An Expat’s Guide to Understanding the Healthcare System in Guatemala
Guatemala is a country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It is famous for rainforests, volcanoes, and Mayan civilization relics.
The country experiences instances of hurricanes and earthquakes, and some of Guatemala’s volcanoes remain active. The largest city and capital is Guatemala City, with a population of approximately 1 million people, making it the most populous city in Central America.
Most of the 19th and 20th centuries were marked by years of political unrest, and Guatemala has only experienced a period of peace and economic growth since the end of the civil war in 1996.
Guatemala is now a democratic country, and the latest elected president, Alejandro Giammattei, is known for his strong “tough-on-crime” political approach.
The English language isn’t prevalent; therefore, at least a basic knowledge of the Spanish language is advised. Read more to understand the healthcare system in Guatemala.
A word of warning: Guatemala has high crime rates, and travelers are advised to take precautions.
A word of warning: Guatemala has high crime rates, and travelers are advised to take precautions.
The English language isn’t prevalent; therefore, at least a basic knowledge of the Spanish language is advised. Read more to understand the healthcare system in Guatemala.
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Overview of Guatemala’s Healthcare System
Despite optimistic projections, as of today, Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in Central America, which has significant implications for health outcomes and healthcare in the country.
Guatemala’s constitution states that every citizen has the right to universal healthcare, but in reality, few have access to comprehensive healthcare, and it is tough to receive any medical care in rural areas of Guatemala.
The current healthcare system, developed during the Civil War, despite some reforms, still faces significant challenges.
The healthcare system in Guatemala is divided into three divisions:
- the public sector
- the private for-profit sector
- the private non-profit sector
The public healthcare sector is said to cover approximately 88% of the country’s population. However, hospitals and clinics in Guatemala under the public system are often underfunded and lack basic medical supplies and equipment.
This is because the Guatemalan Government allocates minimal spending on healthcare; in fact, healthcare spending in Guatemala is one of the lowest in Central America.
The public sector focuses more on treating diseases than on prevention; thus, primary care is often very basic, and the emphasis is on hospitals.
While Guatemala City’s public hospitals provide a good level of medical care, the same cannot be said about other cities and predominantly rural areas. In some villages, there is no doctor or nurse, but rather an NGO-trained health worker who can provide basic health services.
Do Expats Qualify for National Healthcare in Guatemala?
No, if you are not a citizen of Guatemala, you can’t access the national health system in the country unless it is classified as very serious. However, with the low medical standards, most services are being outsourced to private companies anyway.
As an expat, it is highly recommended to take out private health insurance to cover your medical needs and receive assistance in English, as it is unlikely to find an English-speaking doctor, nurse, or medical administrative staff member in the public healthcare system.
Medical evacuation is also something to consider when residing or traveling to Guatemala.
Private Healthcare Options in Guatemala
The private, for-profit sector is a more reliable option for receiving medical care in Guatemala. Medical facilities generally have a better standard of equipment and care, and medical staff usually speak English. Visitors and expatriates chose to receive their medical care in the private sector for these reasons.
One thing to remember is that in the private sector, payment is typically required upfront before treatment. It’s crucial to either have enough cash, a credit card, or a private health insurance card with you at all times.
Best Health Insurance for Expats in Guatemala
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Insurance for US Citizens Living in Guatemala
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Costs of Healthcare in Guatemala
As a foreigner in Guatemala, receiving free medical care under the national health system is only available if the condition is considered very serious. Therefore, most foreigners and expats do end up using private healthcare in Guatemala.
With the private healthcare facilities offering high standards of care, the price is also considerably higher. And while the costs are lower than those in the United States, they are still high enough for you to consider taking up a private medical insurance plan.
Here is a breakdown of the out-of-pocket costs for several procedures in US dollars:
- Dental root canal: $420
- Colonoscopy: $800
- Cataracts $3,200
- Hip Replacement: $11,200
- Cancer radiation therapy: $12,000
- Coronary artery bypass: $24,000
Important Health Insurance Benefits to Consider for Guatemala
Comprehensive Medical Evacuation Benefits
Besides being able to use private medical facilities, a significant benefit we recommend having included in your plan is medical evacuation.
Medical evacuation will cover the costs of your specialist medical transportation to the nearest medical center of excellence. They can treat your specific illness or condition if there are no nearby.
This can involve a helicopter transfer to a nearby location in Mexico or simply an ambulance ride from a rural destination to a larger city. The most crucial part is that you receive appropriate treatment.
Comprehensive Maternity Benefits
The mortality rate of newborn babies in Guatemala is alarmingly high, and it is a significant health issue in the country.
The infant mortality rate in Guatemala in 2020 was 19.389 deaths per 1000 live births, a 3.36% decline from 2019. The main reason behind this would be infections, especially if the birth were given in rural areas.
People who are expecting to give birth in Guatemala should prioritize getting a health insurance plan with maternity benefits to ensure the baby’s delivery is of the highest standard.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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