Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 110 (police) or 1990 (ambulance — Suwa Seriya). Public hospitals treat all for free. Suwa Seriya ambulance service improving rapidly.
Response time: 15-30+ minutes (traffic-dependent)
Cost: Public hospitals: free for everyone including tourists. Private ER: LKR 3,000-15,000 ($10-50).
Healthcare System
Sri Lanka provides free public healthcare to everyone, including tourists — a notable benefit. Quality varies between Colombo's major hospitals and rural facilities. Private hospitals in Colombo (Asiri, Nawaloka, Lanka Hospitals) offer good English-speaking care at affordable prices.
Designed for: All residents — public healthcare is free for everyone including visitors. Private sector for faster access.
GP Access & Costs
Public hospitals free for all. Private channelling doctors (specialist appointments) widely available. Walk-in accepted at public hospitals.
Typical wait: Private channelling: same-day/next-day. Public outpatient: hours of waiting.
Availability: Good in Colombo and major cities. Limited in rural/plantation areas.
GP Visit
Public: free
Private GP
LKR 1,500-3,000 ($5-10)
ER Without Insurance
Public: free. Private: LKR 5,000-30,000 ($17-100).
Medication
Very affordable. State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) and private pharmacies. Many medications available cheaply.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Daily 8am-9pm commonly. Some 24-hour pharmacies in Colombo. Hospital pharmacies 24/7.
OTC: Many medications available without prescription. Pharmacists can advise and supply common treatments affordably.
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry doctor's letter for all controlled medications. Some common medications elsewhere may be restricted.
Practical Tips
- Asiri, Nawaloka, and Lanka Hospitals in Colombo offer English-speaking private care
- Public hospitals are free but expect long waits — private channelling is fast and cheap
- Carry insect repellent — dengue is a serious risk year-round
- Avoid touching stray dogs — rabies pre-exposure vaccination recommended
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage recommended for rural/wildlife areas
Who can get care in Sri Lanka?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Sri Lanka treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status.
Public system for visitors
Short-term visitors can use the public system broadly on the same basis as residents.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Public hospitals free for all. Private channelling doctors (specialist appointments) widely available. Walk-in accepted at public hospitals. Typical cost: Public: free. Private GP: LKR 1,500-3,000 ($5-10). Specialist channelling: LKR 2,000-5,000 ($7-17). Typical wait: Private channelling: same-day/next-day. Public outpatient: hours of waiting.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: Public: free. Private: LKR 5,000-30,000 ($17-100)..
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Passport
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
Local contacts in Sri Lanka
Emergency services
110 / 1990
Call 110 (police) or 1990 (ambulance — Suwa Seriya). Public hospitals treat all for free. Suwa Seriya ambulance service improving rapidly.
Pharmacies
Daily 8am-9pm commonly. Some 24-hour pharmacies in Colombo. Hospital pharmacies 24/7.
Many medications available without prescription. Pharmacists can advise and supply common treatments affordably.
What is the emergency number in Sri Lanka?
110 or 1990 in Sri Lanka. Call 110 (police) or 1990 (ambulance — Suwa Seriya). Public hospitals treat all for free. Suwa Seriya ambulance service improving rapidly.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Sri Lanka?
Public: free. Private GP: LKR 1,500-3,000 ($5-10). Specialist channelling: LKR 2,000-5,000 ($7-17). Private consultations: LKR 1,500-3,000 ($5-10).
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Sources: Sri Lankan Ministry of Health, WHO Sri Lanka, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare