Health

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

See what health risks you’ll face in Kyrgyzstan.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Kyrgyzstan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

There have been several cases of anthrax, mainly in the south due to insufficient vaccination of animals. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Basic medicines (such as aspirin) are available without a prescription. Most UK prescriptions are accepted in Kyrgyzstan, but you should phone a Kyrgyz pharmacy in advance to check. You may need to get your UK prescription translated into Russian or Kyrgyz. You can get a translation in Kyrgyzstan – find an interpreter or translator.

Some prescription medications are not widely available. Check on availability with a Kyrgyz doctor or pharmacy. Medications often come under different brand names, so ask for the drug’s generic name. If your medication is not available, you may be able to get it couriered from Russia or Turkey, though this could take time.

You may need to pay cash for medication.

Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan

Medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are not as developed as those in the UK. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Kyrgyzstan where some staff will speak English. 

COVID-19 healthcare in Kyrgyzstan

If you suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms, call Kyrgyzstan’s medical hotline (118, 112 or 103), or private medical services.

Private laboratories offer COVID-19 PCR and antibody tests for people who are not showing symptoms.  

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.