Healthcare in Siem Reap

Everything you need to know about healthcare in Siem Reap

Healthcare in Siem Reap has improved significantly in recent years. While not at Western standards, the city now offers quality medical facilities for most common needs. This guide covers everything from hospitals to pharmacies, insurance options, and emergency preparedness.

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Main Hospitals

Siem Reap has two main hospitals that cater to foreigners and locals alike. For serious conditions, Bangkok offers world-class medical care just a 1-hour flight away.

Royal Angkor International Hospital

International standard hospital with 24/7 emergency services. Accepts most international insurance. Staff speaks English and French.

24/7International standardInsurance accepted

Jayavarman VII Hospital

Public hospital with reasonable prices and decent quality. Good for minor emergencies and basic care.

Local pricesGood quality

Clinics & Specialists

For non-emergency care, Siem Reap has numerous clinics covering general practice, dental, optical, and laboratory services.

General Practice

Walk-in clinics for common illnesses, minor injuries, and routine checkups.

$10-30 per visit

Dental Care

Quality dental clinics with modern equipment. Much cheaper than Western countries.

$20-100 per procedure

Optical Services

Eye exams and prescription glasses at affordable prices.

$30-150 per pair

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests, X-rays, and diagnostic services available.

$5-50 per test

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are plentiful in Siem Reap and most medications are available over the counter without prescription.

Wide availability

Most common medications available without prescription.

Affordable prices

Generic medications are very cheap, often 50-80% less than Western prices.

Generic options

Ask for generic versions to save even more money.

Warning: Check expiration dates and buy from reputable pharmacies. Avoid buying antibiotics without proper diagnosis.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is strongly recommended for expats. Options range from basic local coverage to comprehensive international plans.

Local Insurance

Basic coverage for treatment within Cambodia. Good for routine care but limited for serious conditions.

$50-150/year

International Insurance

Comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Recommended for families and long-term expats.

$500-2000/year

Tip: Consider a plan that covers medical evacuation to Bangkok, which has world-class hospitals for serious conditions.

Emergency Numbers

Important Emergency Contacts

Ambulance

119

Police

117

Fire Department

118

Tourist Police

012-942-484

For serious emergencies, consider going directly to Royal Angkor International Hospital rather than waiting for an ambulance, as response times can be slow.

Healthcare Budget

Healthcare costs in Siem Reap are very affordable compared to Western countries. Here's what to budget based on your age:

AgeMonthlyIncludes
18-30$30-50Basic care, rare illness
30-50$50-100Regular checkups, dental
50-65$100-150Extra care, screenings
65+$150-250Comprehensive care, medications

Health Tips

1

Drink only bottled or filtered water. Tap water is not safe to drink in Cambodia.

2

Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. It's cheap and invaluable in emergencies.

3

Keep a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and diarrhea medication.

4

Use mosquito repellent, especially during rainy season. Dengue fever is present in Cambodia.

5

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly or peel them before eating.

6

Know the location of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy to your home.

Conclusion

Healthcare in Siem Reap, while not at Western standards, is adequate for most needs and continually improving. The key to staying healthy is prevention: drink clean water, use mosquito protection, and maintain good hygiene.

For serious conditions, Bangkok is only a 1-hour flight away and offers world-class medical facilities at reasonable prices. Many expats choose to go there for major procedures.

Most importantly, invest in good health insurance. It's relatively affordable and provides peace of mind knowing you're covered for any eventuality.

Next steps: Estimate your total monthly budget with our Cost of Living Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Western health insurance in Siem Reap?
Some international hospitals like Royal Angkor accept foreign insurance, but many smaller clinics require cash payment upfront. Keep receipts to claim reimbursement from your insurer later.
Are vaccinations required for Cambodia?
No vaccinations are legally required, but recommended ones include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies. Consult a travel doctor before your trip. Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term stays.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
For life-threatening emergencies, go directly to Royal Angkor International Hospital. Call 119 for ambulance, but response times can be slow. Have someone call your insurance emergency line if you have international coverage.
Is dental care safe in Siem Reap?
Yes, several dental clinics in Siem Reap meet international hygiene standards. Prices are 50-70% lower than Western countries. Popular clinics include Roomchang Dental and various international-standard clinics in the city center.
Can I buy prescription medications without a prescription?
Many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available over the counter in Cambodia. However, it's recommended to have a prescription or know the generic name. Antibiotics should only be taken with proper medical advice.
What about malaria - should I take prophylaxis?
Malaria risk in Siem Reap city is very low. Most expats do not take prophylaxis. However, if you plan to travel to rural areas or forest regions, consult a doctor about prevention. Dengue fever is more common and has no prophylaxis - use mosquito protection.
How much does a doctor visit cost?
A general practitioner visit costs $10-30 at local clinics and $40-80 at international hospitals. Specialist consultations range from $50-150. These are cash prices - insurance may reimburse you.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
No, tap water in Cambodia is not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Many expats install water filters in their homes for convenience and environmental reasons.
What should I do if I get dengue fever?
There is no specific treatment for dengue - it must run its course. Rest, stay hydrated, and take paracetamol for fever (avoid aspirin and ibuprofen). See a doctor to confirm diagnosis and monitor platelet levels. Most cases resolve in 7-10 days.
Are there English-speaking doctors in Siem Reap?
Yes, especially at international hospitals and clinics catering to tourists and expats. Royal Angkor International Hospital has English and French-speaking staff. Some local doctors also speak basic English.
Should I get health insurance for Cambodia?
Absolutely. Medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore can cost $15,000-50,000 without insurance. A comprehensive international health plan costs $100-300/month depending on age and coverage, and provides peace of mind.
What hospitals are best for emergencies?
Royal Angkor International Hospital is the best option for serious emergencies, with 24/7 emergency care and international standards. For less serious issues, Jayavarman VII Hospital offers good care at lower prices.
Can I get glasses or contact lenses in Siem Reap?
Yes, there are several optical shops offering eye exams and prescription glasses at affordable prices. A complete pair of glasses typically costs $30-150 depending on frames and lenses quality.
Is air quality a health concern in Siem Reap?
Air quality in Siem Reap is generally better than Phnom Penh, but can be poor during the dry season (February-April) due to agricultural burning. Those with respiratory conditions should monitor AQI and consider wearing N95 masks on poor air quality days.
What happens if I need surgery in Siem Reap?
Minor surgeries can be performed at Royal Angkor International Hospital. For major surgeries, most expats choose to go to Bangkok which has world-class medical facilities. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation if needed.

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