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 106 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

Check TravelHealthPro’s current advice on Peru to find out how to reduce the health risks you’ll face there.

TravelHealthPro also lists the recommended vaccines that could apply to you. At least 8 weeks before you travel, check how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page.

Altitude sickness is a serious risk in parts of Peru (including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Canyon and Kuelap). Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Other health risks

Peru is experiencing a major dengue outbreak following floods. There is also a risk of being infected with malaria, Zika virus or yellow fever through mosquito bites. Take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.

Diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water is common and is potentially serious. See more about food and water hygiene on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Many medications are available over the counter in Peru, but local prescriptions will be required for some.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Peru

Medical treatment is not easily available and can be more difficult to access outside of Lima. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip in Lima, dial one of the following numbers: 0051 1 225 4040 (Lima - Alerta Med), 0051 1 467 4861 (Lima - Clave 5), 0051 1 241 1911(Lima - Plan Vital) and ask for an ambulance. These services are private, so you will need to pay for them.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Peru.

COVID-19 healthcare in Peru

The Peruvian authorities provide guidance on public health centres in Lima and laboratories that process tests in the country (in Spanish). COVID-19 PCR tests are widely available.

Travel and mental health

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