Embassy of the United States

Assistance in finding medical help

If you become sick or hurt, you can contact a hospital or doctor from the list available here (PDF 112 KB) (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/sri-lanka/5/pdfs/Doctor_s_List_2013.pdf). Please note that the manes identified in this list do not represent an endorsement or guarentee of competance by the U.S. Embassy. A consular officer can help you find medical assistance and, at your request, inform your family or friends in the event of illness or injury.

Medical facilities outside Colombo are limited. Medical supplies are not widely available; travelers should carry any special medications with them. There are six large hospitals in the Colombo area, including three with emergency trauma service--Asiri Hospital, Apollo Hospital, and the General Hospital. Serious medical problems may require evacuation to the United States or to the nearest country where adequate medical facilities or treatment is available, usually Thailand or Singapore. Neither Thailand nor Singapore requires U.S. citizens to have an entry visa for such purposes. 

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en/.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html.