Paraguay (PY)

Affordable South American residency hub with low taxes, warm climate, Mercosur access, growing expat communities, and a practical base in Asuncion, Encarnacion and Ciudad del Este.

Capital: Asuncion

Region: Americas

Language: Spanish

Currency: PYG (Gs.)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 25)

Emergency: 911

Healthcare in Paraguay

Paraguay has a mixed healthcare system: public Ministry of Health services, IPS social insurance for formal workers, and a large private hospital/sanatorio sector. Expats with means usually rely on private care and insurance, especially in Asuncion.

Private care in Asuncion can be good and affordable; public and rural services are more uneven.

Public healthcare: Ministerio de Salud Publica / IPS

Public Health Ministry / Social Security Institute

Eligibility:Public hospitals provide services broadly, while IPS access is tied mainly to formal employment contributions or eligible insured status.

Monthly cost:IPS employee contribution is generally 9% of salary with employer contribution 16.5%. Public Ministry care is tax-funded.

What's included:

Emergency public care
Primary care in public facilities
IPS outpatient and hospital services for insured workers
Maternity care in public/IPS system
Vaccination campaigns

Not included (or co-pay required):

Many medicines and supplies may be out-of-pocket
Private rooms
International evacuation
Fast specialist access in many cases

Co-payments:Public care can be low cost, but patients may need to buy medicines, supplies or tests. IPS coverage depends on contribution status.

How to enrol:Formal employees are registered with IPS by the employer. Others use public services or buy private insurance.

Waiting period:Private insurers may impose waiting periods and exclusions; IPS access depends on active contributions.

Private healthcare: Private sanatorios and prepaid medical plans

Who can use it:Available to residents and foreigners subject to underwriting, age and pre-existing condition rules.

When it makes sense:Recommended for most expats, families, retirees and anyone outside stable IPS employment.

Monthly cost:Approx. Gs. 400,000-1.5M+ per adult depending on age, network and coverage.

Major providers:

Sanatorio MigoneSanatorio La CostaHospital BautistaSanta Clara Medicina PrepagaMedilifeSPS

Accessing care

GP system

Private patients usually book directly with generalists or specialists; there is no strict GP gatekeeping culture.

Specialist referral

Private specialists can often be booked directly. Insurance networks may require authorisation for expensive tests.

Emergency care

Call 141 (SEME ambulance) or 911 (police/emergency coordination) and go to a private sanatorio emergency department. Keep insurance card, passport/cedula and payment card available.

Out of hours

Major private hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments. Smaller clinics may close evenings/weekends.

Prescriptions

Pharmacies are widespread and many medicines are easier to obtain than in Europe, but controlled medications require proper prescriptions.

Dental

Mostly private and comparatively affordable; quality varies, so use referrals.

Mental health

Private psychologists and psychiatrists are the practical route for most expats. English-speaking therapists exist but are limited.

Maternity

Private maternity packages are common in Asuncion; confirm obstetrician, hospital, NICU and insurance waiting periods before pregnancy if possible.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Buy private health insurance or confirm IPS coverage
Choose a private emergency hospital near home
Find a GP/paediatrician by referral
Save 911, 141 and hospital numbers
Translate key medical records into Spanish

Finding English-speaking doctors:Available in Asuncion private hospitals and through expat referrals, but never guaranteed in emergencies.

International insurance:Strongly recommended for retirees, remote workers and anyone who wants evacuation to Brazil, Argentina, Chile or home country.

Emergency card info:Carry blood type, allergies, medications, insurance details, Spanish emergency contact and home-country emergency contact.

Pharmacies (Farmacia)

Hours:Large chains open long hours; some branches are 24/7 in Asuncion.

After-hours / emergency:Ask your insurer or nearest hospital for on-duty pharmacies; delivery apps may work in urban areas.

Prescription rules:Antibiotics and controlled medicines should require prescriptions, though enforcement can vary. Keep doctor prescriptions for travel.

Available over-the-counter:

Painkillers
Antihistamines
Oral rehydration salts
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Basic stomach medicines

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	Gs. 0–80,000 copay depending on prepagada plan; some plans cover in full
GP visit (private pay)	Gs. 150,000-400,000
Specialist visit	Gs. 250,000-700,000
Emergency visit	Gs. 300,000-1.5M before tests/procedures
MRI scan	Gs. 1.5M-4M
Prescription average	Gs. 30,000-300,000 depending on medicine
Dental check-up	Gs. 180,000-500,000
Baby delivery	Private package often Gs. 8M-25M+ depending on hospital and complications

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