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

Dial 112 from a mobile phone and ask for an ambulance.

The Official Government of Zimbabwe web portal has a full list of emergency numbers.

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

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

Cholera Outbreak

Parts of Zimbabwe are currently experiencing a cholera outbreak which is spreading across the country. See information on cholera from TravelHealthPro.

Polio Outbreak

In October 2023, the government declared a polio outbreak in Zimbabwe. Ensure you are fully vaccinated and see information on polio from 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.

Healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe

Healthcare provision and quality in Zimbabwe is variable and can be very poor outside of the major cities.

There are shortages of drugs and trained medical staff in hospitals, making it difficult for hospitals to treat some illnesses and trauma cases.

Fuel shortages have reduced emergency response capabilities.

Private clinics will not treat patients until they pay and often require large amounts of cash before they will admit emergency cases, even if you have travel insurance. Many businesses in Zimbabwe will only accept US dollars in cash, rather than credit or debit cards. This includes some medical providers. Medical costs, particularly for evacuation, can be high. 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 English-speaking doctors in Zimbabwe.

Travel and mental health

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