Quick Answer
Private healthcare in Paraguay is affordable and adequate for routine care. A doctor visit costs ~$20, and private hospitals in Asunción's Villa Morra/Carmelitas area cater to expats. The main health risks are mosquito-borne (dengue, Zika, chikungunya). The CDC recommends medical evacuation insurance, and most expats combine local care with international coverage for emergencies.
Paraguay's Healthcare System
Paraguay has a three-tier healthcare system. Expats primarily use the private tier, which is concentrated in Asunción.
Public (MSPBS)
Ministerio de Salud
Free or near-free. Under-resourced - historically low access rates with ~117 physicians per 100,000. Not recommended for expats.
Social Security (IPS)
Instituto de Previsión Social
Contributory system for formal workers and their families. Accessible to residents with formal employment. Quality varies by facility.
Private
Fee-for-Service
Primary choice for expats. 88% fee-for-service, 11% pre-paid plans. Best facilities in Villa Morra/Carmelitas. Some English-speaking doctors.
Gov. Health Spending
~1.7%
of GDP (low by regional standards)
HRMI Health Fulfillment
88.5%
overall (children 94.5%, adults 88.1%)
Doctor Density
117
physicians per 100,000 population
Healthcare Satisfaction in Asunción
Based on Numbeo survey data from April 2026 (39 contributors in Asunción). Ratings reflect the private healthcare experience.
| Component | Satisfaction | Rating | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendliness & courtesy | 75.00% | High | |
| Skill & competency | 69.74% | High | |
| Diagnostic equipment | 69.08% | High | |
| Accuracy of reports | 68.42% | High | |
| Speed of examinations | 64.74% | High | |
| Location convenience | 63.46% | High | |
| Cost satisfaction | 55.13% | Moderate | |
| Responsiveness / waiting | 53.85% | Moderate |
What this means: Doctors are rated highly for friendliness (75%) and skill (70%). The two moderate-rated areas - cost satisfaction (55%) and wait times (54%) - reflect the fee-for-service model and typical waiting room delays. For context, these ratings are comparable to or better than many Latin American cities, though below top-tier medical tourism destinations.
Medical Prices in Asunción
Prices from Expatistan (April 2026). Exchange rate: ~7,800 PYG/USD. All figures for private-sector care.
| Service / Item | Price (USD) | Price (Gs) |
|---|---|---|
| Private doctor visit (15 min) | ~$20 | 154,233 |
| Cold medicine (6 days) | ~$4.30 | 33,485 |
| Antibiotics (12 doses) | ~$7 | 54,498 |
Affordability Advantage
A private doctor visit in Asunción costs ~$20. The same visit runs $100–$200 in the US, €50–€80 in Western Europe, and $50–$80 in Panama. Dental care in Paraguay is also very affordable - cleanings, fillings, and crowns cost a fraction of North American prices, making Asunción a minor dental tourism destination.
Hospitals in Paraguay
Private hospitals are the primary choice for expats. Most are in Asunción's Villa Morra/Carmelitas area. Check Joint Commission International for accredited facilities.
Private Hospitals (Asunción) - Expat-Recommended
Highlighted hospitals are the most frequently recommended for expats based on facility quality, location, and English-speaking staff availability.
Sanatorio Italiano
Well-established private hospital
Centro Médico Pro-Med
Private medical center
Sanatorio Americano
Private hospital
Hospital Privado Francés
Private French hospital
Sanatorio Migone-Battilana
Private hospital
Centro Médico Bautista
Private medical center
Sanatorio Español
Private hospital
Sanatorio Adventista
Seventh-day Adventist hospital
Sanatorio Santa Clara
Offers pre-paid plans
Sanatorio Prof. Dr. Juan Max Boettner
Private hospital
Hospital San Jorge
Private hospital
Hospital San Pablo
Private hospital
Public & Specialty Hospitals (Asunción)
Hospital de Clínicas
UNA teaching hospital - largest public facility
Hospital General Barrio Obrero
Public general hospital
IPS Hospital
Social security hospital - formal workers
Hospital Militar Central
Military hospital
Instituto de Medicina Tropical
Tropical medicine specialist
Cruz Roja Paraguaya
Red Cross
Hospitals Outside Asunción
Hospital Itaipú
Ciudad del Este - near Iguaçu Falls. Serves the triple frontier area.
Hospital Regional
Encarnación - serves southern Paraguay
Important: Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. If you plan to live in rural Paraguay, factor medical evacuation time into your planning. The CDC recommends medical evacuation insurance for all travelers and residents.
Health Risks & Vaccinations
Based on CDC travel health recommendations for Paraguay. Mosquito-borne diseases are the primary concern.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases - Primary Risk
Dengue
Endemic with regular outbreaks. Most common in urban areas during warm, wet months. No vaccine widely available - prevention is key.
Zika
Risk present throughout the country. Particularly concerning for pregnant women due to birth defect association.
Chikungunya
Outbreaks reported. Causes severe joint pain that can persist for months. Same mosquito vector as dengue.
Malaria
Risk exists in some parts of the country, not nationwide. Check current CDC status before travel to rural/border areas.
Other Health Risks
Rabies
Present, especially in bats. CDC: "If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately."
Chagas Disease
Endemic in rural areas. Transmitted by triatomine bugs. Mainly a risk in poorly constructed housing.
Yellow Fever
Check current CDC recommendations. Risk varies by region and season. Vaccine available if needed.
Recommended Vaccinations (CDC)
| Vaccine | Who Needs It |
|---|---|
| Routine (MMR, DTP, etc.) | Everyone - ensure boosters are current |
| Hepatitis A & B | All travelers and residents |
| Typhoid | Recommended, especially outside urban areas |
| Yellow Fever | Check current status - varies by region |
| Rabies | Extended rural stays, outdoor activities |
| Tetanus | Ensure current (every 10 years) |
Bug Bite Prevention - Critical
The CDC considers mosquito-borne disease prevention the single most important health measure in Paraguay:
- Use DEET-based repellent (20–50% concentration)
- Treat clothing with permethrin
- Sleep under bed nets in areas without air conditioning or screened windows
- Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours (dawn/dusk)
- Choose accommodations with screens or air conditioning when possible
Health Insurance for Expats
Paraguay's private healthcare is fee-for-service - insurance is separate from care. Most expats use a combination approach. Budget $50–$200/month for health insurance depending on coverage level (see the cost of living guide for full budget breakdown).
Local Options
- Pre-paid plans - Available at Sanatorio Santa Clara, Pro-Med, and others. Limited coverage, but affordable for routine care.
- IPS (social security) - Accessible to residents with formal employment. Covers workers and their families at IPS facilities.
- Fee-for-service - The default. Pay per visit at any private hospital. Given the low cost (~$20/visit), this works for routine care.
Recommended: Combined Approach
- Local plan or cash for routine care - doctor visits, prescriptions, dental work, lab tests.
- International health insurance for emergencies, hospitalization, and specialist care.
- Medical evacuation insurance - strongly recommended by CDC. Covers transport to a higher-quality facility in Brazil or the US if needed.
CDC Safety Recommendations
- Medical evacuation insurance - Trauma centers are uncommon outside urban areas
- Bring prescription medications from home - substandard or counterfeit medicine risk exists
- Carry a copy of prescriptions - many medications are available over-the-counter, but quality varies
- Know your nearest hospital before you need it - traffic and navigation can delay emergencies
Practical Health Tips
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available in Asunción. Many medications are available over-the-counter without a prescription, including some antibiotics.
Water Safety
Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water. This applies throughout the country, including Asunción.
Expat-Friendly Area
Private hospitals in Villa Morra and Carmelitas are the most expat-friendly. Most doctors in private hospitals speak some English.
Dental Care
Very affordable by Western standards. Cleanings, fillings, and crowns cost a fraction of North American prices.