Travel Insurance
As always, a good travel-insurance policy is a wise idea. Laos is generally considered a high-risk area, and with limited medical services it's vital to have a policy that covers being evacuated (medivaced), by air if necessary, to a hospital in Thailand. Read the small print in any policy to see if hazardous activities are covered; rock climbing, rafting and motorcycling often are not.
If you undergo medical treatment in Laos or Thailand, be sure to collect all receipts and copies of the medical report, in English if possible, for insurance purposes.
Even if you are fit and healthy, don't travel without health insurance, as accidents can happen. Declare any existing medical conditions you have: the insurance company will check if your problem is pre-existing and will not cover you if it is undeclared. You may require extra cover for adventure activities such as rock climbing. If your health insurance doesn't cover you for medical expenses abroad, consider getting extra insurance: If you're uninsured, emergency evacuation is extremely expensive.
Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. In Laos, most doctors expect payment in cash. If you have to claim later, keep all the documentation.
Availability & Cost of Healthcare
Laos has no facilities for major medical emergencies. The state-run hospitals and clinics are among the most basic in Southeast Asia in terms of the standards of hygiene, staff training, supplies and equipment.
For minor to moderate conditions, including malaria, Mahasot Hospital's International Clinic in Vientiane has a decent reputation. Some foreign embassies in Vientiane also maintain small but professional medical centres