🏥 Healthcare Overview

System: Fragmented. Public healthcare system exists but is under-resourced. Private clinics and hospitals, particularly in Phnom Penh, offer better care. International clinics serve tourists and expats. No universal health coverage.

Quality: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Healthcare quality varies dramatically. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have international clinics with decent care (Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sunrise Japan Hospital, Angkor Hospital for Children). Rural areas have very limited facilities. Serious medical conditions require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. English is commonly spoken in tourist-oriented medical facilities.

💡 Medical Tourism

Cambodia is not a medical tourism destination — healthcare is insufficient for serious conditions. Medical tourists typically come for affordable dental care or minor procedures at international clinics in Phnom Penh. For serious medical needs, go to Bangkok or Singapore.

💊 Pharmacy Guide

Access: moderate

Hours: Pharmacies are widely available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, typically open 8am-9pm. Rural areas have fewer pharmacies with limited stock. Look for 'Pharmacy' or 'Store' signs — many medications are sold in general stores.

Prescription rules: Prescription requirements are not strictly enforced. However, carrying your prescription and doctor's letter is recommended. For controlled substances, a Cambodian doctor may need to re-prescribe. Counterfeit medications are a serious concern — use reputable pharmacies.

Available Over-the-Counter

  • ibuprofen
  • paracetamol
  • cold medicines
  • antihistamines
  • antacids
  • anti-diarrheals (Imodium)
  • mosquito repellent (DEET)
  • antimalarial medication (limited availability — bring your own)
  • first aid supplies

💡 Tips

Many medications available by prescription in Western countries are available OTC in Cambodia. Antibiotics, pain medications, and other drugs can often be purchased without prescription. Quality of medications varies — counterfeits are a known problem. Stick to reputable pharmacies in cities.

💉 Medications & Restrictions

Carry a doctor's letter in English listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. Bring all medications you might need — supply chains are unreliable. For any serious condition, bring a complete supply for your trip plus extra.

Controlled / Restricted Substances

🚫 Watch out for these

  • ⚠️ Diazepam (Valium) and benzodiazepines — Controlled. Requires prescription. Carry your foreign prescription and doctor's letter. Quantities for personal use are permitted with documentation.
  • ⚠️ Codeine-containing medications — Controlled. Some codeine products may be available OTC. Bring your prescription and doctor's letter.
  • ⚠️ Tramadol — Controlled opioid. Requires prescription. Bring your documentation.
  • ⚠️ ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) — Controlled. Requires documentation and possibly Cambodian doctor consultation. Contact your embassy for guidance.
  • 🚫 Medical cannabis — Cannabis is illegal in Cambodia. Despite some leniency toward small amounts for personal use in practice, it remains illegal. Do not bring cannabis products.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

⚠️ Required

Strongly recommended, and some travel insurance is required for visa-on-arrival for some nationalities. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation — critical for serious conditions.

Average cost: $25-45/week

💡 Tip

Medical evacuation to Bangkok costs $10,000-30,000+. This is the single most important coverage. Public hospitals are inadequate for serious conditions. Private clinics are better but still limited. Carry your insurance contact numbers. Phnom Penh has some good private hospitals but serious conditions need evacuation.

💉 Vaccinations

Recommended

  • 🟡 Hepatitis A
  • 🟡 Hepatitis B
  • 🟡 Typhoid
  • 🟡 Japanese Encephalitis (for rural stays)
  • 🟡 Rabies
  • 🟡 MMR (ensure current)

No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. However, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies are strongly recommended due to variable healthcare and food/water safety. Ensure routine vaccinations are current. Consider Japanese Encephalitis vaccination for extended rural stays.

🚰 Water & Food Safety

unsafe

Do NOT drink tap water in Cambodia. Bottled water is essential — always drink sealed bottled water. Use bottled or purified water for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks outside reputable establishments.

Food Safety Tips

Be very cautious with food. Eat at reputable restaurants. Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless you're confident in the establishment. Peel fruits yourself. Only eat cooked foods served hot. Street food can be risky — only eat from busy, clean-looking stalls. Diarrhea is very common.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘 Emergency: 119 (police — ambulance and fire response is limited; for serious medical emergencies, contact a private hospital directly)

📚 Sources & References

Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.

  • CDC Travelers' Health
  • Cambodia Ministry of Health
  • WHO International Travel and Health
  • US Embassy Phnom Penh

⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.