Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 190 for SAMU ambulance. CHU Charles Nicolle (Tunis) is the main public ER. Private clinics have their own emergency departments. French is essential for communication — operators and staff speak Arabic and French. English is very limited in emergency settings.
Response time: 10-20 minutes in Tunis, Sousse, Sfax. 20-40+ minutes in rural areas and southern Tunisia. SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente) coordinates emergency medical response.
Cost: Public ER: TND 5-20 (~€1.50-6) nominal fee. Private ER: TND 50-300 (€15-90). Private hospital admission: TND 200-1,000/day (€60-300). Surgery (private): TND 1,000-15,000 (€300-4,500). Air evacuation to France: €10,000-30,000+.
Healthcare System
Tunisia has one of Africa's best healthcare systems — a legacy of significant post-independence investment in health infrastructure. The country has a well-developed two-tier system: public hospitals (CHU — Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) provide universal coverage for residents, while a robust private sector serves both Tunisians and international patients. Tunisia is a major medical tourism destination, particularly for French, Libyan, and sub-Saharan African patients — dental, cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, and orthopaedics are specialties. Private clinics in Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax are modern and well-equipped. French is the dominant medical language — almost all doctors are French-trained or French-speaking. English is limited but growing. Key hospitals: CHU Charles Nicolle (Tunis — main public teaching hospital), Hôpital Militaire (Tunis), Clinique El Manar, Clinique La Marsa, Clinique Les Oliviers. Resort areas (Hammamet, Djerba, Sousse) have private clinics geared toward tourists. For serious cases, medical evacuation to France or Italy is standard.
Designed for: Tunisian residents with CNAM coverage. Visitors use private clinics and hospitals. No public coverage for tourists.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in or appointment at private clinics. Médecin généraliste (GP) practices throughout cities. Hotel doctors available in tourist resorts. Public dispensaires (health centres) for residents.
Typical wait: Private GP: same-day. Public: variable, often crowded. Private specialist: 1-5 days.
Availability: Good in Tunis, Sousse, Sfax, Monastir. Adequate in tourist areas (Hammamet, Djerba, Port El Kantaoui). Limited in southern and interior Tunisia.
GP Visit
Private GP: TND 30-80 (€9-24)
Private GP
TND 30-80 (€9-24) per consultation
ER Without Insurance
Private ER: TND 50-300 (€15-90). Hospital admission: TND 200-1,000/day (€60-300). Surgery: TND 1,000-15,000 (€300-4,500). Air evacuation to France: €10,000-30,000+.
Medication
Medications very affordable by European standards. Pharmacies (pharmacie) well-stocked in cities. French-branded medications widely available. Prescription required for most medications beyond basic OTC. Pharmacists (pharmacien) are well-trained and French-speaking — useful first point of care for minor ailments.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm. Pharmacie de garde (duty pharmacy) rotation for after-hours — listed on pharmacy doors and in local newspapers.
OTC: Good range available. French pharmaceutical standards. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids available. Antibiotics formally require prescription but availability varies.
Controlled substances: Carry doctor's letter and original packaging for all prescription medications. Tunisian drug laws are strict — cannabis possession carries severe penalties. Some medications common in Europe may be restricted.
Practical Tips
- Clinique El Manar and Clinique La Marsa (Tunis) are top private facilities
- French is essential — "J'ai besoin d'un médecin" (I need a doctor)
- Medical tourism for dental/cosmetic: research clinics via ATCM (Agence Tunisienne de Communication Médicale)
- Pharmacie de garde for after-hours medication — check listings on any pharmacy door
- Bring sun protection — UV is intense, especially in summer
- Travel insurance with evacuation to France recommended for serious conditions
- Djerba and Hammamet resort areas have private clinics geared toward tourists
Who can get care in Tunisia?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Tunisia 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 or appointment at private clinics. Médecin généraliste (GP) practices throughout cities. Hotel doctors available in tourist resorts. Public dispensaires (health centres) for residents. Typical cost: Private GP: TND 30-80 (€9-24). Private specialist: TND 50-150 (€15-45). Dental: TND 30-200 (€9-60). Lab tests: TND 20-100 (€6-30). Typical wait: Private GP: same-day. Public: variable, often crowded. Private specialist: 1-5 days.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: Private ER: TND 50-300 (€15-90). Hospital admission: TND 200-1,000/day (€60-300). Surgery: TND 1,000-15,000 (€300-4,500). Air evacuation to France: €10,000-30,000+..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Return ticket
- All prescription medications
- Doctor's letter for medications (French translation helpful)
Local contacts in Tunisia
Emergency services
190 (SAMU — ambulance) / 197 (police) / 198 (fire — Protection Civile)
Call 190 for SAMU ambulance. CHU Charles Nicolle (Tunis) is the main public ER. Private clinics have their own emergency departments. French is essential for communication — operators and staff speak Arabic and French. English is very limited in emergency settings.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-7pm. Pharmacie de garde (duty pharmacy) rotation for after-hours — listed on pharmacy doors and in local newspapers.
Good range available. French pharmaceutical standards. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids available. Antibiotics formally require prescription but availability varies.
What is the emergency number in Tunisia?
190 (SAMU — ambulance) or 197 (police) or 198 (fire — Protection Civile) in Tunisia. Call 190 for SAMU ambulance. CHU Charles Nicolle (Tunis) is the main public ER. Private clinics have their own emergency departments. French is essential for communication — operators and staff speak Arabic and French. English is very limited in emergency settings.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Tunisia?
Private GP: TND 30-80 (€9-24). Private specialist: TND 50-150 (€15-45). Dental: TND 30-200 (€9-60). Lab tests: TND 20-100 (€6-30). Private consultations: TND 30-80 (€9-24) per consultation.
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Sources: Tunisian Ministry of Health, WHO Tunisia, CDC Travelers Health 2025, UK FCDO Travel Advice Tunisia, ATCM (medical tourism agency)
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare