Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Cambodia
- Medical evacuation coverage is NON-NEGOTIABLE in Cambodia. Serious conditions require evacuation to Bangkok (1 hour flight) or Singapore—local care is limited.
- Phnom Penh has Cambodia's only quality private hospitals: Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and SOS International Clinic. Outside the capital, options are very basic.
- The E-class visa (business visa) is renewable indefinitely, making Cambodia popular with digital nomads and retirees—but healthcare is the main concern.
- Public hospitals should be avoided except for dire emergencies. Facilities are underfunded, hygiene standards are poor, and English is limited.
- Bangkok is your backup plan. Many expats cross to Thailand for anything beyond basic care—it's close, cheap, and world-class.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Cambodia?
Cambodia does not require health insurance for visas. The E-class visa (business visa) can be renewed indefinitely without insurance proof. However, given Cambodia's limited healthcare infrastructure, insurance with medical evacuation is essential—not for visa compliance, but for your safety. Many expats pay for healthcare out-of-pocket in Phnom Penh (costs are low) but rely on insurance for evacuation and serious conditions.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone in Cambodia—medical evacuation is essential and expensive without coverage ($15,000-30,000 to Bangkok/Singapore)
- Expats outside Phnom Penh where private healthcare doesn't exist
- Retirees and anyone with chronic conditions requiring reliable care
- Families with children—pediatric care is very limited
- Adventure travelers exploring rural areas, Angkor region, or coastal areas
Public vs Private Healthcare in Cambodia
Public Healthcare
Ministry of Health / NSSF (for formal workers)
- Access: Cambodian citizens. Expats rarely use public facilities.
- Cost: Very cheap (a few dollars) but quality reflects the price.
Cambodia's public healthcare system is severely underfunded. Public hospitals lack equipment, trained staff, and basic supplies. Hygiene standards are poor. English is rarely spoken. Expats avoid public hospitals except in life-threatening emergencies where transport isn't possible. Calmette Hospital (French-supported) is better than most but still below international standards.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Phnom Penh clinics: $30-80 consultations. International insurance: $80-180/month.
Phnom Penh has acceptable private healthcare for routine care. Royal Phnom Penh Hospital is the best facility—Thai-managed, modern equipment, English-speaking staff. SOS International Clinic provides Western-standard primary care. Raffles Medical has a Phnom Penh clinic. Outside Phnom Penh, private healthcare is nearly nonexistent—Siem Reap has basic clinics, Sihanoukville has very limited options. Anything serious = Bangkok evacuation.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Cambodia. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Medical evacuation to Bangkok/Singapore—the most critical coverage in Cambodia
Not ideal for: No one—evacuation coverage is essential here regardless of budget
Allianz Care
Best for: Expats who frequently travel to Thailand and want seamless regional coverage
Not ideal for: Those who never leave Phnom Penh—but evacuation is still needed for serious cases
BUPA Global
Best for: Retirees with pre-existing conditions who need reliable evacuation guarantees
Not ideal for: Young healthy expats who just want evacuation—cheaper options exist
IMG Global
Best for: Budget-conscious expats wanting essential evacuation coverage at lower cost
Not ideal for: Those wanting direct billing at Royal Phnom Penh Hospital—verify network first
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Cambodia
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Medical evacuation to Bangkok/Singapore—the | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Expats who frequently travel | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Retirees with pre-existing conditions | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget-conscious expats wanting essential | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Cambodia
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Medical evacuation is CRITICAL. Without it, you're facing $15,000-30,000+ out-of-pocket for an air ambulance to Bangkok. This is non-negotiable coverage in Cambodia.
- Phnom Penh only. Cambodia's acceptable healthcare is concentrated in the capital. Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) and Sihanoukville have only basic clinics. Rural areas have almost nothing.
- Bangkok is 1 hour away. Many expats don't bother with Cambodia healthcare at all—they fly to Bangkok for checkups, dental work, and any non-emergency care.
- Blood supply is limited. If you have a rare blood type, register with your embassy and consider Bangkok hospitals for surgical procedures.
- Pharmacies stock basics but many medications require import. If you take specialty medications, bring supplies or arrange import.
- The E visa is easy but doesn't mean healthcare is. Cambodia's low barrier to entry attracts people who underestimate healthcare risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is medical evacuation coverage so important in Cambodia?
Cambodia cannot treat serious conditions. Heart attacks, strokes, major trauma, cancer, complex surgery—all require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Without insurance, an air ambulance costs $15,000-30,000+. With insurance, evacuation is covered. This isn't optional coverage in Cambodia—it's the primary reason to have insurance. Even minor issues (broken bones, appendicitis) may warrant evacuation for proper treatment.
Can I just use Bangkok hospitals instead of insuring for Cambodia?
Many expats do exactly this—they self-pay for minor care in Phnom Penh and fly to Bangkok for anything significant. Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital offer world-class care. However, you still need evacuation coverage for emergencies. You can't fly commercial with a heart attack. Insurance with medical evacuation ensures you can get to Bangkok when you can't travel yourself.
What's healthcare like in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat area)?
Limited. Siem Reap has basic private clinics (Royal Angkor International Hospital is the best option) that can handle minor injuries, infections, and routine illness. Anything requiring surgery, imaging beyond basic X-rays, or specialist care requires evacuation to Phnom Penh or Bangkok. If you're based in Siem Reap, ensure your insurance covers domestic evacuation to Phnom Penh as well as international evacuation.
How do retirees manage healthcare in Cambodia?
Cambodia's low cost of living attracts retirees, but healthcare is the main concern. Smart retirees: (1) get comprehensive insurance with evacuation, (2) stay in or near Phnom Penh, (3) use Bangkok for checkups and non-emergency care, (4) maintain relationships with doctors in their home country or Bangkok for ongoing conditions. Retirees with serious chronic conditions should carefully consider whether Cambodia is appropriate.
Is the EB visa really indefinitely renewable?
Yes. Cambodia's E-class (business) visa can be renewed indefinitely—no proof of business activity, income, or insurance required. This makes Cambodia attractive for long-term stays. However, visa ease doesn't equal healthcare quality. The low barrier to entry means many expats arrive without understanding healthcare limitations. Get insurance before you need it, not after a medical emergency.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.