Recommended Hospitals in Guatemala for Expats and Visitors
Guatemala, known as “the land of eternal spring,” with its affordability and stunning beaches, is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for visitors as well as a landing spot for expatriates.
Whether you plan to stay in the country for a long time or your visit will be brief, it is essential to ensure that you can access healthcare in case of illness. For both emergencies and regularly scheduled appointments, that often means going to the hospital. Here is a guide to what you need to know about hospitals in Guatemala.
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How Many Hospitals Are in Guatemala?
With its three-tiered system, answering this question fully means breaking the groups of hospitals into their respective categories.
There are 195 hospitals in the public sector and 2,502 clinics. Meanwhile, there are only 45 private hospitals in the country. In general, Guatemalans who can afford it opt for the private healthcare system.
Does Guatemala Have Good Hospitals?
For much of the second half of the twentieth century, Guatemala was embroiled in a civil war, which ultimately ended in the 1980s. During that time, very little was invested in any public infrastructure. This means that Guatemala’s entire healthcare system has been built since that time.
And while the constitution promises universal healthcare to all its citizens, the system is underfunded, making it difficult to fully deliver on that promise. For this reason, it is essential to ensure that you visit the correct hospital to receive the quality healthcare you need.
What Kinds of Hospitals are in Guatemala?
The Guatemalan healthcare system is broken into three parts: a public sector, a non-profit private sector, and a for-profit private sector.
The public healthcare system comprises hospitals and clinics operated by the Ministry of Health. The Social Security Institute and the armed forces are responsible for overseeing this.
List of Hospitals in Guatemala for Visitors and Expats
Hospital Herrera Llerandi
6A Avenida 8-71 zona 10
Guatemala, Guatemala
Tel: + 502 334 5959
Fax: + 502 331 5192
Hospital Angeles
2 Avenida 14-74
zona 1 Esquina
Guatemala, Guatemala
Tel: + 502 251 0743/230 0703
Fax: + 502 230 0490
Centro Hospitalario La Paz Zona 14
10 Calle 2-31
Zona 14
Guatemala, Guatemala
Tel: + 502 368 1955
Fax: + 502 366 1029
Hospital Centro Medico
6a Avenue3-47
zona 10
Guatemala, Guatemala
Tel: + 502 332 3555/334 2157
Fax: + 502 332 6151
Hospital Privado Hermano Pedro
Av El Desengano No 12A
Antigua, Guatemala
Tel: + 502 832 6421
Hospital Santa Lucia Calzada
Santa Lucia Sur 7
Guatemala, Guatemala
Tel: + 502 832 3122
Hospital La Esperanza
6ª. Ave. 7-49, zona 10
Tel. +502 2415-9000
Ext. 1325 or 1301
Language: Spanish. Many doctors speak English.
Nuestra Señora del Pilar
3ª calle 10-71, zona 15, Colonia Tecún Uman
Tel 2279-5000
Dental Offices in Guatemala
Dental Design
Diagonal 6, 12-42 zona 10
Edificación Design Center Torre 2 Oficina 1004
Tel. +502 2261-8905
USA (209) 201-0454
Language: Spanish and English spoken
What is the Difference Between Hospitals in Rural and Urban Areas of Guatemala?
All of the major hospitals and private hospitals are concentrated in the major cities. This means that access to quality healthcare outside of the large cities can be nonexistent.
If you plan to travel in more remote areas, it’s a good idea to look for travel insurance that provides coverage for emergency transport to a private hospital.
Some of the hospitals in Guatemala City, the capital, are so good that Guatemala has a thriving medical tourism industry, attracting visitors from other Latin American countries, as well as those from the United States seeking more affordable healthcare than they can get at home.
Guatemala City is home to the Medical District, which features five private hospitals, as well as a world-class radiotherapy facility.
What is the Difference Between Private and Public Healthcare in Guatemala?
With a total of 16.9 million residents and widespread poverty, many Guatemalans rely on the public healthcare system for all of their healthcare needs. Nonetheless, about 60% of residents opt for insurance in the private sector instead.
With brand-name equipment, a greater emphasis on high-skill training, and shorter wait times and better facilities, the market share of Guatemalans using private healthcare is expected to rise by 10% in the near future.
What Type of Healthcare System Does Guatemala Have?
With a GDP of $75.6 billion, Guatemala allocates a relatively small portion of its GDP to healthcare infrastructure. In fact, at 2.6%, it is the lowest spending-to-GDP ratio in Central America.
Although the government oversees its healthcare system through three different organizations, two social security-like institutions, and one representing the armed services, there is no guarantee of quality.
While healthcare is “guaranteed” for all, it may not be effective unless a person can access private healthcare. This is why those who can afford private healthcare often choose to use it.
Is Healthcare Free in Guatemala?
The public healthcare system is free for both Guatemalan citizens and visitors. However, to use the public hospital services, your case must be deemed serious enough to merit a visit. Additionally, they can sometimes be so underfunded that they run out of drugs and equipment.
If spending time in Guatemala, it is essential to have insurance that covers private hospital visits in the country. These can be pretty expensive, and many private hospitals require upfront payment if there is no proper insurance coverage.
How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Guatemala?
While Guatemala’s private healthcare facilities offer world-class care, this also comes with a high price tag. The cost of surgeries and procedures at private hospitals can run into thousands of dollars.
Costs are much lower than they would be out-of-pocket in the United States, but still high enough that you will undoubtedly want insurance coverage.
Here is a breakdown of the out-of-pocket costs for several procedures, with the typical price in the US included in parentheses:
- Dental root canal: 180 ($540)
- Colonoscopy: 940 ($2,250)
- Rhinoplasty: 3,700 ($10,500)
- In-Vitro fertilization: 7,000 ($25,000)
- Hip Replacement: 11,200 ($50,000)
- Cancer radiation therapy: 12,000 ($65,000)
- Coronary artery bypass: 24,000 ($165,000)
Best Health Insurance Plans 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
Best Health Insurance Plan 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.
Diseases Concerns in Guatemala
There are certain disease concerns and health conditions in Guatemala that visitors should be aware of. One of the major causes of death in Guatemala is communicable diseases, for which there are already effective treatments.
Wealthier countries have eradicated many of these illnesses, but Guatemala has not. This especially puts infants at risk. Additional hazards include parasites and pesticide poisoning.
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- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
International Citizens Insurance has an experienced team of authors, including expatriates and world travelers, providing curated guidance for our clients.
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