde (صيدلية مناوبة — duty pharmacy) system ensures 24/7 access. Pharmacy One (فارمسي ون), Ibn Sina, and City Pharmacy are major chains. Pharmacists are well-trained (PharmD degree) and often speak English.
Liberal — many medications available without prescription including antibiotics (technically restricted but widely dispensed). Pharmacists are knowledgeable first-line care providers. Quality is good — Jordanian pharmaceutical manufacturing meets international standards.
What is the emergency number in Jordan?
911 (unified emergency) or 199 (civil defence/ambulance) in Jordan. Call 911 — operators speak Arabic and English. Jordan Hospital and Al Khalidi Hospital have the best-regarded ERs in Amman. For trauma: Al Bashir Government Hospital is the main public trauma centre (overcrowded but experienced). King Hussein Cancer Center has specialised emergency services for oncology patients. Private hospitals generally provide faster, cleaner emergency care. Deposits may be required at private hospitals — carry credit card or cash. In Aqaba and Dead Sea resort areas, local private clinics handle most tourist emergencies; serious cases are transferred to Amman (3-4 hours by road, helicopter available).
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Jordan?
Private GP: JOD 10-30 ($14-42). Specialist: JOD 20-60 ($28-85). Professor/consultant: JOD 30-80 ($42-113). Dental check-up: JOD 10-25 ($14-35). Dental procedure (crown/implant): JOD 80-350 ($113-493). Blood tests: JOD 5-30 ($7-42). MRI: JOD 80-200 ($113-280). Full-body check-up package: JOD 50-200 ($70-280). Private consultations: GP: JOD 10-30 ($14-42). Specialist: JOD 20-60 ($28-85). Professor: JOD 30-80 ($42-113). Dental implant: JOD 200-450 ($280-635 — 70% cheaper than Europe). Knee replacement: JOD 3,000-5,000 ($4,230-7,050 — 80% cheaper than US). LASIK: JOD 400-800 ($564-1,130 — 60% cheaper than UK). Cardiac bypass: JOD 5,000-10,000 ($7,050-14,100)..
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Sources: Jordanian Ministry of Health, Private Hospitals Association of Jordan, Jordan Medical Tourism Council, King Hussein Cancer Center, CDC Travelers' Health — Jordan 2024, WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, UK Foreign Office Travel Advice Jordan
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
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