Venezuela
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 pre-existing health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Nationwide ambulance services like AeroAm (in Spanish) can help you get back to Caracas or other major cities if you’re in an accident.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on recommended vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Venezuela guide – these include yellow fever, dengue and schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection)
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Venezuela, mainly in the Andean region of the country: Mérida, Táchira and Trujillo states. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
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.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
The Venezuelan Pharmaceutical Federation has reported a shortage of 80% of medical supplies due to the economic crisis. Make sure you bring enough medication for your stay, including extra medication in case your return is delayed.
Healthcare facilities in Venezuela
Medical facilities in Venezuela vary widely in quality. In large cities, private clinics provide acceptable care for routine treatments but are vulnerable to acute shortages of medical supplies and medicines. More complex treatments may require evacuation. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Public health facilities are poor, with frequent shortages of medicines and funding. Ambulance services in remote areas are unreliable and hospitals often lack adequate medical supplies and equipment.
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Venezuela.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Venezuela.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.