Medical and Funeral Emergency Plan for Expats in Siem Reap

This guide is for any expatriate living or planning to settle in Siem Reap, regardless of age or nationality. It is especially recommended for:

• Foreign retirees residing permanently or semi-permanently in Cambodia.
• Digital nomads and long-term travelers (over 6 months).
• Families with children: medical risks are higher.
• People with pre-existing medical conditions requiring regular monitoring.
• Any expat wishing to avoid burdening local authorities in case of emergency or death.

Currently, many expats lack a formal emergency plan. Here is what Craig Dodge, an American retiree in Siem Reap, recommends compared to the current situation:

Follow these steps to set up a comprehensive medical and funeral emergency plan:

1. Step 1: Get medical evacuation insurance. Choose a policy covering evacuation to a quality hospital (Bangkok, Singapore) and body repatriation. Check coverage limits (minimum $100,000).
2. Step 2: Draft a will and advance directives. Consult a lawyer specialized in international law. Specify your funeral wishes (cremation, repatriation, organ donation).
3. Step 3: Register your emergency contacts. Note your embassy's number, a relative in your home country, and a reliable local contact. Keep this info in your wallet and phone.
4. Step 4: Inform your embassy of your presence. Register with your country's embassy in Phnom Penh. In a crisis, they can assist you.
5. Step 5: Prepare a portable medical file. Include blood type, allergies, current treatments, medical history. Translate it into English and Khmer. Keep a copy at home and a digital version.
6. Step 6: Get specific funeral insurance. Some companies offer policies for expats covering body repatriation and funeral costs. Compare offers.
7. Step 7: Stay informed about the permanent resident card. Follow news via expat groups (Telegram, Facebook). If the system is implemented, apply as soon as it opens.

• Less pressure on local hospitals: Expats with evacuation insurance are quickly transferred, freeing beds for Cambodian residents.
• Reduced administrative formalities for authorities: With a funeral plan, repatriation is handled by a private company, sparing local authorities from storing the body and organizing procedures.
• Improved image of expats: By being prepared, expats show respect for Cambodia and its institutions, strengthening good relations.
• Creation of a more resilient community: Expats who share their emergency plans encourage others to do the same, building a support network.
• Advocacy for a permanent resident status: Testimonies from Craig Dodge and other expats could speed up the implementation of a resident card, simplifying long-term administrative life.

Here are the most frequent mistakes made by expats in Siem Reap:

• Mistake 1 — Not having evacuation insurance. Many think standard travel insurance is enough. In reality, medical evacuation costs can reach $50,000, rarely covered by standard policies.
• Mistake 2 — Ignoring advance directives. Without a will or directives, your loved ones will have to make tough decisions in a foreign context, with cultural and legal differences.
• Mistake 3 — Failing to inform your embassy. In a crisis (natural disaster, political unrest), the embassy can only help if you are registered. Many expats overlook this step.
• Mistake 4 — Underestimating repatriation delays. Without funeral insurance, body repatriation can take weeks and cost thousands of dollars. Plan ahead.
• Mistake 5 — Waiting for the green card without preparing. Even if a permanent resident system is being discussed, it does not exist yet. Do not delay other emergency preparations.