Capital city in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Healthcare in Kathmandu: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Kathmandu
Best care in Nepal, but standards vary; use the private hospitals above. Serious cases often fly to Bangkok, Delhi or Singapore.
Hospitals for foreigners in Kathmandu
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| CIWEC Hospital | Lazimpat; travel-medicine specialists used by expats and trekkers |
| Norvic International Hospital | Thapathali; private, with emergency and specialist care |
| Grande International Hospital | Dhapasi; large private hospital with international desk |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: Rs1,500–4,000 ($10–26) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Nepal: Kathmandu has decent private hospitals and travel clinics such as CIWEC; elsewhere care is basic. Trekking emergencies need helicopter evacuation, so get insurance covering high altitude.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies in every town sell most drugs without prescription; carry altitude and stomach medicine on treks.
- Health spending: US$84 per person a year (2023); 1.0 doctors per 1,000 people (2023), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 100 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1144.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Nepal, 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 Kathmandu for foreigners?
CIWEC Hospital: Lazimpat; travel-medicine specialists used by expats and trekkers
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Kathmandu?
About Rs1,500–4,000 ($10–26) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Nepal?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Nepal expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Kathmandu
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Nepal
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Nepal Immigration (arrival form)
- Tribhuvan International Airport
- CIWEC Hospital
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.