Mountain town in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Healthcare in Skardu: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Skardu
Care is basic; serious cases need airlift to Islamabad, often weather-delayed. Insurance must cover trekking and high-altitude evacuation.
Hospitals for foreigners in Skardu
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Skardu | Largest hospital in the region |
| DHQ Hospital Skardu | Public hospital with basic emergency care |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: Rs500–2,000 ($1.8–7.2) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Pakistan: Good private hospitals in Karachi (Aga Khan University Hospital), Islamabad (Shifa International) and Lahore; public hospitals are crowded. Mountain areas have basic care and slow evacuation.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies are common in cities and sell most drugs over the counter; carry essentials in the mountains.
- Health spending: US$30 per person a year (2023); 1.2 doctors per 1,000 people (2021), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 15 · Ambulance 1122 · Fire 16.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Pakistan, 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 Skardu for foreigners?
Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Skardu: Largest hospital in the region
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Skardu?
About Rs500–2,000 ($1.8–7.2) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Pakistan?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Pakistan expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Skardu
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Pakistan
- Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
- Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.