Healthcare in Paraguay
Paraguay's healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. While public healthcare is free, most expats use private facilities for better quality and shorter wait times.
Public Healthcare
Coverage: Free healthcare is available to anyone with valid identification, including tourists and temporary residents.
Reality check:
- Only 11.1 doctors per 10,000 people (severely understaffed)
- Long wait times and overcrowding
- Aging equipment in many facilities
- 70% of medical staff concentrated in Asuncion
- Limited services outside major cities
When to use public: Emergencies, basic vaccinations, simple conditions.
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals in Paraguay offer significantly better care:
Top Private Hospitals in Asuncion:
- Centro Medico Bautista - comprehensive services, good reputation
- Sanatorio Migone - well-equipped, multiple specialties
- Hospital Britanico (Santa Clara group) - high-quality, reduced wait times
- Sanatorio Britanico - modern facilities
Typical Private Costs:
| Service | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| GP consultation | $20-50 |
| Specialist visit | $35-60 |
| Emergency room visit | $100-200 |
| Hospital stay (per day) | $150-300 |
| Normal childbirth | $1,000-3,000 |
| MRI scan | $200-400 |
Health Insurance Options
International Insurance:
- Monthly cost: $150-300
- Best for: Maximum flexibility, emergency evacuation coverage
- Providers: Cigna Global, Allianz, BUPA
Local Prepaid Plans (Prepagas):
- Monthly cost: $50-100
- Covers: Routine consultations, diagnostics, limited hospitalization
- Good middle-ground option for residents
Pay-as-you-go:
- Viable in Paraguay due to low costs
- Set aside $200-300/month for health expenses
- Works for healthy individuals
Important Considerations
Medical Tourism Note: Some procedures may require travel to Argentina or Brazil for advanced treatments. Medical evacuation coverage is recommended.
Medications:
- Many medications available without prescription
- Pharmacies (farmacias) are plentiful
- Generic drugs are affordable
- Bring documentation for any controlled substances
Healthcare Outside Asuncion
Medical services decline significantly outside the capital:
- Encarnacion has acceptable private options
- Rural areas have very limited facilities
- Always have evacuation plan if living remotely
For Expats
- Get health insurance before arriving
- Register with a private hospital for faster access
- Keep records of vaccinations and medications
- Learn basic Spanish for medical situations
- Consider international insurance for serious conditions
Pro Tips
- •Private healthcare in Asuncion is affordable - don't hesitate to use it
- •International insurance with evacuation coverage is worth it for serious situations
- •Pharmacies can often provide basic medical advice
- •Learn key medical terms in Spanish before arrival
- •Centro Medico Bautista is a safe choice for most expat needs
Have questions about healthcare in Paraguay?