🇵🇾 Paraguay Healthcare Guide
Asuncion has a small number of private hospitals — Sanatorio Migone and Hospital Italiano are the most established — but outside the capital, particularly in the Chaco region to the west, healthcare facilities are scarce and severely under-resourced. Almost all medical care is conducted in Spanish or Guarani, so a written medical summary in Spanish and a full supply of your regular medications are the two most useful things to have ready.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 141
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $15 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: high
Healthcare overview
Asunción has the country’s best private facilities (Sanatorio Migone Battílana, Centro Médico Bautista), with specialist departments in major disciplines. The public system is free but under-resourced and overcrowded. Outside Asunción, Ciudad del Este has some private options, but the Chaco and most rural areas have minimal healthcare. GP visits at private clinics cost $20–50 USD.
Asunción private hospitals
Sanatorio Migone Battílana and Centro Médico Bautista are Asunción’s leading facilities, with some English-speaking staff.
Chaco remoteness
The Chaco region has extremely limited healthcare. The nearest hospital may be hours away on unpaved roads.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Pharmacies in Asunción and Ciudad del Este carry common medications at low prices. Many medications are available over the counter. Rural and Chaco communities have sparse pharmacy coverage. Carry your full supply for any travel outside major cities.
Low medication prices
Medications in Paraguay are very affordable, and Ciudad del Este’s cross-border trade means competitive pricing for imported products.
Tips for travellers
Asunción’s private hospitals cover most specialist care, but complex conditions may require referral to Buenos Aires or São Paulo. Having your treatment plan saved and accessible in Spanish helps Paraguayan specialists continue your care. The Chaco and rural eastern regions are far from any specialist facility.
Buenos Aires referral option
For complex specialist care, Buenos Aires is the nearest major medical hub, accessible by direct flight from Asunción.