Emergency Numbers & Access
SES (Specialty Emergency Services) private ambulance: +260-211-273302. Medland Hospital (Lusaka) for emergencies.
Response time: 15-30 min in Lusaka. Rural/safari: often unavailable.
Cost: Public ER: minimal fees. Private ER: $50-300.
Healthcare System
Zambia has a developing healthcare system. Public hospitals are overcrowded and under-resourced. Private hospitals in Lusaka (Medland Hospital, Levy Mwanawasa Hospital) are the best options. Livingstone (Victoria Falls) has a small private clinic. Safari areas have no healthcare — evacuation insurance is essential. English is spoken throughout.
Designed for: Residents. Tourists use private clinics in Lusaka.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics. Cash or insurance.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours.
Availability: Reasonable in Lusaka. Basic in Livingstone. None in bush/safari areas.
GP Visit
$25-60 private GP visit
Private GP
$25-60
ER Without Insurance
$50-400. Evacuation to Johannesburg: $5,000-20,000.
Medication
Limited availability. Bring essential medications. Antimalarials available but quality varies.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Hospital pharmacies have longer hours.
OTC: Basic range. Stock varies.
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions. Drug laws are strict.
Practical Tips
- Medland Hospital (Lusaka) — best private hospital, English-speaking
- Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital (Lusaka) — best public hospital
- Livingstone: small private clinic at Victoria Falls. Serious cases: air transfer to Lusaka or Johannesburg.
- Safari areas: lodges may have basic first-aid but NO medical facilities. Evacuation insurance essential.
- SES ambulance Lusaka: +260-211-273302
- Malaria prophylaxis: start before arrival, continue after departure as directed
- Carry water purification tablets — tap water is not safe outside major hotels
Who can get care in Zambia?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Zambia 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 private clinics. Cash or insurance. Typical cost: $25-60 private GP visit. Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $50-400. Evacuation to Johannesburg: $5,000-20,000..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Yellow Fever certificate
- Travel insurance with evacuation
- Visa (e-visa available)
- Cash USD or ZMW
Local contacts in Zambia
Emergency services
999 (police) / 991 (ambulance) / 993 (fire)
SES (Specialty Emergency Services) private ambulance: +260-211-273302. Medland Hospital (Lusaka) for emergencies.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. Hospital pharmacies have longer hours.
Basic range. Stock varies.
What is the emergency number in Zambia?
999 (police) or 991 (ambulance) or 993 (fire) in Zambia. SES (Specialty Emergency Services) private ambulance: +260-211-273302. Medland Hospital (Lusaka) for emergencies.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Zambia?
$25-60 private GP visit. Private consultations: $25-60.
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Sources: Zambia Ministry of Health, WHO Zambia, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare