Expat Healthcare in Cambodia: Costs, Coverage, and Peace of Mind in 2025

Expat healthcare in Cambodia ranges from $5 doctor visits to $20,000 emergency evacuations. Choose private hospitals like Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, get international health insurance (from $171/month), and buy medications from trusted pharmacies like U-Care to avoid counterfeits. Download my free visa retirement guide to help your move and save time and money.

Relocating to Cambodia as an expat or retiree over 55 promises affordable living and vibrant culture, but healthcare risks can turn your adventure into a financial nightmare. I met an expat in Phnom Penh who lost their life savings to an uninsured medical emergency—a stark reminder to plan ahead. As a YouTuber dedicated to helping expats navigate Cambodia, I’ve researched healthcare costs, hospital options, and insurance plans to ensure your safety and peace of mind in 2025. This 2000-word guide covers real prices, top facilities, insurance strategies, and practical tips to keep you healthy without breaking the bank.

Why Healthcare Planning Is Critical for Expats in Cambodia

Cambodia’s healthcare system offers low-cost care but varies widely in quality. A routine checkup might cost $5, but a heart attack requiring evacuation to Thailand could hit $20,000. Without insurance, such costs can drain retirement savings, as seen in a 2024 expat survey where 30% of retirees faced unexpected medical bills over $5,000. Private hospitals like Royal Phnom Penh Hospital (https://royalphnompenhhospital.com) provide Western-standard care, while public facilities often lack resources. Planning with insurance and trusted providers ensures financial security and access to quality care.

Cambodia Healthcare Options for Expats

Understanding Cambodia’s healthcare infrastructure helps you make informed choices. Here’s a detailed look at your options in 2025.

• Private vs. Public Hospitals

  • Private Hospitals: Expats favor private facilities for modern equipment, Western-trained doctors, and shorter waits. Top options include:

    • Royal Phnom Penh Hospital: A glass-fronted, state-of-the-art facility in Phnom Penh, offering everything from routine checkups to surgeries. Known for English-speaking staff and JCI accreditation, it’s a go-to for retirees. Costs: $5-$100 for visits, $500-$5,000 for hospital stays.

    • Sunrise Japan Hospital (https://sunrisejapanhospital.com): Another Phnom Penh favorite, run by Japanese medical experts. Specializes in diagnostics and minor surgeries, with costs similar to Royal Phnom Penh.

    • Siem Reap Referral Hospital (Private Wing): Offers decent care for Siem Reap expats, though less advanced than Phnom Penh options.

  • Public Hospitals: Free for expats but overcrowded, with outdated equipment and long waits (2-4 hours for non-emergencies). Staff may lack English proficiency, and rural facilities are underfunded. Use public hospitals only for minor issues or if uninsured, but expect transfers to private facilities for serious conditions.

• Emergency Services and Evacuations
  Critical conditions like heart attacks or organ failure often require evacuation to Thailand (e.g., Bumrungrad Hospital, https://www.bumrungrad.com) or Singapore, costing $10,000-$20,000. A retiree I met in Siem Reap faced a $15,000 evacuation bill for a stroke without insurance—a preventable financial hit. Ambulance services in Cambodia are limited, so insurance covering air evacuations is essential, especially outside Phnom Penh.

• Prescription Drugs
  Medications are affordable—Amoxicillin costs ~$2 vs. $75 in the US—but counterfeit drugs are a major risk, with up to 20% of street-sold medications being fake, per WHO estimates. Always buy from trusted pharmacies like U-Care Pharmacy (https://www.u-carepharmacy.com) or Pharmacie de la Gare in Phnom Penh. Cambodia’s no-prescription policy allows easy access but increases risks; consult a doctor for serious medications to avoid fakes.

Healthcare Costs for Expats in Cambodia

Costs vary by city and facility. Here’s a breakdown for 2025:

• Phnom Penh:

  • Doctor visits: $5-$100 (Royal Phnom Penh).

  • Dental cleaning: $15-$25; crowns: $150-$650.

  • Hospital stays: $500-$5,000.

  • Evacuations: $10,000-$20,000.

• Siem Reap: Slightly cheaper, with visits at $5-$80 and dental care at $10-$20. Limited emergency care requires transfer to Phnom Penh or abroad.

• Sihanoukville: Basic care at $5-$50; serious cases need evacuation, inflating costs.

• Medications: Antibiotics ($2-$10), chronic drugs (e.g., insulin, $10-$50/month).

• Critical Care: Heart surgery or cancer treatment abroad can exceed $50,000.
  Regular checkups ($5-$20) and insurance prevent these costs from escalating.

Health Insurance Options for Expats in Cambodia

Insurance is non-negotiable for expats. Here’s how to choose the right plan in 2025.

• Sample Plans

  • Basic: $171/month, $10,000 deductible, $1M coverage. Limited to local hospitals, excludes US/Europe visits.

  • Mid-Tier: $191/month, $5,000 deductible, $1.5M coverage. Includes evacuations but may exclude pre-existing conditions like diabetes.

  • Premium: Sherri, a Canadian expat I met, pays $800/year through SafetyNet (Forte General Insurance, https://forteinsurance.com). No deductible, covers emergencies, outpatient care, and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital.

  • High-End: $300/month for $5M coverage, including cancer treatment and US visits, ideal for retirees over 65.

• Navigating Pre-Existing Conditions
  Many plans have 3-6 month waiting periods for conditions like hypertension or arthritis. Disclose your medical history to avoid claim denials. Sherri’s broker, SafetyNet, negotiated coverage for her mild asthma after a 4-month wait—a win for transparency.

• Choosing a Plan
  Prioritize:

  • Emergency and evacuation coverage.

  • Hospital networks including Royal Phnom Penh and Sunrise Japan.

  • No age caps (some limit at 65).

  • Maternity, dental, or cancer options if needed.
    Local brokers like SafetyNet offer expat-tailored plans cheaper than online quotes, saving 20-30% per my research.

Case Studies: Expat Healthcare Experiences

• John, 62, Retiree in Phnom Penh: John skipped insurance, assuming $5 checkups were enough. A fall led to a $3,000 hospital bill at Royal Phnom Penh, wiping out his savings. He now uses a $191/month plan with evacuation coverage.

• Maria, 58, Siem Reap Expat: Maria’s $800/year SafetyNet plan covered a $10,000 evacuation to Thailand for appendicitis. Her broker ensured quick claims, proving local expertise matters.
  These stories, shared over coffee with expats, highlight insurance’s value.

Practical Tips for Expat Healthcare in Cambodia

1. Connect with Local Brokers: SafetyNet or Forte Insurance offer better rates than online platforms like Cigna.

2. Stay Healthy: Low BMI and blood pressure qualify you for lower premiums. Walk Cambodia’s markets or join Phnom Penh’s yoga groups to stay fit.

3. Verify Hospital Networks: Ensure your plan covers Royal Phnom Penh or Sunrise Japan.

4. Use Trusted Pharmacies: U-Care or Pharmacie de la Gare for safe medications.

5. Reside 182+ Days/Year: Maintains Cambodia-based insurance validity.

6. Schedule Checkups: $5-$20 visits at private clinics catch issues early.

7. Learn Khmer Basics: Phrases like “tuk chet” (chest pain) aid communication in emergencies.

Cost-Saving Strategies

• Local Plans: SafetyNet’s $800/year plan beats international options costing $2,000+.

• Preventive Care: $5 checkups reduce emergency risks, saving thousands.

• Generic Drugs: Buy trusted generics at U-Care for 80% less than US prices.

• Expat Groups: Join Phnom Penh or Siem Reap meetups for broker recommendations, cutting research time.

Lifestyle Tips for Staying Healthy in Cambodia

• Diet: Shop at Phsar Kandal market for fresh produce ($1-$2/kg), reducing processed food costs.

• Exercise: Cycle Siem Reap’s temples or walk Sihanoukville’s beaches to stay active.

• Hydration: Cambodia’s heat (30°C+) demands 2-3L water daily to prevent dehydration.

• Mental Health: Connect with expat communities via local cafes or events for support.
  These habits, learned from personal experience in Cambodia, keep medical costs low.

FAQs About Expat Healthcare in Cambodia

• How much is a doctor visit in Cambodia?
  $5-$100 at private hospitals like Royal Phnom Penh.

• Do expats need health insurance in Cambodia?
  Yes, for $10,000-$20,000 evacuations and $500-$5,000 hospital stays.

• What’s the best insurance for expats in Cambodia?
  SafetyNet’s $800/year plan covers emergencies and outpatient care.

• Are medications safe in Cambodia?
  Buy from U-Care Pharmacy to avoid counterfeits; Amoxicillin costs ~$2.

• Can public hospitals treat expats?
  Yes, free but overcrowded—use private hospitals for serious care.

• What’s the cost of emergency evacuation?
  $10,000-$20,000 to Thailand or Singapore without insurance.

Resources for Expat Retirees

Planning your Cambodia move? Stay tuned for more tools to simplify your healthcare journey. Download my free Cambodia retirement guide to start preparing.

Watch My YouTube Video

See my video HERE for a visual walkthrough of Cambodia’s healthcare system, based on my knowledge and a desire to helping expats settle in.