Medical care, hospitalization and insurance while traveling in Sri Lanka

Checking for emergency medical treatment overseas and travel insurance

It is very important to know in advance what to do in case of a medical emergency. Whether it is you or someone you are traveling with who needs medical attention, be sure to check your travel insurance before you travel so you can get the right assistance.

There are things you cannot control, such as sudden illness while traveling and needing medical treatment, allergic reactions due to a chronic illness, or hospitalization due to injuries sustained in an accident.

When traveling abroad and you are unfamiliar with the environment, be sure to prepare in advance so that you can deal with unexpected events.

First, determine whether you need to go to the hospital.

If an unexpected incident occurs that requires immediate medical treatment, please inform our operator or the accompanying driver of your intention to go to a medical institution. A Japanese operator will contact you by phone and promptly select a medical institution.

In order to select a medical institution appropriate for your condition, we may check with the medical network of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka . (Dr. Indika Jagoda, Deputy Director of National Hospital of Sri Lanka Accident and Orthopaedic Services)

The operator will contact you to let you know the name and location of the hospital before moving. However, if the situation is highly urgent, we will omit this and move the patient promptly.

Transportation to medical facilities and dispatch of personnel

If, during your tour with our company, you need to change your travel plans due to illness or injury and need to be transported to a medical institution in Sri Lanka, we will transport you to an appropriate hospital in our vehicle with your consent.

To support communication at medical institutions, the driver of the vehicle will act as an interpreter. However, please note that this is an emergency situation and the driver cannot stay overnight or be present at the facility.

If urgent medical treatment is required, you may need to be transferred to a larger hospital in a city such as Colombo. Some hospitals may have English-speaking support staff available.

As of 2024, there are no hospitals in Sri Lanka where Japanese is spoken, and the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka does not dispatch personnel to provide assistance.

If hospitalization is required according to the doctor's judgment, a companion may be required. If the burden on a companion is too great and it is not possible, we can dispatch a staff member separately, so please contact us.

How to Deal with a Medical Emergency - Travel Insurance

Having medical coverage in your travel insurance is important, but it's equally important to know what to do in a medical emergency. Whether you or your travel companions need medical attention, follow these steps to ensure you get the care you need.

Call your travel insurance company as soon as possible, or the dedicated number if your credit card provides insurance. Most travel insurance companies have a desk that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We strongly recommend that you make a list of these numbers before you travel.
If possible, before you travel, be sure to check in detail what documents you will need to file a claim with your insurance company when you return home if you incur expenses for emergency treatment at a hospital. Travel insurance companies will request these documents when submitting a claim, so be sure to keep copies of the details of the medical expenses you paid.

Please note: Urgent or necessary medical treatment does not include procedures such as cosmetic surgery, routine check-ups, cataracts, dental treatment etc. Therefore, these procedures and any complications arising as a result of these procedures are not covered by your travel insurance.

Also, please note that high-risk outdoor sports may not be covered by insurance, so please check in advance.

Major medical institutions in Sri Lanka and their characteristics

In Sri Lanka, there are primarily two types of hospitals: government-run hospitals and privately funded private hospitals.

Government hospitals generally operate in two shifts, with consultations held early in the morning until around 8 a.m., and then again from 5 p.m. onwards. During the day, doctors are often not present in the hospital. However, in cases of severe emergencies, government hospitals are often quicker to respond, so the choice between hospital types can depend on the situation. Treatment is free of charge, but there are fees for advanced medical procedures like MRIs and for purchasing medication.

Private hospitals are well-equipped, and many foreigners residing in Sri Lanka also use these facilities, which may provide peace of mind for Japanese patients. Consultation fees are charged, and there are also costs for medications and advanced medical procedures.

Private hospitals, however, often experience delays in doctors’ availability. This is because many doctors split their time between multiple hospitals or manage personal clinics as well.

Medical costs in Sri Lanka are still relatively affordable compared to Western countries, with standard consultations often costing only a few thousand yen, unless specialized treatment is required. However, advanced medical procedures and brand-name medications can be expensive, sometimes ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of yen.

Note: Patients with chronic conditions should consider that medications they regularly use may not be available or prescribed in Sri Lanka.

Although general consultation fees are low, emergency treatment costs can reach several hundred thousand yen. This is why travel insurance is essential. In cases where treatment in Sri Lanka is difficult and the patient requires medical transport back to their home country with the consent of the patient or their family, the cost can range from 5 to 20 million yen. Such cases are complex, involving coordination between medical facilities in both countries and sometimes requiring several Sri Lankan medical staff to accompany the patient.

Medical transport services are provided by SriLankan Airlines and various private airlines.

Although medical evacuation is a rare occurrence, it is crucial to have travel insurance in place to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.