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 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Laos
- Health insurance with Thailand evacuation is essential—Laos has very limited medical facilities.
- Only Vientiane has reasonable healthcare; the rest of the country has basic provincial hospitals.
- Most expats cross to Thailand (Udon Thani, Bangkok) for anything beyond basic care.
- No digital nomad visa—most use tourist visa runs or business/investor visas.
- Very affordable out-of-pocket for basic care: $10-30 consultations, but quality is limited.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Laos?
Laos does not require health insurance for visa applications. However, comprehensive coverage with Thailand evacuation is essential—not optional. Laos has one of Southeast Asia's least-developed healthcare systems. Serious conditions, surgeries, and complex diagnostics require evacuation to Bangkok (1-hour flight from Vientiane) or Udon Thani, Thailand (80km from Vientiane by road).
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone living in Laos—local healthcare cannot handle serious conditions
- Those living outside Vientiane—provincial healthcare is extremely basic
- Anyone with chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care
- Adventure travelers—trekking, tubing, and motorbike accidents are common
- Older expats—limited cardiac and stroke care available locally
Public vs Private Healthcare in Laos
Public Healthcare
State Healthcare System
- Access: Laotian citizens; very limited access for foreigners
- Cost: Minimal fees ($5-20) but usually paid out-of-pocket
Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane is the main public referral hospital—basic by international standards with limited equipment and English. Provincial hospitals have severe shortages of equipment, medications, and trained staff. Public healthcare is essentially unavailable for expats' serious needs.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $50-100/month (international plans covering evacuation)
Private options are very limited. Alliance International Medical Center (French-run) in Vientiane is the best facility for expats—handles routine care, minor procedures, and some emergencies. French Hospital (Clinique Française) offers reasonable outpatient care. For anything serious—surgery, cardiac care, oncology, complex diagnostics—Bangkok is the standard destination. Many expats cross to Udon Thani, Thailand (1.5-hour drive) for routine care at modern facilities.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Laos. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Laos
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Laos
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 | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Laos
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Medical evacuation to Thailand is not a luxury—it's essential. A medical flight to Bangkok costs $10,000-25,000. Ground ambulance to Udon Thani is cheaper but only viable for stable patients.
- Outside Vientiane, healthcare is extremely basic. Luang Prabang has a small provincial hospital but limited capabilities. Remote areas have nothing.
- Medications are often unavailable or counterfeit. Bring sufficient supplies for any chronic conditions and verify medications at pharmacies.
- Malaria risk exists in rural and border areas. Ensure your insurance covers tropical diseases and prevention medications.
- Road accidents are common—poorly maintained roads and no trauma care outside Vientiane make travel risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do expats in Laos go for medical care?
For routine care: Alliance International Medical Center or French Hospital in Vientiane. For anything serious: Thailand. Most long-term expats in Vientiane cross the Friendship Bridge to Udon Thani, Thailand (1.5-hour drive) for dental work, diagnostics, and specialist consultations. For major procedures, hospitalization, or emergencies, Bangkok's hospitals (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital) are 1 hour by flight.
How do I get a long-term visa for Laos?
Laos has no digital nomad visa. Options: Tourist visa (30 days, extendable to 60) with border runs; Business visa (B2) requires Laotian company sponsorship; Investor visa for those establishing a business; Expert visa for skilled workers. Many expats do tourist visa runs to Thailand every 60 days. Business visa is the most common long-term option but requires local connections.
Is Laos safe for retirees with health conditions?
Laos is not ideal for retirees with significant health needs. Limited cardiac care, no oncology services, and basic emergency medicine mean any serious condition requires evacuation. If you're healthy and want a quiet, affordable lifestyle, Laos works—but have a clear evacuation plan. Living in Vientiane (close to Thailand border) is essential for medical access.
How much does healthcare cost in Laos?
Out-of-pocket costs are low: GP consultation $10-30, specialist $20-50 (limited availability), basic blood tests $10-20, X-ray $15-30. However, low cost reflects limited capability. Quality diagnostics, surgery, and specialist care require Thailand, where costs are moderate by international standards but require proper insurance coverage.
What insurance is best for expats in Laos?
Choose plans with strong Southeast Asia coverage and easy Thailand access. Cigna Global and Allianz Care work well with direct billing at Bangkok hospitals. SafetyWing covers medical evacuation. Pacific Cross is a regional specialist familiar with Laos evacuations. Any plan must include medical evacuation—verify coverage limits are at least $100,000 for evacuation to Thailand or home country.
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.