Health
If you need a doctor
What to do if you get ill in any of the 20 cities we cover: the number to call, who covers you, the medicines that can cause trouble at the border, and where to go, from private hospitals with English-speaking staff to the duty pharmacy at midnight.
In an emergency, call the local number first. Every city below starts with it. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Before you go
- Get insurance that fits a long stay. Outside the EU, your cover from home almost certainly won't pay, and even a GHIC or EHIC doesn't cover private clinics or getting you home. Compare nomad insurance against your trip.
- Check your medicines. Japan, the UAE and Thailand are strict, and some common UK and US medicines are illegal there. Carry them in original packaging with the prescription.
- Save the numbers. The emergency number isn't 999 or 911 everywhere, and some countries have a separate one for an ambulance.
- Know where you'd go. Find the nearest private hospital or clinic with English-speaking staff before you need it. Apps such as Air Doctor list local doctors for travellers, paid per visit.
Who covers you
| If you are | What you get | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| UK residents | A free UK GHIC (or an old UK EHIC still in date) gets you necessary state healthcare in the EU, often on the same terms as locals. Of our cities, that means Lisbon, Barcelona, Las Palmas, Budapest, Athens, Valletta and Split. NHS, December 2023; GOV.UK reciprocal agreements, October 2026 | State care only, not private clinics or repatriation, and you pay any charge a local would. The UK has no healthcare agreement with any of our other countries. If you've moved abroad, you usually can't use a UK GHIC. |
| EU citizens | Your EHIC gives you the same state healthcare as people insured in the EU country you're in. Your Europe, September 2026 | It doesn't cover private care, rescue or repatriation, and does nothing outside the EU. |
| US citizens | Medicare pays for care abroad only in rare cases, and Medicare drug plans don't cover prescriptions bought outside the US. Medicare.gov; US State Department, August 2025 | The State Department recommends travel health insurance and medical evacuation cover before you go. |
Numbers to save
| City | Call | GHIC or EHIC works |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | 112 Emergencies 808 24 24 24 SNS 24 health line, press 9 for English | Yes, at public providers |
| Barcelona | 112 Emergencies | Yes, at public providers |
| Las Palmas | 112 Emergencies | Yes, at public providers |
| Budapest | 112 Emergencies, in English 104 Ambulance | Yes, at public providers |
| Athens | 112 Emergencies 166 Ambulance | Yes, at public providers |
| Tbilisi | 112 Emergencies | No |
| Dubai | 998 Ambulance 999 Police | No |
| Cape Town | 112 From a mobile 10177 Ambulance | No |
| Bangkok | 1669 Ambulance 191 Police and all emergencies 1155 Tourist police | No |
| Chiang Mai | 1669 Ambulance 191 Police and all emergencies 1155 Tourist police | No |
| Bali | 118 Ambulance 112 Police and emergencies | No |
| Kuala Lumpur | 999 Emergencies 112 From a mobile | No |
| Tokyo | 119 Ambulance 050 3816 2787 Japan Visitor Hotline, 24 hours, in English | No |
| Mexico City | 911 Emergencies | No |
| Medellin | 123 Emergencies | No |
| Buenos Aires | 107 Ambulance 911 Emergencies | No |
| Valletta | 112 Emergencies | Yes, at public providers |
| Split | 112 Emergencies 194 Ambulance | Yes, at public providers |
| Florianopolis | 192 Ambulance (SAMU) | No |
| Santa Teresa | 911 Emergencies | No |
Bringing your medicines
Everywhere: keep medicines in their original packaging, with the prescription or a doctor's letter, in your hand luggage. Three countries go much further.
Japan
Some everyday medicines are illegal, including amphetamine-based ADHD medicines such as Adderall, Vicks inhalers, some cold and allergy medicines with pseudoephedrine, and some codeine painkillers. People have been detained and deported. Medicines Japan classes as narcotics, such as strong opioid painkillers, need permission before you travel, however little you bring. Some other ADHD, sleeping and anxiety medicines, such as Ritalin, have quantity limits; above them, carry a doctor's certificate. For more than a month's supply of a prescription medicine, apply for an import certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho, formerly Yakkan Shoumei) at least two weeks before you fly. Embassy of Japan, May 2026; Japan's health ministry; GOV.UK, August 2026
United Arab Emirates
Some UK prescription and over-the-counter medicines count as controlled. You must get approval from the UAE health ministry in advance to bring medication in; applications take about five working days. Bring the prescription and keep medicines in their original packaging. GOV.UK, July 2026
Thailand
Bring no more than 30 days' supply, in labelled original containers, with a prescription or doctor's letter. Medicines on Thailand's Category 2 controlled drugs list need a Thai FDA permit: check the list on the Royal Thai Embassy's page and apply online at least two weeks ahead. Royal Thai Embassy, London, March 2024
Worth knowing elsewhere
- Malaysia. Up to a month's supply for your own use, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's letter in English. Medicines containing controlled drugs must be declared on arrival. Malaysian Ministry of Health guide, July 2019
- Indonesia. There's no official English guide. Narcotics are banned, and drug offences can carry the death penalty. Carry a doctor's letter and prescription, keep medicines in their original packaging, and ask the Indonesian embassy about ADHD, pain or anxiety medicines before you travel. CTM travel guide, March 2025; US government (OSAC)
- Portugal. UK prescriptions aren't recognised, and some medicines, including antibiotics, are tightly controlled. Bring enough for your stay. GOV.UK, August 2026
- Malta. UK prescriptions aren't recognised. Bring enough for your stay, or see a local doctor for a new prescription. GOV.UK, August 2026
- Greece. Carry a doctor's letter stating how much you need. Some medicines, including antibiotics, are tightly controlled. GOV.UK, August 2026
- Mexico. Get any prescription from outside Mexico translated into Spanish. Pharmacies can still refuse a foreign prescription. GOV.UK, October 2026
- Colombia. Prescriptions must be in Spanish, in metric units and use the generic name of the medicine. Keep medicines in the original container, with copies of the prescription in your hand luggage. Some controlled medicines need a prescription from a Colombian doctor. GOV.UK, September 2026
- Costa Rica. UK prescriptions can't be used locally, so bring enough for your stay. GOV.UK, May 2026
- Brazil. Bring a prescription or doctor's letter and enough for your whole trip. Counterfeit medicines can be a problem. GOV.UK, September 2026
Lisbon
The Lisbon guide112 Emergencies808 24 24 24 SNS 24 health line, press 9 for English GOV.UK, August 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Works for state care in Portugal.
- A private doctor
- About €40 to €80 for a private GP visit; specialists about €70 to €120. The Traveler, April 2026
Where to go
Urgent care open 24 hours
Hospital CUF Descobertas
A large private hospital in Parque das Nações, with walk-in urgent care for adults and children.
Check urgent care hours before you go
Hospital da Luz Lisboa
The main hospital of the private Luz Saúde group, with an urgent care service.
Pharmacies
- Every area has a duty pharmacy (farmácia de serviço) open at night; each pharmacy posts the nearest one in its window, and SNS 24 can tell you too. Antibiotics need a prescription. Staff in Lisbon often speak English. Expat Focus, May 2026
Public care for visitors
- Without a GHIC or EHIC, you're seen in public A&E and billed afterwards at the standard rate. Observador, July 2026
Medicines. UK prescriptions aren't recognised, and some medicines, including antibiotics, are tightly controlled. Bring enough for your stay.
Barcelona
The Barcelona guide112 Emergencies GOV.UK, August 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Works for state care in Spain.
- A private doctor
- From €95 for a GP at Turó Park Clinics; €70 to €150 is typical for a private GP in Spain. Barcelona-Life, April 2026; Spain Handbook, August 2026
Where to go
Emergencies 24 hours for internal medicine, gynaecology, trauma and children
Hospital Universitari Quirónsalud Barcelona
A large private hospital with an international patient service.
Open 7 days; not an emergency service
Turó Park Clinics
A private medical centre in the Zona Alta, with over 70 doctors who speak English. Book online.
Pharmacies
- At least one pharmacy in each area stays open at night and at weekends (the farmacia de guardia); the rota is on every pharmacy door. Antibiotics need a prescription. ImmoAbroad, 2026
Public care for visitors
- Public A&E treats real emergencies whatever your cover, but without a GHIC or EHIC you can be billed the full cost. If a hotel calls a private doctor, your GHIC won't be accepted. GOV.UK, August 2026; Spain Handbook, August 2026
Las Palmas
The Las Palmas guide112 Emergencies GOV.UK, August 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Works for state care in Spain.
- A private doctor
- About €30 to €70 for an in-person GP visit; video consultations from €20. Doctorsa, a booking platform, July 2026
Where to go
A&E open 24 hours
Vithas Las Palmas Hospital
A large private hospital on Calle León y Castillo. Private patients pay a deposit.
Pharmacies
- One pharmacy in each area is always open after hours, and every pharmacy door says which. Antibiotics need a prescription. Gran Canaria island guide
Public care for visitors
- The main public hospitals are Hospital Insular and Hospital Doctor Negrín. Without a GHIC or EHIC, expect to be billed. Gran Canaria island guide
Budapest
The Budapest guide112 Emergencies, in English104 Ambulance US State Department, April 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Works for state care in Hungary.
- A private doctor
- From HUF 46,000 for a family doctor at FirstMed, HUF 39,900 at RMC Clinics. Hungary Unlocked, citing the clinics' 2026 price lists, August 2026
Where to go
Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, weekends 9am–3pm; not 24 hours
FirstMed
A private English-speaking clinic in Buda, running since 1999.
Check hours; book ahead
RMC Clinics (formerly Rózsakert Medical Center)
A private outpatient clinic with over 100 English-speaking doctors, in the Rózsakert shopping centre.
Pharmacies
- Pharmacies take turns on night duty, so the nearest may be shut while one a few streets away is open. Most open about 8am to 6pm on weekdays and close on Sundays. Prescription-only medicines are marked "vényköteles". Hungary Unlocked, August 2026
Public care for visitors
- Emergency care is given whatever your cover. If it turns out not to be an emergency, you may be billed, and the doctor must warn you first. Hungary Unlocked, August 2026
Athens
The Athens guide112 Emergencies166 Ambulance GOV.UK, August 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Works for state care in Greece.
- A private doctor
- About €60 to €150 for a private GP visit without insurance. Feather, an insurer, April 2026
Where to go
Emergency department open 24/7
HYGEIA Hospital
A large private hospital with an international patients service. No appointment needed for emergencies.
Pharmacies
- Duty pharmacies are listed by district, in English, on vrisko.gr. Call ahead, as rotas change. vrisko.gr
Public care for visitors
- Some public facilities may ask visitors without cover to pay up front. Feather, April 2026
Medicines. Carry a doctor's letter stating how much you need. Some medicines, including antibiotics, are tightly controlled.
Tbilisi
The Tbilisi guide112 Emergencies GOV.UK, September 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Georgia. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About GEL 92 for a short private visit, from a small sample. Expatistan, September 2026
Where to go
An expat guide says 24/7 emergency care; call to check
American Medical Centers Tbilisi
A private clinic for international patients with English-speaking doctors, on the UK government's list of medical facilities.
Check emergency hours
New Hospitals
A large private hospital where, reviewers say, most staff speak good English.
Pharmacies
- Some pharmacies open 24/7. Antibiotics legally need a prescription, and strong painkillers need a local one. Expat Exchange; Frontiers in Pharmacology, February 2024
Public care for visitors
- The UK has no healthcare agreement with Georgia: you or your insurer pay as you're treated. GOV.UK, September 2026
- About 90% of hospitals are privately owned. Expat Hub, September 2024
Worth knowing
- Since 1 January 2026, visitors to Georgia must have health and accident insurance with at least GEL 30,000 of cover for the whole stay. Embassy of Lithuania in Georgia, December 2025
Dubai
The Dubai guide998 Ambulance999 Police GOV.UK, July 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in United Arab Emirates. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About AED 300 to 500 for a private GP without insurance; private A&E from about AED 500. Allocation Assist, October 2026
Where to go
24/7 emergency department
Mediclinic City Hospital
A large private hospital in Dubai Healthcare City.
24/7 emergency department
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital
A private hospital in Al Garhoud, near the airport.
Pharmacies
- Pharmacies are easy to find, many in hospitals open 24 hours. Pharmacists can't accept foreign prescriptions, and some medicines sold over the counter in the UK need one here. Aetna International, December 2025; William Russell, April 2025
Worth knowing
- Health insurance is compulsory for Dubai residents. William Russell, April 2025
Medicines: strict rules. Some UK prescription and over-the-counter medicines count as controlled. You must get approval from the UAE health ministry in advance to bring medication in; applications take about five working days. Bring the prescription and keep medicines in their original packaging.
Check which nomad policies cover a stay in United Arab Emirates
Cape Town
The Cape Town guide112 From a mobile10177 Ambulance GOV.UK, July 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in South Africa. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About R620 for a short private visit, from a small sample. Expatistan, December 2025
Where to go
Trauma centre with 24-hour cover
Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital
A large private hospital on the Foreshore, and one of South Africa's top-level private trauma centres.
Call ahead to check emergency hours
Mediclinic Cape Town
A private hospital in Oranjezicht. Emergency centre: 021 464 5555.
Public care for visitors
- Foreign tourists pay the full fee at Western Cape public hospitals. Public hospitals are stretched, and most expats use private ones. Western Cape Government, July 2022; Expat Arrivals
Bangkok
The Bangkok guide1669 Ambulance191 Police and all emergencies1155 Tourist police GOV.UK, September 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Thailand. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About THB 2,000 to 6,000 at the big international hospitals, THB 1,200 to 3,500 at other private hospitals, including the doctor's fee and medicines. Thailand Starter Kit, October 2026
Where to go
Emergency centre open 24 hours
Bumrungrad International Hospital
One of Asia's best-known private hospitals. English is widely spoken, with free interpreters. Emergency line in Thailand: 1378.
Emergency open 24 hours
Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital
A large private hospital group with a site on Sukhumvit.
Pharmacies
- Boots and Watsons are common, and their staff are more likely to speak English. Not everyone behind the counter is a pharmacist, so ask for one. Sleeping pills and strong painkillers need a doctor. Expat Focus, October 2023
Public care for visitors
- Since 2019, public hospitals have charged foreigners more than Thai citizens, about double. We couldn't confirm today's rates. The Thaiger, September 2019
Medicines: strict rules. Bring no more than 30 days' supply, in labelled original containers, with a prescription or doctor's letter. Medicines on Thailand's Category 2 controlled drugs list need a Thai FDA permit: check the list on the Royal Thai Embassy's page and apply online at least two weeks ahead.
Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai guide1669 Ambulance191 Police and all emergencies1155 Tourist police GOV.UK, September 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Thailand. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About THB 1,000 to 2,000 for a GP at a private hospital in Thailand; we found no Chiang Mai price list. The Thaiger, February 2026
Where to go
Emergency centre open 24/7
Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
Part of Thailand's biggest private hospital group, with English-speaking international coordinators. Outpatients 8am to 8pm.
24-hour emergency line
Chiang Mai Ram Hospital
A private hospital near the old city, with an international patient centre. Emergency line: 052 004 601.
Pharmacies
- The same as Bangkok: chains like Boots and Watsons, and ask for the pharmacist. Expat Focus, October 2023
Medicines: strict rules. Bring no more than 30 days' supply, in labelled original containers, with a prescription or doctor's letter. Medicines on Thailand's Category 2 controlled drugs list need a Thai FDA permit: check the list on the Royal Thai Embassy's page and apply online at least two weeks ahead.
Bali
The Bali guide118 Ambulance112 Police and emergencies GOV.UK, September 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Indonesia. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- IDR 325,000 for a GP examination at BaliMed Canggu. SafetyWing Nomad Care Map, 2026
Where to go
24-hour medical and emergency centre
BIMC Hospital (Siloam)
Private hospitals in Kuta, Nusa Dua and Ubud, used to treating visitors. Expect to pay a deposit.
Check opening hours
BaliMed Canggu
A GP practice on Jalan Raya Canggu, rated well by visitors for its English.
Pharmacies
- Kimia Farma and K-24 stock prescription medicines and usually have a pharmacist; Guardian is common too. At smaller pharmacies, know the active ingredient of what you need. Bali Untold, January 2025
Worth knowing
- For serious cases, the nearest higher-level care is in Singapore, Perth or Jakarta. Medical evacuation is expensive, so check your insurance covers it. BIMC, April 2024
Medicines. There's no official English guide. Narcotics are banned, and drug offences can carry the death penalty. Carry a doctor's letter and prescription, keep medicines in their original packaging, and ask the Indonesian embassy about ADHD, pain or anxiety medicines before you travel.
Kuala Lumpur
The Kuala Lumpur guide999 Emergencies112 From a mobile GOV.UK, March 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Malaysia. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- Private GP consultation fees are regulated: RM 10 to 80 since April 2026. Ask what medicines and tests will add. Malay Mail, April 2026
Where to go
A&E open around the clock
Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur
A large private hospital on Jalan Ampang. Self-pay patients admitted pay a RM 5,000 deposit.
24/7 A&E
Prince Court Medical Centre
A private hospital near KLCC, with a free ambulance within 10 km.
Pharmacies
- Guardian, Watsons and Caring are the main chains, and many pharmacists speak English. Antibiotics need a prescription. Expat Exchange, 2026
Medicines. Up to a month's supply for your own use, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's letter in English. Medicines containing controlled drugs must be declared on arrival.
Tokyo
The Tokyo guide119 Ambulance050 3816 2787 Japan Visitor Hotline, 24 hours, in English GOV.UK, August 2026; JNTO
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Japan. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- ¥17,600 for a self-pay GP consultation at Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic. TMSC
Where to go
Emergency centre open 24 hours
St Luke's International Hospital
A large hospital with an English website. Without insurance you pay in full on the day; a first visit without a referral costs ¥8,800 extra.
Mon–Fri 8.30am–5.30pm, Sat mornings
Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic
An English-language private clinic for foreign residents and visitors.
Pharmacies
- After seeing a doctor you usually take the prescription to a separate pharmacy. Drugstores sell over-the-counter medicines. Clinics usually take cash only. JNTO
Public care for visitors
- Visitors without insurance can be charged the full cost; JNTO gives example bills of ¥7.5 million and more. Visitors with unpaid medical bills may be refused entry to Japan next time. JNTO
Medicines: strict rules. Some everyday medicines are illegal, including amphetamine-based ADHD medicines such as Adderall, Vicks inhalers, some cold and allergy medicines with pseudoephedrine, and some codeine painkillers. People have been detained and deported. Medicines Japan classes as narcotics, such as strong opioid painkillers, need permission before you travel, however little you bring. Some other ADHD, sleeping and anxiety medicines, such as Ritalin, have quantity limits; above them, carry a doctor's certificate. For more than a month's supply of a prescription medicine, apply for an import certificate (Yunyu Kakunin-sho, formerly Yakkan Shoumei) at least two weeks before you fly.
Mexico City
The Mexico City guide911 Emergencies GOV.UK, October 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Mexico. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- MXN 2,500 for a walk-in consultation at Médica Sur, any time, with basic tests if needed. Doctors' offices next to pharmacies charge far less. Médica Sur, March 2026
Where to go
Emergencies 24 hours, every day
Médica Sur
A large private hospital in Tlalpan, with an English website and a walk-in consultation service.
Check emergency hours
ABC Medical Center
A large private hospital group, with campuses in Observatorio and Santa Fe and a service for international patients.
Pharmacies
- Antibiotics have needed a prescription since 2010, which is why so many pharmacies (Farmacias Similares, del Ahorro, San Pablo) have a doctor's office next door. El Financiero, August 2022
Public care for visitors
- Most public hospitals treat only people enrolled in a public health scheme, so plan on private care. SantExpat
Medicines. Get any prescription from outside Mexico translated into Spanish. Pharmacies can still refuse a foreign prescription.
Medellin
The Medellin guide123 Emergencies GOV.UK, September 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Colombia. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About COP 128,000 for a short private visit, from a small sample; expat guides say US$20 to US$50. Expatistan, April 2026; Colombia Move, April 2026
Where to go
Emergencies 24 hours
Clínica Las Américas
A large private hospital popular with expats, with an international office. Its urgent-care clinic closes at 10pm.
Check emergency hours
Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe
A major hospital with an English-language international office.
Pharmacies
- Cruz Verde, La Rebaja and Farmatodo are the reliable chains. Colombia's drug regulator says never to buy antibiotics without a prescription, whatever a pharmacy offers. Invima, November 2025; Colombia Move, April 2026
Public care for visitors
- Colombia's Constitutional Court has ruled that every foreigner has the right to basic emergency care. If you can pay, you or your insurer will. Constitutional Court ruling T-403, 2019
Medicines. Prescriptions must be in Spanish, in metric units and use the generic name of the medicine. Keep medicines in the original container, with copies of the prescription in your hand luggage. Some controlled medicines need a prescription from a Colombian doctor.
Buenos Aires
The Buenos Aires guide107 Ambulance911 Emergencies GOV.UK, May 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Argentina. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About ARS 25,000 to 90,000 for a private general doctor without cover. Prices move fast with inflation. CuantoMeCuesta, May 2026
Where to go
Emergency centre open 24 hours, every day
Hospital Alemán
A long-established non-profit private hospital in Recoleta.
Pharmacies
- Antibiotics are sold only with a prescription, which the pharmacy keeps. Diario de Cuyo, July 2023
Public care for visitors
- Since March 2025, the city's public hospitals charge foreigners without an Argentine ID for planned care, and national hospitals followed in August 2026. Emergencies stay free; at national hospitals that means a real risk to life. Chequeado, April 2025; Noticias NQN, August 2026
Valletta
The Valletta guide112 Emergencies GOV.UK, August 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Works for state care in Malta.
- A private doctor
- About €15 to €20 for a private GP, and some pharmacies have a GP for about €10. Expat Focus, May 2026
Where to go
Open every day, 24 hours
Saint James Hospital
Malta's main private hospital group, with emergency rooms in Sliema and at Tal-Barrani. No appointment needed. Emergency line: 2329 1112.
Pharmacies
- Most pharmacies close on Sundays, but an on-call pharmacy is always open; a government roster says which. Almost everyone in healthcare speaks English. Expat.com, July 2025
Public care for visitors
- Mater Dei in Msida is the main public hospital. Emergency treatment there is available to anyone. Expat Focus, May 2026
Medicines. UK prescriptions aren't recognised. Bring enough for your stay, or see a local doctor for a new prescription.
Split
The Split guide112 Emergencies194 Ambulance GOV.UK, August 2026; HAKOM
- GHIC or EHIC
- Works for state care in Croatia.
- A private doctor
- About €48 for a short private visit, from a small sample. Clinics don't publish prices, so ask first. Expatistan, March 2025
Where to go
Mon–Fri 8am–9pm; not an emergency service
Priska Med Polyclinic
A big private polyclinic with multilingual staff and English reports. Walk in; house calls too.
Daily 9am–7pm
Tourist Medical Clinic Žnjan
An English-speaking clinic by Žnjan beach for minor illness, injuries and prescriptions.
Pharmacies
- Antibiotics need an e-prescription from a doctor registered in Croatia, valid for three days. Pharmacists may not speak much English. ExpatDen, October 2026; Kela, May 2026
Public care for visitors
- The public A&E is at KBC Split, Spinčićeva 1. Without a GHIC or EHIC you pay; emergency ambulance transport is free. Kela, May 2026; Split Tourist Board
Worth knowing
- Even with a GHIC or EHIC, there's always a charge for treatment in Croatia, which can be up to €530. GOV.UK, August 2026
Florianopolis
The Florianopolis guide192 Ambulance (SAMU) GOV.UK, September 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Brazil. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About R$395 for a short private visit, from a small sample. Expatistan, September 2026
Where to go
Emergency unit open 24 hours
Hospital Baía Sul
A private hospital in the city centre.
Pharmacies
- Antibiotics need a prescription, valid for ten days; the pharmacy keeps a copy. ANVISA, 2011
Public care for visitors
- Foreign tourists can use Brazil's public urgent care, the 24-hour UPA units and the SAMU ambulance, free. Brazilian Ministry of Health
Medicines. Bring a prescription or doctor's letter and enough for your whole trip. Counterfeit medicines can be a problem.
Santa Teresa
The Santa Teresa guide911 Emergencies GOV.UK, May 2026
- GHIC or EHIC
- Doesn't work in Costa Rica. You need insurance.
- A private doctor
- About US$30 to US$50 for a private GP in Costa Rica; we found no Santa Teresa price. CRIE expat guide, 2025
Where to go
Check opening hours
Unimed Urgent Care
An urgent-care clinic in the village, next to Super Ronny. Phone +506 2640 0644.
Public clinic; check opening hours
Clínica de Cóbano
The public clinic for the southern Nicoya Peninsula, about 30 minutes away. No lab or X-ray.
Public care for visitors
- Costa Rica's public system treats emergencies whether you're insured or not, then bills you afterwards. La Nación, December 2025
Worth knowing
- The nearest full hospitals are a long way off: Puntarenas by ferry and ambulance, or Nicoya, about two hours by road from Cóbano for critical cases. Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation, including by air. CRHoy, August 2022
Medicines. UK prescriptions can't be used locally, so bring enough for your stay.