Health Care in Vientiane
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Vientiane: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Vientiane.
The healthcare system in Vientiane is a mix of public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is called the Ministry of Health and is used by locals and foreigners alike. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Vientiane for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. At a public hospital in Vientiane, you can expect to find a range of services, from basic medical care to more specialized treatments. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Laos. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals for more serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they tend to have better facilities and more experienced staff. Private hospitals in Vientiane offer a range of services, from basic medical care to more specialized treatments.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Vientiane
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Vientiane for expats. The Mahosot Hospital is a public hospital located in the center of Vientiane, and is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. The Setthathirat Hospital is a private hospital located in the center of Vientiane, and specializes in providing medical care for expats. The Lao-Japan Hospital is a private hospital located in the north of Vientiane, and specializes in providing medical care for expats. The Vientiane International Clinic is a private clinic located in the center of Vientiane, and specializes in providing medical care for expats.
Emergency Services in Vientiane
There are ambulance services in Vientiane, and you can call for an ambulance by dialing the emergency number 115. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency.
Health Insurance Companies in Vientiane
The most popular private health insurers in Vientiane are Lao-Viet Insurance, Lao-Thai Insurance, and Lao-Japan Insurance. These companies provide health insurance for both locals and expats. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.