Capital city, Senegal
Healthcare in Dakar: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Dakar
Private clinics provide decent routine care at moderate prices; complex cases may need evacuation to Europe. Insurance with evacuation is recommended.
Hospitals for foreigners in Dakar
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Hôpital Principal de Dakar | Large public hospital; trauma and emergency care |
| Clinique de la Madeleine | Private clinic; popular with expats |
| Clinique du Cap | Private clinic in Plateau |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: CFA15,000–40,000 ($26–69) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Senegal: Dakar has good private clinics and hospitals for routine care; services outside the capital are limited. Serious cases are evacuated to Europe; insurance with evacuation is essential.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies are common in Dakar and large towns; bring prescriptions and malaria prophylaxis.
- Health spending: US$73 per person a year (2023); 0.1 doctors per 1,000 people (2023), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 17 · Ambulance 1515 · Fire 18.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Senegal, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Dakar for foreigners?
Hôpital Principal de Dakar: Large public hospital; trauma and emergency care
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Dakar?
About CFA15,000–40,000 ($26–69) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Senegal?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Senegal expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Dakar
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Senegal
- Dakar BRT / TER (CETUD)
- Blaise Diagne International Airport
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.