Insider's Guide to the Health System in Guatemala

Guatemala's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) and is free for Guatemalan citizens. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Guatemala, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. Public hospitals are not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources.

Guatemala's Public Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in Guatemala is provided by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS). It is free for Guatemalan citizens, but foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Guatemala. Public hospitals are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources, so they are not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Guatemala's Private Healthcare System

Guatemala's private healthcare system is composed of private hospitals and clinics that offer a higher quality of care than the public system. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is often recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they offer a higher quality of care and more resources than public hospitals.

Guatemala's Top Hospitals

The following is a list of some of the most well-known hospitals in Guatemala:

• Hospital General San Juan de Dios (public hospital, located in Guatemala City)
• Hospital Roosevelt (private hospital, located in Guatemala City)
• Hospital del Valle (private hospital, located in Guatemala City)
• Hospital San Carlos (private hospital, located in Guatemala City)
• Hospital del Niño (public hospital, located in Guatemala City)
• Hospital Nacional de Occidente (public hospital, located in Quetzaltenango)
• Hospital San Juan de Dios (public hospital, located in Quetzaltenango)
• Hospital San Felipe (private hospital, located in Quetzaltenango)
• Hospital San Juan de Dios (private hospital, located in Antigua)

Health Insurance Companies in Guatemala

The most popular private health insurers in Guatemala are Seguros G&T Continental, Mapfre, and Sura. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Guatemala: How to Navigate the Health System

"45 minutes into Guatemala City provides you with world class healthcare at a fraction of the price," commented one expat living in Antigua, Guatemala.

"For myself I bring enough of my meds from Canada to hold me over. Any other first aid or illness I have been able to get what is needed, either for me or my neighbours kids who may need meds or see a Doctor. As most Pharmacies are owned by Doctors ,it is convenient and easy to receive treatment," mentioned one expat living in Guatemala.

"I have US health insurance that I use on visits to the US. You can get basic care here, but anything more usually means a trip to the capital or Xela," said an expat in Guatemala.

"I live in a rural area therefore first world style healthcare is some distance away. There is an excellent community hospital in the area of Santiago named "Hospitalito Atitlan"," remarked one expat in Guatemala.

"There are many options for healthcare in Antigua with varying levels of satisfaction available, but the best healthcare is in Guatemala city," said one expat living in Guatemala.

"Make sure to look for the best doctors, get a private Guatemalan insurance to take you the best hospitals.. forget about public hospital unless it is for emergency," commented one expat living in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

"Most expats in Lake Atitlan probably you will be using private medical services. Always make sure to have a clear view of the cost prior engaging in any intervention unless it is an emergency. If you have an insurance check what is taking care or not..," mentioned one expat living in Guatemala.

"Healthcare services in Guatemala are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. Expats in Guatemala typically use the private healthcare system, as it is more reliable and offers better quality care. However, some expats may opt to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private care," said an expat in Guatemala.

"There are new emergency medical facilities in Antigua. Get catastrophic Insurance for private hospitals if needed. Local regular care is very inexpensive - you can still go home to see your doctors at home if you desire," remarked one member living in Guatemala.