International health insurance in Laos
Health insurance for expats & foreigners
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Why get private health insurance in Laos?
Healthcare in Laos is limited. The public system is for Lao citizens only, and for anything serious, expats are evacuated to Thailand. Sometimes, Singapore. That costs around $25,000 (€21,500) without cover.
Even routine care comes out of your pocket here. A private GP visit at a Vientiane clinic runs about $28 (€24), and a hospital day costs around $140 (€120).
And while Laos doesn't legally require insurance for any visa, going without it (given those evacuation costs) isn't worth the risk.
How does the healthcare system work in Laos?
The public system
Laos's national health insurance is for Lao citizens only. If you're on a local employment contract, you may be enrolled in social security (SSO), but the coverage is shallow. For reliable care, expats use private clinics in Vientiane (French Medical Center, AIMC, and Kasemrad) or cross the border into Thailand.
Lao pharmacies & medication
Pharmacies are easy to find in Vientiane but sparse in rural areas, and most operate in Lao only (Poppy's Pharmacy and the French Medical Center are the main English-speaking options). Stock comes in from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and India, so it helps to know the local name for what you need. Antibiotics are sold over the counter, and it's worth sticking to reputable chains to avoid counterfeits.
In an emergency
Dial 1195 for the national ambulance, or 1623 for Vientiane Rescue (a free, volunteer-run service). Police is 191, fire 190. Response times are slow, and rural coverage is unreliable. For anything serious, the standard route is evacuation to Thailand, by road to Udon Thani or by air ambulance to Bangkok. That's exactly where good cover earns its place.
What expats need health insurance?
Families
Children's and maternity care in Vientiane is basic. Most families plan births in Udon Thani or Bangkok. Feather's plans cover the whole family, including maternity care and Thai hospitals.
Gap year & job seekers
A tourist visa gives you no public access, and social security only starts once you're formally employed. Feather bridges the gap from tourist visa to a sponsored work visa.
Students
Student visas don't legally require insurance, but universities and language schools often ask for it, and the National University of Laos provides no cover of its own.
Visa applicants
Laos doesn't mandate insurance for any visa. But given the $10,000–$40,000 reality of an air ambulance to Thailand, we recommend $100,000+ (€86,000) of inpatient cover plus evacuation.
Get global health insurance that works in Laos
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How much is health insurance in Laos?
Routine care is modest, but serious care means crossing into Thailand, and that's where the real costs are. A private GP visit at a Vientiane clinic runs about $28 (€24), a hospital day around $140 (€120), and a fixed-wing air ambulance to Bangkok or Singapore costs $25,000 (€21,500) or more.
The public route
The national scheme is for Lao citizens only. If you're on a Lao employment contract, you may be enrolled in social security (5.5% from you, 6% from your employer, on capped earnings). Retirees, students, tourists, and dependents get no public cover at all.
Private medical insurance
Our plans start at €42/month for Essential and €63/month for Plus. The feature that matters most in Laos: coverage at hospitals worldwide, including Thai hospitals. Feather includes that, plus outpatient, dental, maternity, and medical evacuation.
How does Feather's international health insurance work?
Choose your plan
Compare Essential and Plus, pick your deductible, and sign up in under 5 minutes. No paperwork, no medical exams.
Get your documents instantly
Your confirmation and visa-ready proof-of-coverage documents land in your account straight away.
Visit any doctor
See any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital in Laos. No referrals, no network restrictions, no pre-approval.
Upload your bill in the app
Already paid? Open the Feather app, snap a photo of your invoice, and submit your claim in under a minute.
Get reimbursed to your account
We review your claim and reimburse you directly to your bank account. Most claims are processed within two weeks.
Cancel anytime after year one
There's a one-year minimum term. After that, cancel whenever you want. No penalties.
Join 200,000+ expats covered with Feather
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Why choose Feather?
200,000+ happy customers
Experience insurance crafted by expats, for expats.
100,000+ claims processed
Paid out in three weeks on average.
4.8 Star rating
On over 2,500 reviews.
English-speaking support
Our team speaks your language.
All digital
Sign up, file claims, and manage your policy in our app.
Privacy first
Your data is stored securely in Europe.
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Dajana was amazing
“She answered all our questions and provided clear and detailed responses to ensure we select the proper coverage. The whole experience was perfect! I am confident I made the right choice going with Feather!”
Mascia
I trust them. No BS.
“They don't sugar coat the insurances, if they don't provide the best option, they would help you understand what's the best one.”
Michal
Super helpful
“The representative answered my questions clearly and helped me make sure I was aware of my options! This was the perfect fit for my situation as an expat looking for a job in Spain and needing temporary coverage.”
Erin
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