Healthcare in Paraguay
Private clinics, public hospitals, and what expats actually use
Paraguay's healthcare system is split between public (free but limited) and private (affordable and accessible). Most expats use the private system for routine care and keep international insurance for catastrophic coverage or medical evacuation.
The Two-Track System
- •Public healthcare is free for everyone — Paraguayans and foreign residents alike. The Ministry of Health and IPS (Social Security Institute) run hospitals across the country.
- •Private healthcare offers faster service, modern facilities, and English-speaking staff (in Asunción). Costs are low by international standards.
- •Most expats use private clinics for everything routine and only touch the public system in emergencies or for specific services like the residency health check.
Public Healthcare Reality
Public hospitals are busy, crowded places. Numbered tickets are common. If you arrive more than a couple hours after opening, you may not be seen that day. Infrastructure is dated. Equipment is often outdated. Doctors are capable but overwhelmed.
Prescriptions and hospital facilities require payment even in public hospitals — only the initial consultation is free.
When it makes sense: Emergencies, residency health checks, vaccinations (free at public health centers like the National Health Building).
Largest public hospital: Hospital Barrio Obrero General in Asunción — handles over 50,000 patients annually.
Private Healthcare in Asunción
Private Healthcare Outside Asunción
Options are thinner. Every town has some private facility, but quality varies considerably.
Hospital Mennonita (81km from Asunción near Itacurubí) — Excellent reputation. People travel hours for treatment. Operates more like a clinic than a hospital. Queues build before doors open at 6 AM.
For anything serious outside Asunción, most expats travel to the capital or, for complex cases, to Brazil or Argentina.
Costs (2026)
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| General doctor visit | $20–$50 |
| Specialist visit | $50–$60 |
| Dermatologist (English-speaking) | ~$25 |
| Full blood panel (24 tests) | ~$200 |
| Dental cleaning (training school) | ~$35 |
| Minor surgery (outpatient) | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Major surgery | $10,000+ |
Private health insurance (local): ~$75/month
International health insurance: $150–$300/month
The Insurance Question
- •Local insurance covers treatment in Paraguay only. Cheaper, but limited.
- •International insurance covers treatment across multiple countries, medical evacuation, and repatriation. More expensive, but essential for serious situations.
Many expats pay out of pocket for routine care — it's cheap enough — and carry international insurance for catastrophic events. This keeps monthly costs low while protecting against worst-case scenarios.
Finding English-Speaking Doctors
In Asunción, English-speaking doctors exist — especially dermatologists, dentists, and specialists catering to expats. Dermadue is recommended for dermatology. Hospital La Costa has English-speaking staff.
Outside Asunción, assume Spanish only. Learn basic medical vocabulary or bring a translator.
Medications and Pharmacies
- •Pharmacies are everywhere. Many medications are available over the counter that would require prescriptions elsewhere. Prices are generally low.
- •Carry your own prescription medications when you arrive — finding exact equivalents can take time.
The Residency Health Check
Part of the residency process requires a health check at a public hospital in central Asunción. Show up, request the check, and you'll receive documentation needed for your application. Simple process, minimal cost.
The Bottom Line
- •Use private clinics for routine care — it's affordable and accessible
- •Keep international insurance for catastrophic coverage and evacuation
- •Don't rely on public hospitals for anything but emergencies
- •Complex cases may require travel to Brazil, Argentina, or your home country
Healthcare in Paraguay works fine for healthy people with modest needs. For serious or chronic conditions, have a backup plan.