Healthcare in Cambodia

Healthcare in Cambodia and medical facilities and equipment may not meet the high international standards many expats may be used to. This is particularly true of public healthcare, but even private hospitals offer only limited care.

Expats who fall seriously ill or are severely injured should consider medical evacuation to Singapore or Thailand, where better quality care is available. It’s for this reason that a good health insurance plan is essential.

Public healthcare in Cambodia

In Cambodia, public healthcare is available through clinics and hospitals. Clinics offer essential treatment, while hospitals are able to give more specialised care. That being said, all aspects of public healthcare in Cambodia suffer from understaffing and lack of funding. Communication can also be an issue if you don’t speak Khmer.

Private healthcare in Cambodia

Expats living in Cambodia favour private hospitals and clinics, but these tend to be expensive. Private international clinics and hospitals in Phnom Penh also provide medical translation services and evacuations and are mainly staffed by doctors who have trained in Western countries. In rural areas, there may be little or no availability of private healthcare.

Health insurance in Cambodia

We advise all expats to invest in comprehensive health insurance before they move to Cambodia. While the cost of private healthcare within Cambodia is reasonable, medical evacuation may be necessary and is incredibly expensive. Make enquiries with your insurer ahead of time to confirm that your policy includes this.

Pharmacies and medication in Cambodia

There is a long list of over-the-counter medications available in Cambodia. However, counterfeit drugs are common, so expats are urged to avoid some smaller independent pharmacies which have been implicated in the fake medicine trade.

Pharmacies are available everywhere in Cambodian cities, but expats should stick to larger pharmacy chains. Medication in Cambodia often costs considerably less than in Western countries.

Vaccinations for Cambodia

Before leaving for Cambodia, expats should ensure that all standard vaccinations are up to date. This includes vaccinations for MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) as well as diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are also recommended, though these are not a requirement for travel.

Emergency medical services in Cambodia

Ambulance services in Cambodia are not always prompt but can be contacted by dialling 119. If possible, expats should make their way to one of the major international hospitals in case of a medical emergency.