Healthcare for Expatriates in Cambodia

Published on January 29, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Cambodia is attracting an increasing number of retirees, digital nomads, and families seeking sunshine and a lower cost of living. But beyond the backdrop of rice paddies and temples, one question quickly comes to the forefront: how can one get medical care on-site without taking unnecessary risks or blowing their budget? Understanding the local healthcare system, accessible hospitals, how pharmacies operate, insurance, and health risks is now essential for any expatriate.

Good to know:

The Cambodian healthcare system is undergoing a major transformation, marked by inequalities and poverty, but also by the emergence of modern private clinics and international hospital groups. For an expatriate, it’s essential to prepare well and adopt a few simple reflexes to navigate between these two realities.

A Two-Tier Healthcare System

Cambodia operates with a dual structure: a public sector managed by the Ministry of Health, and an extremely dynamic private sector. On paper, public care is virtually free for Cambodians, but practice is more complicated.

Across the country, there are about a thousand public facilities, but nearly 8,000 private providers. The majority of the population lives in the countryside, while most doctors and specialists practice in Phnom Penh. This concentration of resources in the city creates a real gap between the capital and the provinces.

75

Percentage of medical costs in Cambodia paid directly by families, pushing the poorest into debt or forcing them to forgo care.

For an expatriate, this means two things. First, you cannot rely on the public system for complex care, even if, in theory, a foreign resident has access to the same facilities as the local population. Second, the reflex must be to turn to the private sector, especially in major cities, where the offerings have become significantly more professional.

Glaring Disparities Between City and Countryside

Cambodia remains a rural country: about 75 to 80% of the population lives in the countryside, but half of the doctors and nearly three-quarters of specialists are based in Phnom Penh. As a result, people from the provinces sometimes travel hundreds of kilometers for a specialized examination.

Caution:

Provincial hospitals handle basic emergencies and some referral services, but they suffer from a chronic lack of staff, outdated equipment, and medication shortages. Complex care (cardiac surgery, oncology, neurosurgery) is virtually non-existent outside the capital.

For an expatriate based in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, or Kampot, this means identifying reliable facilities in the region upon arrival and having a clear plan to reach Phnom Penh, Bangkok, or Singapore in case of a serious problem.

Where to Get Care: Overview of Hospitals and Clinics

A few establishments clearly stand out for expatriates, either due to their technical level or their international management. Most are in Phnom Penh, with some interesting options in Siem Reap and certain major provincial cities.

Reference Hospitals for Expatriates

In Phnom Penh, several private hospitals explicitly target affluent local clientele, expatriates, and business travelers. This is notably the case for Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, part of the Thai BDMS group, and Sen Sok International University Hospital. These establishments focus on modern equipment, intensive care units, well-equipped operating rooms, and, above all, the presence of English-speaking doctors.

The table below summarizes some hospitals particularly relevant for expatriates.

Royal Phnom Penh Hospital occupies a special place. Opened in 2014 and accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) in 2017, it remains the only hospital in the country to meet this international safety and quality standard. It offers over a hundred private rooms, a 14-bed intensive care unit, five operating rooms, delivery rooms, and a complete technical platform (24/7 laboratory and imaging).

Good to know:

Expatriates have access to a wide range of medical specialties, including cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, pediatrics, neurology, urology, nephrology with hemodialysis, and radiology. The facility is equipped with specialized technologies like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for kidney stones and is developing an advanced cardiac center. Cooperation exists with a Bangkok cancer hospital (Wattanasoth) for chemotherapy treatments.

In Siem Reap, Royal Angkor International Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Siem Reap have become the two pillars of quality care for expatriates and tourists. They offer emergency and trauma services, intensive care units, orthopedic surgery, cardiology, and internal medicine. Bangkok Hospital Siem Reap even has a helipad for evacuations.

Example:

The Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital in Kampot, in the south of the country, is a reputable non-profit hospital known for its seriousness, ethical pricing, and quality standards. It employs about thirty doctors, including international volunteers, and offers services in surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

Public Hospitals: Useful but Handle with Care

The major public hospitals in Phnom Penh – Calmette, Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Preah Kossamak, National Pediatric Hospital, among others – form the backbone of the national referral system. They handle serious cases, trauma, general surgery, infectious diseases, cardiology, pediatrics, ENT or ophthalmological pathologies.

Tip:

For an expatriate, public hospitals can serve as an entry point in case of a major emergency, especially if a private facility is too far or inaccessible. However, one must accept a more rudimentary environment: shared rooms, sometimes limited equipment, the need to pay for certain consumables at the counter, and limited presence of English-speaking staff. In some facilities, the family must also provide the patient’s meals and may be asked to assist with some non-technical care.

The quality of doctors varies significantly, some being very competent, others less well-trained or using vague diagnoses. The most realistic recommendation remains to seek a second opinion in a private establishment as soon as the situation allows.

Specialized Care and Dentistry

In terms of dentistry, Cambodia has developed an offer that even attracts “dental tourists”. In Phnom Penh, clinics like Roomchang Dental Hospital, European Dental Clinic, Malis Dental Clinic, or American Dental Clinic offer internationally-standard care, with dentists often trained abroad (Germany, Japan, USA, Thailand) and digital equipment (3D radiology, CAD/CAM, international brand implants).

Prices are particularly competitive for an expatriate coming from Europe, Australia, or North America: a cleaning costs around $20, a single implant can cost around $1,000 to $1,600, significantly less than in Western countries.

Emergencies and Evacuations: The System’s Major Weakness

One of the most critical points in Cambodia remains the management of pre-hospital emergencies. The number 119 is supposed to dispatch an ambulance, but field reports are clear: calls go unanswered, very long delays, limited coordination, especially outside Phnom Penh. Other national numbers are 117 for police and 118 for firefighters.

Emergency Transport System in Cambodia

Overview of transport methods used for patients and the logistical challenges encountered, particularly in rural areas.

Common Transport Modes

Many patients are transported to the hospital by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or taxi, due to a lack of available ambulances.

Public Ambulances

Attached to referral hospitals, they do not always have adequate resuscitation equipment.

Rural Medical Desert

The emergency system is virtually non-existent in the countryside, with waiting times that can reach several hours.

Expatriates living in Cambodia must therefore integrate this reality into their risk management plan:

Good to know:

In case of a severe emergency in a major city, the most reliable solution is often to go directly to a large private hospital with a 24/7 emergency service. Some, like Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, have their own ambulances and can arrange for local medicalized transport, or even to the airport for an international evacuation. For air evacuations to centers like Bangkok or Singapore, private operators such as Helistar Cambodia (daytime helicopter, without heavy equipment) or international air ambulance providers are available.

The costs are considerable: a medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore can exceed $20,000 US dollars, and providers generally require a payment guarantee before takeoff. This is one of the main reasons why international health insurance with evacuation coverage is considered non-negotiable by specialists.

Pharmacies and Medications: Easy Access, Risk of Counterfeits

Another particularity of Cambodia: very free access to medications. In theory, some drugs require a prescription; in practice, the notion of a prescription is rarely respected and the vast majority of medications, including antibiotics, benzodiazepines, or antihypertensives, are bought freely over the counter.

Pharmacies are ubiquitous in cities and constitute a flourishing economic sector. But this very open landscape comes with a serious risk: the circulation of fake or dubious quality medications, especially in small independent pharmacies. Under-dosed molecules, counterfeits from parallel circuits, storage problems: a poor choice of pharmacy can turn a simple treatment into a serious problem.

Good to know:

To limit risks, the U‑Care Pharmacy network is recommended by residents and healthcare professionals. It is a registered pharmacy chain with the Ministry of Health, run by licensed pharmacists. Original and generic medications are clearly identified and guaranteed authentic. Prices, varying by country of origin, are generally lower than those in the West.

Pharmacie de la Gare is another reference in Phnom Penh. Founded in 1994, it permanently employs at least two pharmacists, offers a wide assortment of medications and para-medical products, and provides a 24/7 hotline for medication delivery across the country. In Phnom Penh, delivery is free for purchases over $40. The staff speaks Khmer, French, English, and Chinese, making it particularly appreciated by French-speaking expatriates.

In other cities, pharmacies attached to reputable clinics generally offer acceptable guarantees, for example Mercy Clinic or certain pharmacies in Kampot and Siem Reap. Nevertheless, expatriates are advised to check each medication (appearance, leaflet, expiration date) and remain vigilant about abnormally low prices.

Availability of Chronic Treatments

For most common chronic conditions, the local supply is adequate. Treatments for hypertension, statins, oral antidiabetics, insulin, anti-inflammatories, Viagra, or certain psychotropic drugs like risperidone are easily available, often without a prescription. A frequently cited example: a box of five brand-name insulin pens, costing several hundred dollars in the United States, sells for around fifty dollars in Cambodia.

Caution:

Some specific or latest-generation medications can be difficult to find or require a special order, with lead times of 3 days to 2 weeks. Molecules like ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are almost impossible to find, and others like Clopixol (zuclopenthixol) are strictly controlled.

The best practice for an expatriate moving to Cambodia is to arrive with at least a month’s supply of treatment, check in advance the local availability of essential medications, and, if necessary, organize an alternative solution (authorized importation, change of molecule, follow-up in a neighboring country).

Cost of Care: Affordable, but Not Without Financial Risk

Compared to prices in Europe, the United States, or Australia, private care in Cambodia remains relatively affordable. But one should not underestimate the potential bill when exams, hospitalization, and surgery add up, especially in internationally-oriented facilities.

In reputable private clinics in Phnom Penh, a general practitioner consultation costs around $25 to $35, with some “international” structures like International SOS charging between $61 and $88. More modest consultations can drop to $10 in small local clinics, but with a lower level of equipment and quality guarantees.

650

The maximum cost for one night in a shared room at a high-end international clinic in Cambodia, excluding treatments.

A simple surgical procedure like an appendectomy can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the hospital, length of stay, and associated exams. For a cesarean section, prices at reputable clinics easily exceed $1,500.

The following table provides some useful ballpark figures.

These amounts remain low for an expatriate with European income, but a motorcycle accident, heart attack, or sepsis requiring intensive care and air transfer can very quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, the bill can simply be impossible to pay.

Health Insurance: A Must for Every Expatriate

The vast majority of experts agree: living in Cambodia without solid international health insurance is playing Russian roulette. The country does not always legally require health coverage for long-term expatriates, but entry onto the territory may require proof of insurance, and, in fact, the absence of coverage puts the expatriate in a situation of extreme vulnerability.

The main takeaways are simple:

– quality care comes through the private sector, which is fee-paying and sometimes expensive;

– a medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore easily exceeds $20,000;

– most facilities require cash payment or a guarantee of coverage before any major procedure.

Local or International Insurance?

Several categories of coverage coexist. Local companies (Forte Insurance, Infinity Insurance, etc.) offer low-cost plans, on the order of $200 to $1,000 per year, but with relatively low ceilings, limited networks, and sometimes age restrictions (coverage ending around 65–70 years old). They are suitable for routine care if one accepts not being covered abroad.

500 to 20000

The annual premium range for international health insurance, varying by age, medical history, and level of coverage.

Some insurers stand out with very high annual ceilings, even unlimited ones. Cigna Platinum, for example, offers a reimbursement ceiling with no annual limit, while AXA Prestige Plus can go up to $8 million per year. Others, like April International (Comfort and Premium plans) or Allianz Care Pro, have limits of several million dollars. These amounts easily cover worst-case scenarios, including evacuations, major surgery, and prolonged intensive care.

80

Some insurers reimburse over 80% of valid claims in less than 48 hours when submitted online.

Pre-existing Conditions, Exclusions, and Fine Print

The question of pre-existing conditions is sensitive. Depending on the company, they can be:

– purely and simply excluded from coverage;

– covered after a waiting period (e.g., a 24-month moratorium) without relapse;

– included in the contract with an additional premium.

Not all conditions are eligible for this type of negotiation and not all companies offer this option. Hence the benefit of working with a specialized broker for expatriate insurance, like Pacific Prime, Alea, or others, who compare offers, negotiate with several insurers, and guide you to the contract best suited to your medical situation and budget.

Other frequent exclusions: certain high-risk activities, medically unnecessary procedures (e.g., purely cosmetic surgery), consequences of illegal acts, or certain highly experimental treatments.

For an expatriate, the ideal contract covers:

– routine medicine (consultations, exams, hospitalizations);

– prescribed medications;

– emergencies and intensive care;

– medical evacuation and repatriation;

– possibly dental care and maternity, depending on family plans.

Prevention, Vaccinations, and Health Risks

Cambodia combines typical tropical health risks with some issues of a middle-income country. A well-prepared expatriate can significantly reduce these risks.

Major institutions like the WHO, the US CDC, the UK NaTHNaC, or other national agencies recommend a check-up with a travel medicine doctor at least four to six weeks before departure. This appointment allows you to:

– update basic vaccines (diphtheria-tetanus-polio, measles-mumps-rubella, pertussis, hepatitis B, varicella, flu);

– consider travel-specific vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, possibly cholera, depending on profile and itinerary);

– discuss malaria prophylaxis if planning extended stays in rural or forested areas.

Good to know:

The risk of malaria is low in main tourist areas (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor, Tonlé Sap shores). It is high in the Northeast (Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, Mondolkiri) and near borders or in forests. Local strains are resistant to chloroquine and mefloquine. Appropriate preventive treatment (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or tafenoquine) is necessary, on medical advice, for stays in these high-risk regions.

Dengue and chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite mainly during the day, remain a real risk, including in urban areas. There is no universally recommended preventive treatment for dengue; the best weapon remains mosquito protection (repellents with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil, long clothing, mosquito nets, air conditioning).

Tip:

Rabies is still very prevalent, especially in regions with many stray dogs. For expatriates working with animals or living in isolated areas, pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended. In case of a risk contact (bite, scratch, or licking of a wound by an animal), it is essential to wash the wound thoroughly and consult a doctor immediately, even if already vaccinated.

Aside from vector-borne diseases, foodborne illnesses remain a classic: gastroenteritis, typhoid, hepatitis A. Tap water is not potable; it’s better to stick to bottled or boiled water, avoid ice of dubious origin, prioritize well-cooked food, fruits you peel yourself, and wash hands frequently.

Finally, the air can become problematic during the dry season, with high pollution levels in some urban areas. People suffering from asthma or chronic bronchial conditions should plan to have their medications and possibly suitable masks.

Mental Health: Resources Still Limited but Improving

The question of mental health is increasingly relevant for expatriates as well as the local population. Cambodia remains marked by a heavy historical legacy, with high rates of psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress, and depression. Public psychiatric and psychological services remain rare and concentrated in Phnom Penh, often underfunded, with the entire sector receiving only a tiny fraction of the health budget.

40 to 125

The moderate cost of a psychological consultation in Cambodia for expatriates, in US dollars.

The country also has a few hospital facilities with psychiatry departments (Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Preah Kossamak in Phnom Penh), but their focus remains primarily on the local population and serious cases. A crisis hotline 1293, managed by a specialized NGO, offers 24/7 listening.

For an expatriate facing isolation, complex family expatriation, or psychiatric history, it is prudent to:

– check that your insurance covers mental health;

– identify a few trusted practitioners upon arrival;

– consider, if necessary, a combination of local follow-up and teleconsultations with a professional from your home country.

Linguistic and Cultural Barriers: A Concrete Daily Challenge

The linguistic landscape of the Cambodian healthcare system is itself quite particular. Historically, medical training was largely conducted in French, with courses and materials (PowerPoint, books) remaining largely Francophone in some faculties. Today, English is gaining ground, notably in certain specialties and in private universities. Khmer remains the language of exchange with patients, but standardized medical vocabulary is still incomplete.

Concretely, an expatriate may encounter three situations:

Example:

The healthcare offering in Cambodia presents very varied linguistic profiles depending on the establishments. In a major historic public hospital, doctors, trained in French, have limited command of English and tend to explain diagnoses mixing French and Khmer terms. Conversely, in a private clinic targeting tourists and expatriates, the medical team is English-speaking, trained abroad, and more familiar with Western standards. Finally, in a more modest care center, caregivers speak only Khmer, making direct communication difficult and often requiring the use of an interpreter or a local companion.

For English speakers, international clinics remain the most comfortable option. For French speakers, some structures (Pharmacie de la Gare, a few hospitals and clinics) still have French-speaking staff, but English is increasingly becoming the lingua franca of the sector.

This linguistic mosaic adds to strong cultural differences in how illness, pain, or medical decision-making is approached. Hence the importance, for an expatriate, of asking questions, requesting that diagnoses and prescriptions be written down, and, if necessary, seeking a second opinion in a more international establishment.

Practical Advice for an Expatriation Project in Cambodia

Faced with this complex landscape, a few guidelines emerge to limit unpleasant surprises:

Tip:

Before departure, a travel medicine consultation is essential for vaccines, malaria prophylaxis, and managing chronic treatments. Check the local availability of your medications and bring at least a month’s supply with the original prescription. Take out robust international health insurance, including evacuation and covering your medical history. Upon arrival, locate reference hospitals and trusted pharmacies (like U‑Care or Pharmacie de la Gare). Keep key numbers on you: hospital, insurer, assistance, emergencies, and contacts of trusted doctors. Anticipate road risks (wear a helmet, be cautious on motorbikes, prefer experienced drivers). Finally, do not hesitate to ask for a second medical opinion in case of doubt, as consultations remain relatively affordable.

Healthcare for expatriates in Cambodia reflects in miniature the country’s evolution: a still fragile public system, a rising private sector turned towards the international market, stark disparities between city and countryside, and a central issue of financial accessibility. With good preparation, appropriate insurance coverage, and minimal knowledge of the local medical landscape, it is possible to live there peacefully, while remaining realistic about the system’s limits and the situations where a transfer to Thailand or Singapore will be the best medical option.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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