Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 140 for Red Cross ambulance (most reliable). Call 112 for general emergencies. Private hospitals may require cash deposit before treatment. Public hospitals face severe resource shortages.
Response time: 15-30 minutes in Beirut; highly variable elsewhere
Cost: $100-500+ USD (cash payment often required upfront)
Healthcare System
Lebanon historically had some of the best healthcare in the Middle East, with excellent private hospitals and highly trained doctors. The ongoing economic crisis (since 2019) has devastated the system — many doctors have emigrated, public hospitals face severe shortages of medications, fuel, and equipment. Private hospitals in Beirut still function but at much higher USD costs. Payment is often cash-only.
Designed for: Those who can afford private care; public system severely strained
GP Access & Costs
Private clinics (appointment); public facilities severely strained
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics if paying cash
GP Visit
$30-80 USD cash
Private GP
$30-80 USD (cash)
ER Without Insurance
$100-500+ USD; cash deposit often required before treatment
Medication
Severe medication shortages due to economic crisis. Many common drugs unavailable or in short supply. Bring ALL needed medications with you.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: 8am-8pm; many closed irregularly due to supply shortages
OTC: Significantly reduced due to economic crisis — do not rely on local availability
Practical Tips
- American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) is the best hospital — still functioning well
- Hôtel-Dieu de France and Clemenceau Medical Center are other good private options in Beirut
- Bring ALL medications you might need — do NOT rely on local pharmacies
- Carry significant USD cash — card payments may not work everywhere
- Power cuts are routine — carry a phone charger/power bank
- Lebanese Red Cross (140) provides the most reliable ambulance service
- Outside Beirut, medical facilities are much more limited
- Check UK FCDO / US State Dept advisories before travel — security situation can change rapidly
- Medical evacuation to Istanbul, Amman, or Dubai for serious cases
Who can get care in Lebanon?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Lebanon 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 (appointment); public facilities severely strained Typical cost: $30-80 USD cash Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics if paying cash
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $100-500+ USD; cash deposit often required before treatment.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Passport
- Cash (USD) for medical payments
- List of medications with prescriptions
Local contacts in Lebanon
Emergency services
112 / 140 (Red Cross) / 175 (Internal Security)
Call 140 for Red Cross ambulance (most reliable). Call 112 for general emergencies. Private hospitals may require cash deposit before treatment. Public hospitals face severe resource shortages.
Pharmacies
8am-8pm; many closed irregularly due to supply shortages
Significantly reduced due to economic crisis — do not rely on local availability
What is the emergency number in Lebanon?
112 or 140 (Red Cross) or 175 (Internal Security) in Lebanon. Call 140 for Red Cross ambulance (most reliable). Call 112 for general emergencies. Private hospitals may require cash deposit before treatment. Public hospitals face severe resource shortages.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Lebanon?
$30-80 USD cash Private consultations: $30-80 USD (cash).
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Sources: Lebanon Ministry of Public Health, WHO Lebanon, CDC Travelers Health 2024, UK FCDO Travel Advice Lebanon, Lebanese Red Cross
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
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