How does the healthcare system work in Paraguay?

What is the quality of healthcare in Paraguay?

• Paraguay has a hybrid healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare available. However, the quality and accessibility vary greatly depending on your location and financial resources.
• The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS) is responsible for coordinating both public and private healthcare.
• There is a huge shortage of doctors in Paraguay, with only about 11 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants. Foreigners almost always opt for private healthcare or healthcare abroad.
• The healthcare system in Paraguay consists of three levels: general practitioners and local clinics for basic care, specialist and diagnostic care at the second level, and hospitals and advanced treatments at the third level.
• Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available in the cities, but in remote areas it can be a search for the right medicines. Basic medicines are usually available, but specific medicines can be scarce.
• The emergency number for an ambulance is 141, but this assistance is only available in the larger cities.

How does the public healthcare system work in Paraguay?

• Public healthcare in Paraguay is not up to par, mainly due to underfunding. The country spends only about 2.8% of GDP on healthcare, which is very little.
• Basic healthcare is available and free for residents, but many public institutions suffer from underfunding and long waiting times. Healthcare includes GP visits, specialist consultations, emergency care, maternity care, vaccinations, limited dental care and prescription drugs.
• Patients sometimes have to pay for medicines and materials.
• Specialist care is very limited and usually only available in cities.
• Expats can use public healthcare if they obtain a residence permit and register with the local health authority.

How does the private healthcare system work in Paraguay?

• As in most countries, Paraguay also has shorter waiting times, better medical equipment and specialist doctors in private healthcare. The quality of care is much better and the best care can be found in Asunción, the capital. The costs are high and you often have to pay in advance. International private health insurance is a must to cover the costs.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Paraguay?

• General practitioners can be found in public health centres and private clinics. Waiting times can be long in public health centres, but in private clinics the costs can be high.
• In public health care, referrals are often required for a visit to a specialist.

How is the dentist arranged in Paraguay?

• Basic dental care is covered by the public health care system, but this care is very limited. Most residents and foreigners opt for private dental care when they can afford it.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Paraguay?

• Prenatal care is well arranged in private health care. The care adheres to international standards, with regular check-ups, ultrasounds and blood tests.
• The public health care system is not well equipped for maternity and postnatal care.
• Caesarean sections are relatively common in Paraguay, especially in private hospitals. Some hospitals even have rates of over 50%.
• There are facilities for high-risk pregnancies in Asunción, Ciudad del Este, and Encarnación.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Paraguay?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Paraguay?

• Paraguay is not very safe. Armed robberies, pickpocketing, and car theft are common, especially in Asunción and Ciudad del Este.
• Flooding can occur in Paraguay during the rainy season, especially along the Paraguay River. Keep a close eye on the situation.
• Political protests and strikes do occur, but are fortunately rarely violent.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Paraguay?

• Tap water is not safe to drink. Drink filtered or boiled water and do not eat food that has not been thoroughly cooked.
• There are several tropical diseases that are transmitted by insects. Protect yourself well against mosquitoes with covering clothing and spray.
• Discuss the necessary vaccinations well in advance with a vaccination doctor.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Paraguay?

• Participating in traffic in Paraguay is quite a challenge. Assume that you have had more training than most drivers. Drivers often drive badly, ignore rules and are unpredictable. There are also many accidents with motorcycles.
• The roads also leave much to be desired. Some roads in the cities are paved, but the vast majority are roads consisting of rough cobblestones. Almost all rural roads are unpaved. Some can even become impassable in the rainy season. The roads between the largest cities are often in better condition.
• Buses are cheap but unreliable and the drivers can drive quite recklessly. Robberies also occur on public transport.
• There are taxis, but it is advisable to find a reliable taxi company. If necessary, ask locals or other expats for advice.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Paraguay?

• Is the trip Paraguay to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Paraguay if you are going to live there for a while?

• Although it may not be mandatory, international health insurance is very important in Paraguay if you want to cover the costs of private care and possible medical evacuations or repatriation. Without insurance, you could be faced with unpleasant financial surprises.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.