Emergency Numbers & Access
Ambulance unreliable. Take a tuk-tuk/taxi to hospital. Serious cases: evacuate to Thailand.
Response time: 20-40 min in Vientiane. Rural: often unavailable.
Cost: Public ER: $5-50. Private/French Medical Centre: $50-200.
Healthcare System
Laos has one of the least developed healthcare systems in Southeast Asia. Mahosot Hospital (Vientiane) is the best public facility but basic by international standards. French Medical Centre (Vientiane) offers limited private care. For anything serious, evacuation to Udon Thani or Bangkok (Thailand) is standard. Outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang, healthcare is extremely limited.
Designed for: Residents. Almost no tourist healthcare infrastructure.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at clinics in Vientiane. French Medical Centre for expats/tourists.
Typical wait: Same-day at clinics.
Availability: Basic in Vientiane/Luang Prabang. Almost none rural.
GP Visit
$10-40
Private GP
$10-40
ER Without Insurance
$20-200 in Laos. Evacuation to Thailand: $2,000-10,000.
Medication
Very cheap but quality uncertain. Counterfeit medications are a risk. Buy from established pharmacies only.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Very limited after hours.
OTC: Basic range. Many drugs of questionable quality.
Controlled substances: Extremely strict drug laws. Carrying unauthorised substances can result in life imprisonment or death penalty.
Practical Tips
- French Medical Centre (Vientiane) — best option for tourists, French and some English spoken
- Mahosot Hospital (Vientiane) — main public hospital, limited English
- Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital — basic only. Evacuate to Vientiane or Thailand for serious cases.
- Udon Thani (Thailand) is 1hr from Vientiane — standard evacuation route via Friendship Bridge
- Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, especially outside Vientiane
- Rabies: avoid all stray dogs. Post-exposure treatment may require evacuation to Thailand.
Who can get care in Laos?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Laos 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 clinics in Vientiane. French Medical Centre for expats/tourists. Typical cost: $10-40. Typical wait: Same-day at clinics.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $20-200 in Laos. Evacuation to Thailand: $2,000-10,000..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance with evacuation to Thailand
- Visa (required for most)
- Prescriptions
Local contacts in Laos
Emergency services
1195 (ambulance) / 1191 (police) / 1190 (fire)
Ambulance unreliable. Take a tuk-tuk/taxi to hospital. Serious cases: evacuate to Thailand.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Very limited after hours.
Basic range. Many drugs of questionable quality.
What is the emergency number in Laos?
1195 (ambulance) or 1191 (police) or 1190 (fire) in Laos. Ambulance unreliable. Take a tuk-tuk/taxi to hospital. Serious cases: evacuate to Thailand.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Laos?
$10-40. Private consultations: $10-40.
Join the waitlist to see 4 more FAQs
Sources: Lao Ministry of Health, WHO Laos, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare