Health insurance for expatriates in Cambodia?

Expatriating to Cambodia means living in a country with a vibrant culture. The cost of living is affordable and the welcome is warm. But before you can take advantage of this lifestyle, there’s an essential question to ask: how do you protect yourself when it comes to healthcare in Cambodia? Cambodia’s healthcare system is still in its infancy, and adequate medical coverage is essential for a worry-free lifestyle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the challenges ofhealth insurance in Cambodia in 2025.

Cambodia’s healthcare system: between improvement and limitations

Since the end of the conflicts that marked its history, Cambodia has begun modernizing its healthcare system. The most important initiative was the creation of the NSSF in 2008. This fund aims to provide social security for all Cambodian workers. In reality, only 10% of the population benefit from it, and coverage remains limited to work-related accidents. For expatriates, there is no free or universal public healthcare system. In case of need, they have to turn to private hospitals or be evacuated to neighboring countries such as Thailand or Vietnam, where infrastructures are better. The Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh is a notable exception, offering high-quality care partially financed by France.

Why health insurance is essential in Cambodia

Health risks still present

Cambodia remains exposed to certain infectious diseases: malaria (rural areas), rabies, dengue fever and tuberculosis. Medical care may also be required after frequent road accidents, particularly in tuk-tuk or motorcycle traffic.

Private healthcare costs

While some basic treatments can cost a few dozen euros, hospitalization in a private clinic can easily cost several hundred euros per night. Medical evacuation or repatriation can cost several thousand euros.

Health insurance in Cambodia: what are the options?

1. Local insurance

Insurers such as Forte Insurance, Infinity Insurance, AG Cambodia or Asia Insurance offer cover tailored to residents. Although less expensive, they rarely cover care abroad, repatriation or pre-existing conditions. They are best suited to those who live full-time in Cambodia, with no need for complex care.

Advantages: affordable prices
Disadvantages: limited coverage, not always recognized in the best clinics

2. International health insurance

Major international insurers (APRIL, Cigna, Allianz, etc.) offer policies tailored to expatriates, with or without CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger) top-up. These contracts generally cover :

• General and specialist medicine
• Hospitalization
• Dental and optical care
• Maternity ward
• Repatriation assistance
• Coverage when traveling to other countries

Advantages: extensive coverage, access to the best establishments
Disadvantages: higher cost

CFE or 1st euro insurance?

Option	Main benefit	Main disadvantage
CFE only	Retention of rights in France	Reimbursements limited to those of Sécu
CFE + complementary	Good solution for care in France and locally	Less flexible, sometimes more expensive
1st euro insurance	Simplicity and complete direct coverage	Higher rates from the outset

Examples of monthly rates for a single expatriate :

• 30 years: €83 from the 1st euro, or €22 in addition to CFE
• 60 years: €200 from the 1st euro, or €51 in addition to CFE

What about retirees and families?

Cambodia is attracting more and more retired Europeans thanks to its affordable cost of living (€1,200/month for a comfortable lifestyle). However, comprehensive health insurance is essential, especially for hospitalization or treatment in neighboring countries.

Families with children or pregnancy plans need to be extra vigilant. For childbirth, it is often advisable to travel to Thailand or back to France.

Health insurance for foreign workers in Cambodia: employees, freelancers, nomads

Expatriates employed by a local company

Expatriates employed by a company in Cambodia can, in some cases, benefit from health insurance offered by their employer. However, this coverage is often basic, limited to local care, and does not always include repatriation or treatment abroad.

Check it out:

• What exactly does the group contract cover?
• Is it possible to take out a top-up?
• Does the insurance cover the family or just the employee?

In the event of insufficient cover, we strongly advise you to take out international insurance or a 1st euro policy.

Freelancers and digital nomads

Self-employed workers or teleworkers without a local contract have no automatic coverage. They must therefore take out their own private health insurance. International insurance policies are generally the most suitable for this mobile profile.

Adapted solutions :

• APRIL, Cigna, or Foyer Global Health for comprehensive, on-the-go coverage
• CFE + complementary if you wish to keep your rights in France

For freelancers living in Cambodia for less than 6 months a year, some “long-term travel” insurances may be sufficient in the short term.

Points to watch for expatriates

• Recommended vaccines: rabies, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A/B
• No tap water: prefer bottled water (Kulen brand recommended)
• Mosquito risk: protect yourself against dengue, zika, malaria
• Medicines: beware of unlicensed pharmacies; prefer UCARE or Western Pharmacy

Comparison of the best health insurances for expatriates in Cambodia (2025)

To help you make up your mind, here’s a comparative table of some of the most popular health insurance plans for expatriates in Cambodia. It summarizes their main features, so you can make a choice based on your needs and budget.

Insurance	Type	Tariff (30 years only)	Significant coverage	Benefits	Disadvantages
APRIL International	International	~83 €/month (1st euro)	Worldwide care, repatriation, maternity, optical	Very good reputation, French-speaking service, practical mobile application	Higher rate
Forte Insurance	Local	~30 €/month	Basic health care in Cambodia	Affordable rates, easy to underwrite locally	Little coverage outside Cambodia, no repatriation
Cigna Global	International	~95 €/month	Flexible modules, teleconsultation	Excellent, customizable coverage	Costs can quickly escalate
Allianz Care	International	~100 €/month	Global hospital network, high ceiling	Premium coverage, good reputation	Complexity of options
Infinity Insurance	Local	~25 €/month	Basic care in local clinics	Very economical	Little known outside Cambodia, no French-speaking support

International insurers (APRIL, Cigna, Allianz) offer the most comprehensive coverage, especially for treatment abroad and repatriation, but they are also the most expensive. Local insurances (Forte, Infinity) may be suitable for basic needs and a tighter budget, provided you check that they are recognized by the country’s main private clinics. To easily compare these options and obtain quotes tailored to your profile, you can use specialized platforms such as santexpat.fr.

So, which health insurance should you choose in Cambodia?

• International health insurance from 1 euro remains the most comprehensive solution for most expatriates.
• CFE + complémentaire is a good alternative for French people wishing to remain covered in France and abroad.
• Local insurance is a viable option for a small budget, but should be studied carefully.

Whatever your choice, always make comparative quotes, and don’t hesitate to consult a specialized broker such as Santexpat.fr to tailor coverage to your personal profile. The right health insurance will be a real plus for your departure to Cambodia.