🇱🇧 Lebanon Healthcare Guide
Beirut has historically had some of the best hospitals in the Middle East — the American University of Beirut Medical Center and Hotel Dieu de France remain well-regarded — but Lebanon's economic crisis since 2019 has severely strained the system, with medication shortages and staff emigration affecting even top-tier facilities. Bringing a complete supply of all regular medications, including common items you might normally expect to buy at a pharmacy, covers a gap that local pharmacies, even in Beirut, increasingly cannot.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 140
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $30 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Lebanon’s healthcare system, historically one of the strongest in the Arab world, has been severely strained by the economic crisis that began in 2019. The American University of Beirut Medical Centre (AUBMC) and Hôtel-Dieu de France remain operational but face medication shortages, staff emigration, and intermittent power supply. Private clinics in Beirut continue to function, though at reduced capacity. Outside Beirut and Tripoli, healthcare access has deteriorated significantly.
Economic crisis impact
The ongoing crisis has caused widespread medication shortages and staff departures. Hospitals that were world-class before 2019 now operate at reduced capacity.
AUBMC and Hôtel-Dieu
AUBMC and Hôtel-Dieu de France in Beirut remain the most reliable facilities, though both face supply constraints.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Lebanese pharmacies are struggling with chronic medication shortages. Many standard medications are intermittently or permanently unavailable due to the economic situation. Prices for available medications fluctuate with the currency. Carry your complete medication supply for the entire trip, including all over-the-counter items. Do not rely on local purchase for anything.
Medication shortages ongoing
The economic crisis has caused severe pharmaceutical supply disruptions. Carry everything you need, including basics like paracetamol.
Tips for travellers
AUBMC’s specialist departments retain strong clinical expertise, even as they face resource constraints. For complex conditions requiring equipment or supplies beyond what Beirut can currently provide, Amman (Jordan) is the nearest stable specialist hub. Having your treatment plan accessible in Arabic, French, or English covers the full range of Lebanese medical providers, as all three languages are used clinically.
Amman as stable alternative
Amman’s hospitals offer a stable alternative for specialist care that Beirut’s facilities may struggle to deliver under current conditions.