What actually happens to travelers here.
Routine care is available in major cities; complex trauma, cardiac, or surgery typically requires air evacuation to a regional hub. Travel insurance with $250K+ evacuation coverage is essential.
The system.
System: Mixed public-private system. Public healthcare is underfunded. Private hospitals in major cities offer reasonable care. Quality varies greatly by region.
Quality: ★★☆☆☆ Limited
Private hospitals in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi offer adequate care. Public hospitals are overcrowded. Many Pakistani doctors train abroad and speak English. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Dubai, Singapore, or Thailand may be necessary.
Pakistan is not typically a medical tourism destination, though some Pakistani diaspora return for affordable dental and cosmetic procedures.
Where to actually go.
Leading private hospital. JCI accredited. English-speaking staff. 24/7 emergency.
Pakistan's top-ranked hospital. International standards. Excellent English service.
Modern private hospital. Good emergency department. English-speaking doctors.
Best hospital in the northern areas. Military hospital open to civilians for emergencies. Critical for Karakoram/Hunza trekking injuries.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies open daily 9am-10pm in cities. Many 24/7 pharmacies in major cities.
Prescription rules: Very relaxed prescription requirements. Most medications available OTC. Some controlled substances may require a prescription in practice. Bring quality medications from home.
Pharmacies (dawakhana/medical store) are everywhere. D. Watson's, Fazal Din's, and Shaheen Chemist are reputable chains. Most medications available without prescription at very low prices. Bring essential medications from home to ensure quality.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol (Panadol — ubiquitous)
- ibuprofen (Brufen)
- oral rehydration salts
- anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium)
- antibiotics (widely available OTC)
- antihistamines
- basic first aid supplies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- مجھے سر درد کی دوائی چاہیے
- میرے پیٹ میں درد ہے
- مجھے...سے الرجی ہے
- قریب ترین میڈیکل سٹور کہاں ہے؟
- مجھے ڈاکٹر کی ضرورت ہے
Chains you'll see
- Servaid Pharmacy — Blue Servaid logo (Major cities)
- Fazaldin's Pharmacy — Established chain in Lahore and Karachi (Punjab and Sindh)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Crocin or Calpol
Crocin (GSK) is the dominant Indian-subcontinent brand. Calpol is for kids. - ibuprofen → Brufen or Combiflam
Brufen (Abbott) is the most common; Combiflam is paracetamol+ibuprofen combo. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Roko
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter in English for all prescription medications, especially controlled substances and alcohol-containing medicines. Keep in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Opioids
Bring documentation.
Cannabis is illegal in Pakistan. Severe penalties.
Pakistan is an Islamic republic — bring documentation for alcohol-containing medicines.
If something breaks.
Availability: Dental care available in major cities. Private dental clinics in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi offer good care.
Cost range: PKR 1,000-3,000 ($3-10) for consultation; PKR 3,000-10,000 ($10-35) for fillings
Very affordable dental care in cities. Quality varies — choose established clinics with qualified dentists.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $25-50/week
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is ESSENTIAL, especially for northern areas (Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan). Ensure coverage for adventure activities (trekking, mountaineering) and helicopter evacuation.
Filing a claim
Private hospitals provide English-language documentation and receipts. Military hospitals provide basic documentation. Keep all records. Medical evacuation from northern areas can be very expensive — ensure insurance is notified promptly.
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: Singapore
Secondary destination: Bangkok or Mumbai
Typical cost band: $25,000-90,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Medical evacuation insurance is essential for serious cases. Singapore and Bangkok are the regional medical hubs. Indian metros (Mumbai, Delhi) handle complex cases for the subcontinent. Actual costs depend on distance, aircraft type, and whether ICU-level care is required in transit.
What to get done before you fly.
Required
- Polio (some travelers may need to show proof)
- Yellow fever (if arriving from an endemic area)
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Malaria prophylaxis (for certain regions)
Pakistan is one of the last countries with endemic polio — ensure your polio vaccination is current. Dengue is present in urban areas. Malaria risk in some regions.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Bottled-Only — Do NOT drink tap water. Use bottled water only. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Nestle Pure Life and other sealed bottled water brands are widely available.
Food safety
Eat freshly cooked, hot food. Pakistani cuisine is flavorful — stick to busy restaurants. Avoid raw vegetables and salads. Street food biryani and kebabs are generally safe when freshly cooked. Lassi from busy shops is usually fine.
In crisis abroad.
English-speaking therapists: Available in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi through private practice. Expect PKR 3,000-8,000 ($10-28) per session.
Mental health services are limited but growing. English-speaking therapists available in major cities. Online therapy platforms serve English speakers.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility infrastructure is very limited. Most buildings, roads, and transport are not wheelchair accessible.
Hospital accessibility: Major private hospitals have basic accessibility. Public hospitals have very limited access.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Private vehicles are the main option. Roads can be challenging.
Pakistan is very challenging for travelers with mobility limitations. Northern mountain areas are particularly difficult. Plan all logistics with a reliable tour operator. Contact hotels in advance.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No formal requirements.
Testing availability: Tests available at private hospitals and clinics.
Pakistan has lifted most COVID restrictions.
Pakistan travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Islamabad
- Pakistan Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health