Hospital & Medical Costs in Zambia 2026
Updated March 2026 · Public vs Private compared
Compare healthcare costs in Zambia — consultation fees, surgery costs, lab tests, and imaging (CT/MRI). Public hospitals vs private clinics for every major service.
Consultation Fees
Public Hospital — General Consultation
Government facility, may have long waits
ZMK 5 – 50
Private Clinic — GP Consultation
Same-day appointments available
ZMK 250 – 500
Private Hospital — Specialist Consultation
Cardiologist, orthopedic, OB/GYN, etc.
ZMK 500 – 1,500
Emergency Room (Private)
Triage + initial treatment
ZMK 500 – 2,000
Dental Check-up (Private)
Examination and cleaning
ZMK 200 – 500
Eye Examination
Optometrist, glasses prescription
ZMK 150 – 400
Surgery & Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Public Hospital | Private Hospital | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesarean Section (C-Section) | ZMK 500 – 2,000 | ZMK 8,000 – 25,000 | Private includes anaesthesia, 3-day stay |
| Normal Delivery | Free – ZMK 500 | ZMK 3,000 – 10,000 | Public facilities are free at most hospitals |
| Appendectomy | ZMK 500 – 1,500 | ZMK 5,000 – 15,000 | Emergency surgery, overnight stay |
| Hernia Repair | ZMK 500 – 2,000 | ZMK 5,000 – 12,000 | Day surgery or overnight |
| Knee/Hip Replacement | ZMK 5,000 – 10,000 | ZMK 30,000 – 80,000 | Limited availability in Zambia |
| Cataract Surgery | ZMK 500 – 2,000 | ZMK 5,000 – 15,000 | Per eye, lens implant included |
Lab Tests & Imaging
Full Blood Count (FBC)
ZMK 80 – 200
Malaria Test (RDT)
ZMK 30 – 80
Malaria Test (Microscopy)
ZMK 50 – 150
Blood Sugar (Glucose)
ZMK 50 – 120
Liver Function Test
ZMK 100 – 300
Kidney Function Test
ZMK 100 – 300
HIV Test
Free – ZMK 50
X-Ray (Chest)
ZMK 100 – 300
Ultrasound (Abdominal)
ZMK 200 – 500
CT Scan
ZMK 1,500 – 4,000
MRI Scan
ZMK 3,000 – 8,000
Full Medical Check-up
ZMK 500 – 2,000
Healthcare in Zambia — Overview
Zambia has a two-tier healthcare system: heavily subsidized public hospitals managed by the Ministry of Health, and private hospitals and clinics offering faster, higher-quality care at significantly higher costs.
Public vs Private
Public hospitals (UTH, Levy Mwanawasa) provide affordable care but face challenges: long queues, limited supplies, and stretched staff. Private facilities (Medland, CFB, Corpmed) offer modern equipment, shorter wait times, and more comfortable facilities but at 5–50x the public hospital cost.
Health Insurance
NHIMA (National Health Insurance Management Authority) was launched in 2019 as a mandatory scheme for formal-sector employees. Both employer and employee contribute 1% of salary. NHIMA covers treatment at accredited public and private facilities. Private insurance (Madison, Prudential, ZSIC) provides broader coverage and is recommended for those who can afford it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hospital visit cost in Zambia?
Public hospital consultations cost ZMK 5–50. Private clinic GP visits cost ZMK 250–500. Private specialist consultations range from ZMK 500–1,500. Emergency room visits at private hospitals start at ZMK 500. Public hospitals are significantly cheaper but often have longer waiting times and fewer resources.
Is public healthcare free in Zambia?
Public healthcare is heavily subsidized but not entirely free. Government hospitals charge nominal fees (ZMK 5–50 for consultations). Maternity services are free at public facilities. HIV/AIDS treatment and testing are free. Children under 5 receive free healthcare at government facilities. Serious procedures may still incur charges for supplies and medication.
What are the best private hospitals in Lusaka?
Top private hospitals include Medland Hospital (comprehensive, modern facility), Coptic Hospital (affordable private care, wide range of services), CFB Medical Centre (expatriate-popular, high standards), Corpmed (corporate healthcare), and Fairview Hospital. Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital is a well-equipped public facility. For emergency services, SES (Specialty Emergency Services) provides ambulance and air evacuation services.
Do I need health insurance in Zambia?
NHIMA (National Health Insurance Management Authority) is mandatory for formal-sector employees — both employee and employer contribute 1% of salary. Private health insurance (Madison, Prudential, ZSIC) costs ZMK 200–800/person/month and covers private hospital care. Without insurance, a serious illness or surgery could cost ZMK 10,000–80,000+ at private facilities.
How much does an MRI or CT scan cost in Zambia?
CT scans cost ZMK 1,500–4,000 at private facilities. MRI scans range from ZMK 3,000–8,000. Only a few facilities in Lusaka have MRI machines (UTH, Medland, Coptic Hospital). Public hospital imaging is cheaper (ZMK 500–2,000 for CT) but availability may be limited and waiting times longer.