Is healthcare in Cambodia adequate for expats?

For routine care, yes. Phnom Penh has several international-standard private hospitals (Royal Phnom Penh, Sunrise Japan Hospital) that handle GP visits, minor procedures, and basic surgeries well. However, for complex or life-threatening conditions, medical evacuation to Bangkok is standard practice. Outside Phnom Penh, healthcare is very basic. Insurance with evacuation coverage is essential.

How much does health insurance cost for expats in Cambodia?

Comprehensive international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage costs $80–$200/month depending on your age, coverage level, and deductible. Plans from Cigna, BUPA, AXA, and Pacific Cross are popular. Ensure your plan specifically covers Cambodia and includes evacuation to Thailand or Singapore.

Should I plan for medical evacuation?

Absolutely yes. Medical evacuation to Bangkok (Bumrungrad Hospital) is a standard part of expat life planning in Cambodia. While Phnom Penh hospitals handle most routine and moderate conditions, serious trauma, cardiac events, or complex surgeries are best handled in Bangkok. Without insurance, air ambulance costs $15,000–$50,000. Every expat should have evacuation coverage.

Can I get medications easily in Cambodia?

Yes, pharmacies are widespread and most common medications are available without a prescription at very low prices. Antibiotics, pain relief, and antihistamines are readily available. However, specific brand-name drugs and controlled substances may not be stocked. Bring a supply of any critical medications and know the generic name so pharmacists can find alternatives.

What about healthcare in Siem Reap and Kampot?

Siem Reap has Royal Angkor International Hospital for basic international-standard care, but serious cases require transfer to Phnom Penh or Bangkok. Kampot has only basic clinics — anything beyond minor treatment means a 2.5-hour drive to Phnom Penh. If you live outside Phnom Penh, evacuation coverage is even more critical.

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🇰🇭 Cambodia

Healthcare

$20–$50

GP Consultation

At private clinics in Phnom Penh

$80–$200/mo

Expat Insurance

Comprehensive with evacuation

$15–$30

Dental Cleaning

At private dental clinics

$50–$150/night

Hospital Stay

Private room at top hospitals

Royal Phnom Penh

Top Hospital

Bangkok Hospital affiliate

Bangkok

Evacuation Destination

1-hour flight; Bumrungrad Hospital

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Phnom Penh 🏛️Siem Reap 🌿Kampot

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Overview

Cambodia's healthcare system is developing rapidly but remains limited compared to Thailand or Singapore. Phnom Penh has several private hospitals with international-standard care, including Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Sunrise Japan Hospital. However, for serious or complex conditions, medical evacuation to Bangkok (1 hr flight) or Singapore is common and should be planned for. Private health insurance with evacuation coverage is essential for every expat in Cambodia. Outside Phnom Penh, healthcare options are very basic.

Key Takeaways

Royal Phnom Penh Hospital: Affiliated with Bangkok Dusit Medical Services — the gold standard for expats; English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and direct insurance billing
Recommended insurers: Cigna Global, BUPA International, AXA, Pacific Cross, and Luma Health (Cambodia-focused)
Pharmacies in Phnom Penh stock most common medications; prices are very low ($1–$10 for standard drugs)
Bangkok's Bumrungrad International Hospital is the primary evacuation destination — world-class, English-speaking, 1-hour flight from Phnom Penh

Private Hospitals & Clinics

Phnom Penh has a handful of international-standard private hospitals that serve the expat community. These should be your first choice for any medical needs.

Royal Phnom Penh Hospital: Affiliated with Bangkok Dusit Medical Services — the gold standard for expats; English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and direct insurance billing
Sunrise Japan Hospital: Japanese-invested facility with comprehensive care, advanced diagnostics, and multilingual staff; one of the newest hospitals in the city
Sen Sok International University Hospital: Singaporean-managed with specialist consultations, modern facilities, and a growing range of services
International SOS Clinic: Expat-focused clinic with Western-trained doctors; primarily for GP consultations, vaccinations, and referrals
Naga Clinic: French-run clinic popular with European expats; good for general practice, pediatrics, and minor procedures
In Siem Reap: Royal Angkor International Hospital provides basic international-standard care; complex cases transfer to Phnom Penh or Bangkok

Health Insurance for Expats

Private health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is non-negotiable for expats in Cambodia. Local healthcare gaps make evacuation a realistic possibility.

Recommended insurers: Cigna Global, BUPA International, AXA, Pacific Cross, and Luma Health (Cambodia-focused)
Comprehensive plans with evacuation coverage cost $80–$200/month for adults under 50
Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore — this is critical for Cambodia
Direct billing is available at Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and Sunrise Japan Hospital with major international insurers
Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded for the first 12–24 months; disclose fully on application
Dental riders add $15–$30/month but dental care is so affordable in Cambodia that out-of-pocket is often fine

Pharmacies & Dental Care

Pharmacies are widespread in Cambodia and many medications are available without prescription. Dental care is affordable but standards vary.

Pharmacies in Phnom Penh stock most common medications; prices are very low ($1–$10 for standard drugs)
Many medications available over the counter that require prescriptions elsewhere — antibiotics, antihistamines, and pain relief
Bring a supply of specific prescription medications — exact brands may not be available locally
Dental cleaning costs $15–$30 at reputable clinics; fillings $10–$30; crowns $100–$250
Roomchang Dental Hospital in Phnom Penh is the top choice — modern facility with international-standard equipment
For complex dental work (implants, orthodontics), many expats travel to Bangkok for treatment

Medical Evacuation & Emergency Planning

Medical evacuation is a reality of expat life in Cambodia. For serious conditions, Bangkok's world-class hospitals are just a 1-hour flight away.

Bangkok's Bumrungrad International Hospital is the primary evacuation destination — world-class, English-speaking, 1-hour flight from Phnom Penh
Medical evacuation by air ambulance costs $15,000–$50,000 without insurance — always maintain coverage
International SOS and Pacific International Lines operate 24/7 emergency assistance for expats in Cambodia
Emergency numbers: 119 (ambulance) — response times vary; in emergencies, a taxi or tuk-tuk to the hospital is often faster
Register with your country's embassy in Phnom Penh for emergency assistance and notifications
Keep digital and physical copies of your insurance card, emergency hotline numbers, and hospital addresses at all times

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