🇵🇸 Palestine Healthcare Guide
Ramallah and Bethlehem have several private hospitals that provide adequate care — Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem is the most established facility in the region. Healthcare access in Palestine is complicated by movement restrictions between areas, which can delay transfers and ambulance routes unpredictably. Carrying your medical summary saved and accessible offline and your full medication supply means you're less dependent on being able to reach a specific facility on a specific timeline.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $45 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
Healthcare access in Palestine is complicated by the political situation, with significant differences between the West Bank and Gaza. Ramallah and Bethlehem have private hospitals (Augusta Victoria, Arab Care Hospital) that provide competent care. East Jerusalem’s hospitals (Makassed, Augusta Victoria) serve as referral centres. Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has been severely damaged. Movement restrictions between areas can delay or prevent medical access.
Movement restriction impact
Checkpoints and movement permits can delay medical access between areas. Factor this into any medical planning, particularly for non-emergency care.
West Bank private hospitals
Ramallah and Bethlehem have capable private hospitals. Augusta Victoria in East Jerusalem is the main referral centre for the Palestinian territories.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Pharmacies in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and East Jerusalem carry standard medications at moderate prices. Gaza’s pharmacies face severe supply shortages. Carry your full medication supply for any visit, and bring extra to account for movement delays that might extend your stay unexpectedly.
Movement delay buffer
Movement restrictions can extend visits unexpectedly. Carry extra medication beyond your planned stay to cover potential delays.
Tips for travellers
Augusta Victoria Hospital and Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem provide the broadest specialist care available in the Palestinian territories. For complex conditions, referral to Israeli hospitals (Hadassah, Sheba) or Amman is possible but depends on permit availability. Having your treatment plan accessible in Arabic and English covers local providers and any cross-border referral that may be arranged.
Permit-dependent referrals
Referral to Israeli hospitals requires a medical permit, which can take time to process. Amman (Jordan) is the alternative specialist referral hub.