Laos
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have聽appropriate travel insurance聽for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical numbers
Dial 1195 or 030 525 7239 and ask for an ambulance.
Voluntary ambulance services also operate in Vientiane free of charge.
Vientiane Rescue: 1623 or (0)20 5666 8825
Lao Red Cross Rescue: (0)20 5996 6111 or (0)20 2200 5563
Make sure anyone attending an accident is wearing a uniform marked 鈥榁ientiane Rescue鈥� or 鈥楲ao Red Cross鈥�. There have been reports of bogus companies attending accidents and trying to charge fees.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest聽
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the聽
See .
Mosquito-borne diseases
The rainy season sees an increase in dengue cases. Dengue and malaria are endemic, so you should increase precautions to聽.
Anthrax
Anthrax has been found in cattle and buffalo near the tourist areas of 4,000 Islands, Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau. Anthrax is a serious disease that can be transmitted to humans. Avoid contact with cattle and buffalo and make sure meat is thoroughly cooked. Seek medical attention if you are exposed to infected animals or show symptoms.
Air pollution
Regional air pollution can be a problem in Laos and may aggravate heart, lung or respiratory conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can read guidance on聽.
Medication
International clinics, large hospitals and larger pharmacies in Laos can supply most prescription medication. In remoter areas this may be more difficult.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
搁别补诲听.
Healthcare in Laos
Medical care in Laos can be basic and outside the capital there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to organise and very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
You may be asked to pay for an ambulance and any treatment you need in advance. Make sure you get a receipt to use for insurance claims.
FCDO聽has a list of聽medical providers in Laos where some staff will speak English.
There is also聽guidance on healthcare if you鈥檙e living in Laos.
Travel and mental health
搁别补诲听FCDO聽guidance on travel and mental health. There is also聽.