Laos Health Care and Vaccinations

Leave plenty of time before travelling to contact your GP – 2 months is best - to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. If you are unfortunate enough to fall sick or are in real need of medical attention it is best to travel to Vientiane where there are several reputable medical clinics. Any treatment must generally be paid for in cash. In Laos if you need emergency medical assistance, dial 195 (ambulance Ministry of Public Health) or 030 525 7239 (ambulance centre) to request an ambulance.

In urgent cases, repatriation to Thailand – especially for serious injuries and illnesses – is best. There you will find excellent healthcare at Bangkok Hospital, which specifically caters to medical tourists, or Phyathai Hospitals Group which has translators for 22 languages as well as a team of English-speaking staff. The hospitals in Bangkok are some of the best in the world, usually meeting or exceeding US standards. Udon Thani and Chiang Mai are closer, depending on your location in Laos and both have clinics better than you’ll find in Laos. Bear in mind that evacuation is complicated to organise and is very expensive.

If in doubt, a helpful concierge at one of the better hotels will probably be a good source of information as would most embassies in an emergency situation – note that there is no British consular representation in Laos – the closest is in Bangkok. Urgent consular assistance to British nationals is provided by the Australian Embassy in Vientiane.

Exercise caution when buying medicines from pharmacies in Laos, unfortunately, as with many developing countries in Asia, counterfeit drugs are very common. There are few if any laws preventing such trade and Laos is somewhat of a dumping ground for phony, replica goods – whether household items or medicines. Lastly, health insurance is essential and should include cover for air evacuation.