Capital city in Lusaka Province, Zambia
Healthcare in Lusaka: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Lusaka
Private hospitals are adequate for routine and emergency care. Complex cases go to South Africa; carry insurance with evacuation.
Hospitals for foreigners in Lusaka
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Maina Soko Medical Centre | Private hospital popular with expats |
| Fairview Hospital | Private hospital with emergency care |
| University Teaching Hospital | Largest public hospital; crowded |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: K400–900 ($20–46) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Zambia: Private clinics in Lusaka and Livingstone are adequate for routine care; serious cases usually need evacuation to South Africa. Travel insurance with evacuation is essential.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies in Lusaka and Livingstone stock basics and malaria drugs; bring prescriptions for anything specialist.
- Health spending: US$80 per person a year (2023); 0.3 doctors per 1,000 people (2022), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 991 · Ambulance 992 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 112.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Zambia, 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 Lusaka for foreigners?
Maina Soko Medical Centre: Private hospital popular with expats
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Lusaka?
About K400–900 ($20–46) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Zambia?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Zambia expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Lusaka
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Zambia
- Zambia Tourism Agency
- Zambia Immigration Department
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 Spotted something out of date?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.