What actually happens to travelers here.
Major cities typically treat water, but rural areas and older infrastructure can be unreliable. Bottled water is a cheap insurance policy.
Controlled substances (opioids, ADHD stimulants, benzodiazepines) require advance permits. Check each of your prescriptions against the destination's pharmaceutical authority before flying.
The system.
System: Government healthcare system with good coverage. Medical care is affordable but quality varies. Major cities have modern hospitals. International sanctions have affected medication availability.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Iranian doctors are well-trained and many speak English. Hospitals in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz offer good care. However, international sanctions have limited access to some medications and medical equipment. Rural healthcare is more limited.
Iran is a growing medical tourism destination, especially for cosmetic surgery (rhinoplasty), eye surgery, dental work, and cardiac procedures. Costs are a fraction of Western prices with well-trained surgeons.
Where to actually go.
Private hospital popular with international patients. English-speaking staff.
Modern private hospital with international patient department.
Major teaching hospital in Isfahan. Near historic tourist areas.
Large teaching hospital in Shiraz. Emergency department available.
Finding what you need.
Access: Moderate
Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-10pm. Hospital pharmacies open 24/7. Limited options in rural areas.
Prescription rules: Prescription required for many medications. Iranian prescriptions needed for controlled substances. Generic alternatives to Western brands are widely available.
Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak English. Some medications may be unavailable due to international sanctions. Iran produces many generic medications domestically. Bring all essential medications from home.
Available over the counter
- acetaminophen
- ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- antacids
- cold medicine
- oral rehydration salts
Useful pharmacy phrases
- من داروی سردرد نیاز دارم
- من به دکتر نیاز دارم
- نزدیکترین داروخانه کجاست؟
- من به این حساسیت دارم
- معدهام درد میکند
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Acetaminophen (Iranian generic) or Apotel
Locally manufactured; sanctions-related shortages are possible — bring your own supply. - ibuprofen → Iranian generic ibuprofen
Widely available; brand names vary. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or local generic
Available at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
CRITICAL: Iran has extremely strict drug laws — drug trafficking carries the death penalty. Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging with clear labels. Bring only the amount needed. Declare all medications at customs. A Farsi translation of your medical letter is helpful.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · CBD · Xanax · Opioids
Iran has extremely strict anti-narcotics laws. Drug trafficking carries the death penalty. Even small quantities of opioids require extensive documentation.
Strictly prohibited. No exceptions. Severe criminal penalties.
Strictly prohibited. Severe criminal penalties including potential death penalty for large quantities.
Available in Iran with local prescription. Carry doctor's documentation for personal use quantities.
Alcohol is illegal in Iran. Medicines containing alcohol should be declared and documented.
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care in major cities. Iran is known for affordable high-quality dental work.
Cost range: $20-50 for consultation; $30-150 for fillings; $100-400 for crowns
Iran is a popular destination for dental tourism. Dentists in Tehran and Isfahan are well-trained. Costs are significantly lower than Western countries.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Required for entry Travel insurance is mandatory for tourist visa applications. Must include medical coverage.
Average cost: $30-60/week
IMPORTANT: Most Western insurance companies and credit cards do NOT cover Iran due to sanctions. Purchase Iran-specific travel insurance from an Iranian provider at the airport or through your tour operator. Medical evacuation may require routing through Turkey or Dubai.
Filing a claim
Hospitals typically require upfront payment in Iranian rials or sometimes USD. Western credit cards do NOT work in Iran due to sanctions. Bring sufficient cash. Keep all receipts for insurance claims upon return. Documentation available in Farsi (request English translation).
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $10-30 |
| ER visit | $40-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $60-250 |
| Ambulance | $20-80 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Dubai
Secondary destination: Istanbul or Athens
Typical cost band: $30,000-90,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Dubai is the primary medical hub for the broader Middle East and North Africa.
What to get done before you fly.
Required
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic area)
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies (for rural travel)
- Routine vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. Malaria prophylaxis recommended for southeastern provinces (Sistan-Baluchestan) during warmer months.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution — Tap water is generally safe in major cities (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz) but quality varies. Bottled water recommended, especially in rural areas and smaller towns.
Food safety
Iranian cuisine is generally safe in restaurants. Food hygiene standards are decent in cities. Be cautious with salads and raw vegetables in smaller towns. Kebabs and rice dishes from established restaurants are safe. Avoid raw dairy products in rural areas.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Not available — contact your embassy or tour operator
English-speaking therapists: Limited but available in Tehran through private clinics. Iranian psychiatrists are well-trained.
Mental health services available in major cities. Therapy is becoming more accepted in urban Iran. Cultural sensitivity important.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is limited in Iran. Historic sites often lack ramps and elevators. Newer hotels and malls are more accessible.
Hospital accessibility: Major hospitals have basic accessibility features.
Accessible transport: Tehran Metro has some accessible stations. Taxis are the most practical option.
Isfahan's historic bridges and bazaars have limited accessibility. Persepolis is challenging for wheelchair users. Arrange private transport and guides for accessibility needs.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask mandates.
Testing availability: Available at hospitals.
Iran's healthcare system has recovered from COVID. Sanctions-related medication availability is a more relevant concern.
Iran travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- Swiss Embassy Tehran (US interests section)
- Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education
- WHO