🇻🇪 Venezuela Healthcare Guide
Healthcare infrastructure across Venezuela has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with chronic shortages of medications, supplies, and qualified staff affecting both public and private facilities. Caracas still has some functioning private clinics — Clinica El Avila and Centro Medico de Caracas among them — but even these face intermittent supply issues. Bringing a complete supply of all medications you take, including common items that would normally be easy to find, covers a gap that local pharmacies increasingly cannot.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 171
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $10 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: high
Healthcare overview
Venezuela’s healthcare system has been severely affected by the ongoing economic crisis. Private clinics in Caracas (Clínica Santiago de León, Centro Médico de Caracas) still operate but face chronic supply shortages. Public hospitals are critically under-resourced, with intermittent electricity, water, and medication availability. Outside Caracas, healthcare is extremely limited. Visitors should verify current conditions before travelling.
Supply crisis ongoing
Even private hospitals in Caracas face medication and equipment shortages. Bring any medications or medical supplies you may need.
Caracas private clinics
Private clinics in eastern Caracas maintain the best available care, but capabilities are below what they were before the economic crisis.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Malaria prophylaxis
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Venezuelan pharmacies face severe supply shortages. Many common medications are intermittently or permanently unavailable. Prices fluctuate with the currency situation. 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
The economic crisis has caused widespread medication shortages. Carry everything you need, including basics like paracetamol and antibiotics.
Tips for travellers
Specialist care in Venezuela is severely constrained by the economic crisis. Many specialists have emigrated, and those remaining face equipment and supply limitations. Visitors with chronic conditions should have a clear evacuation plan to Bogotá (Colombia) or Panama City. Having your treatment plan saved and accessible in Spanish means any provider you reach can assess your situation quickly.
Bogotá evacuation plan
Bogotá (Colombia) is the nearest city with reliable specialist care. Have a plan for reaching it if your condition requires attention.