Insider's Guide to the Health System in Laos

The healthcare system in Laos is a mix of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is free for citizens of Laos. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Laos, however, it is not used by many foreigners. Public hospitals are not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is not as high as private hospitals. Public hospitals in Laos are often overcrowded and lack the necessary medical equipment and supplies.

Laos's Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare in Laos is more expensive than public healthcare, but the quality of care is much higher. Expats primarily use private hospitals for medical care, as they are more reliable and have better facilities. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they have better medical equipment and supplies. Private hospitals in Laos are often more modern and have better trained staff than public hospitals.

Laos's Top Hospitals

The top hospitals in Laos include:

• Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane (public)
• Savannakhet Provincial Hospital in Savannakhet (public)
• Mittaphab Hospital in Vientiane (private)
• Vientiane International Clinic in Vientiane (private)
• Lao-Japan Hospital in Vientiane (private, specializes in orthopedics)

Health Insurance Companies in Laos

The most popular private health insurers in Laos are Lao-Viet Insurance, Lao-Thai Insurance, and Lao-Korea Insurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, as they provide comprehensive coverage for medical expenses. Expats may also use specialized expat health insurance providers, however, these are not as common in Laos.

Insider Tips from Expats in Laos: How to Navigate the Health System

"Medical services in Laos are generally limited, with most of the country's medical facilities located in the capital city of Vientiane. The majority of medical care is provided by the government, with a few private clinics and hospitals available. The quality of care varies, with some facilities providing basic services while others offer more advanced treatments. In rural areas, access to medical care is often limited, and many people rely on traditional medicine for their health needs. In general, medical services in Laos are not up to the standards of other countries in the region," commented one member living in Laos.

"Healthcare services in Laos are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Laos. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than in other countries. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but the services are limited and the cost of treatment can be expensive. Expats in Laos often use the public healthcare system for basic medical needs, but they may also opt to use private healthcare services for more specialized treatments," commented one member living in Laos.