Dengue is a year-round mosquito risk countrywide and the tap water is not drinkable, not even for brushing teeth. Serious cases are evacuated to Thailand, so insurance with evacuation cover is essential rather than advisable.
- Dengue is a year-round mosquito risk countrywide, so use a high-DEET repellent. Malaria is minimal in the cities and persists in remote forested areas.
- Tap water is not drinkable, not even for brushing your teeth - use bottled, boiled or filtered.
- Serious cases are evacuated to Thailand, so insurance with evacuation cover is essential rather than advisable.
- Hospitals require cash payment or a direct guarantee from your insurer before treatment begins.
- In Vientiane the Alliance International Medical Centre and the French Medical Centre are the clinics with English-speaking staff; demanding surgery goes to Udon Thani or Bangkok.
Health, insurance and where to be treated
- Vaccinations - yellow fever is mandatory if you arrive from an endemic country. Recommended baseline cover is hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus.
- Tropical illness - dengue fever risk from mosquitoes throughout Laos, so use high-DEET repellents. Malaria risk is minimal in the main cities but persists in remote forested areas.
- Tap water is not drinkable. Use bottled, boiled or filtered water for drinking and for brushing your teeth.
- Travel insurance is essential, with high cover limits including medical evacuation to Thailand. Hospitals require cash payment or a direct guarantee from your insurer before treatment begins.
Private hospitals and clinics suitable for foreigners:
- Vientiane
- Alliance International Medical Centre - Souphanouvong Road, Sikhottabong District, near Wattay airport. Private clinic with English-speaking staff. +856 21 513 095 / +856 20 5552 9711, www.aimclao.com.
- Centre Médical de l'Ambassade de France (French Medical Centre) - Kouvieng Road, Ban Simuang. +856 21 214 150, 24/7 emergency +856 20 5655 4794.
- Kasemrad International Hospital - 1661 / +856 21 833 333.
- Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital - Ban Phoumok. +856 71 254 027, emergency +856 30 571 5738. Demanding surgical cases are evacuated to Thailand, to Udon Thani or Bangkok.
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