Namibia has one of the best medical systems in Africa. It is one of only three countries on the continent where operations on the open heart are done. Throughout the country one can find basic public health clinics and hospitals as well as many first-class private hospitals. There are governmental ambulance emergency services in Namibia, however, especially in rural areas it is recommended to find another way to get to an hospital, as due to long distances the ambulance might take hours after call-out. Private ambulance services are the best choice, as they also offer medivac.
An international health insurance is strongly recommended!
Hundreds of public hospitals, clinics and health centres can be found throughout the country. For international visitors it is recommended to visit any of the private hospitals, to get the helped by the highest international standards. Examples of private hospitals are:
Windhoek
- Windhoek Medi-Clinic
- Rhino Park Private Hospital
- Roman-Catholic Hospital
- Lady Pohamba Private Hospital
- CMC Private Hospital
Other cities
- Grootfontein: Grootfontein Private Hospital
- Katima Mulilo: Enkehaus Private Hospital
- Nkurenkuru: Nkurenkuru Private Hospital
- Okahandja: Okahandja Private Hospital
- Ondangwa: Ondangwa Private Hospital
- Ongwediva: Ongwediva Medipark
- Oranjemund: Namdeb Private Hospital
- Otjiwarongo: Otjiwarongo Medi-Clinic
- Outapi: Omusati Private Hospital
- Rundu: Rundu Private Hospital
- Swakopmund: Swakopmund Medi-Clinic
- Tsumeb: Tsumeb Private Hospital
- Walvis Bay: Welwitschia Hospital
Throughout Namibia a flying-doctor service can help in cases of emergency. A special insurance to cover these costs might be needed. Please note that due to new regulations the rescue aircraft are not allowed any more to land outside lighted airports during night time: eMed 24 Rescue: 081-924, www.emed24.com.na
Many doctors, hospitals etc countrywide can be found on medpages.info.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor or your nearest institute for tropical diseases for detailed and current information!
No special vaccinations are required for Namibia and you do not need to bring your vaccinations card along. It is, nevertheless, recommended to have all vaccinations that are needed in your home country, e.g. Tetanus and Diphteria. For special groups (e.g. hunters) it can although be worthwhile to think about an anti-rabies inoculation. Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you travel to Namibian within a short period after staying in a WHO recognized Yellow Fever area.
Malaria does exist in Namibia. Broadly speaking the areas along the rivers in the north and the Caprivi strip are malaria risk areas throughout the year, other areas especially around Etosha and Gobabis in the east are malaria risk areas during and shortly after heavy rainy seasons. By WHO Namibia is considered as being a “low transmission country” in the 2025 World Malaria Report. Namibia was on track to become malaria-free, however, in the last years above average rainfalls lead to increasing numbers.
You may get a general impression on what is needed and recommended for Namibia from these web sites: Fit for Travel
