Health, Safety & Travel Insurance in Sri Lanka

Stay healthy and travel with confidence. This complete guide covers vaccinations, hospitals, food and water safety, traveler protection, and essential emergency contacts for tourists exploring Sri Lanka.

General Health Advice

Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise, but as in any warm climate, travelers should take sensible precautions. Stay hydrated, avoid mosquito bites, and eat fresh, well-cooked food. Always wash hands or use sanitizer before meals.

• Carry sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
• Drink only bottled or purified water (check seals before opening).
• Street food is popular and delicious — choose busy, clean stalls.
• Keep a small first-aid kit for minor issues like headaches or insect bites.

Vaccinations & Medical Preparation

• Routine vaccinations such as Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid are recommended.
• For long-term stays or rural travel, Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations are advisable.
• Malaria is rare but Dengue fever can occur — use mosquito repellent and wear long clothing in the evenings.
• Consult your doctor or travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

Hospitals & Medical Care

Sri Lanka has both public and private hospitals. In Colombo and major cities, private facilities offer international-standard care and English-speaking staff. Always keep your travel insurance card and passport copy ready.

• National Hospital of Sri Lanka — Colombo | +94 11 269 1111
• Lanka Hospitals — Colombo | lankahospitals.com
• Asiri Central Hospital — Colombo | asirihealth.com
• Durdans Hospital — Colombo | durdans.com
• Kandy General Hospital — Central Province | +94 81 222 2261
• Teaching Hospital Galle — Southern Province | +94 91 222 2261

Travel Insurance — Don’t Skip It

Medical care in Sri Lanka is affordable compared to Western countries, but emergencies or air evacuations can still be costly. Always travel with valid insurance that covers:

• Medical emergencies and hospital stays.
• Trip cancellations, delays, and lost luggage.
• Adventure activities (if applicable — hiking, surfing, diving).
• COVID-19 or epidemic-related expenses (check provider policy).

Keep a digital copy of your insurance policy and hotline saved on your phone and email.

Food, Water & Climate Safety

• Food: Eat freshly cooked meals; avoid raw salads unless from trusted restaurants.
• Water: Use bottled or boiled water; avoid ice from street vendors.
• Heat: Carry electrolytes and rest often; tropical sun can cause dehydration.
• Beaches: Check local tide warnings; some southern beaches have strong currents.

Safety & Security

• Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists — locals are friendly and helpful.
• Use hotel safes for valuables and carry only essential cash when exploring.
• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles.
• Respect religious and cultural customs — dress modestly at temples.
• Be cautious of street touts offering “free tours” or gem shops — decline politely.

DATA SOURCES — OFFICIAL

• Ministry of Health Sri Lanka — health.gov.lk
• World Health Organization — who.int/srilanka
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority — sltda.gov.lk
• Official Tourism Portal — srilanka.travel

Tourist Emergency Contacts — Sri Lanka

• Police Emergency: 118 / 119
• Ambulance (Suwa Seriya, free island-wide): 1990
• Fire & Rescue: 110
• Tourist Police (Colombo HQ): +94 11 242 1052
• Sri Lanka Tourism Hotline: 1912
• Government Information Centre: 1919