15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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," said one expat living in Guatemala City.

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

"Medical services in Guatemala vary greatly depending on the region. In rural areas, access to medical care is often limited and the quality of care is often inadequate. In urban areas, there are more options for medical care, but the quality of care can still be substandard. In general, medical services in Guatemala are not up to the same standards as those found in more developed countries," commented one expat living in Guatemala.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Guatemala can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government's public health system. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the quality of care in Guatemala can vary greatly, with some facilities offering better care than others. As a result, it is important to research the quality of care available before making a decision about health insurance," said an expat in Guatemala.

"My health insurance take care of 2/3 of the bill but still the cost is very low in total and cheap," commented one expat living in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

"Emergency services in Guatemala are available, but they are limited in terms of resources and personnel. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 112, which is the same number used for police and fire services. It is important to note that the response time for emergency services in Guatemala can be slow, so it is best to call for help as soon as possible," said one expat.

"My closest hospital is 20 minutes drive but it is a public one and wouldn't go there unless to get stabilize before heading to Guatemala City a 2 1/2 drive.. to a private hospital .. Excellent care," remarked one expat in Guatemala City.

"I go to either Guatemala City a 2 1/2 hours drive or Quetzaltenango 2 hours drive. Quality of services excellent," remarked one expat living in Lake Atitlan.

"Guatemala City is the largest city in Guatemala and has the most comprehensive selection of medical specialists. Other cities with a good selection of medical specialists include Quetzaltenango, Escuintla, and San Marcos. Additionally, the departments of Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, and Sololá are known for having a wide variety of medical specialists," said one expat living in Guatemala.

"Most of every thing available. Lots of things you need prescription in the first world you can get them here over the counter. But medicines are expensive here," remarked one expat in Guatemala City.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Guatemala. Most medications can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription, although some require a prescription from a doctor. Prices for medications in Guatemala are generally lower than in other countries, making them more accessible to the general population. Additionally, many medications are available in generic form, which can be even more affordable," remarked one expat living in Guatemala.

"Healthcare can be a challenge. There are some well trained doctors in the larger villages but their range of care is limited. There is a good private hospital in Santiago (Hospitalito Atitlan) but depending on what kinds of volunteer doctors are there during your emergency they may not be able to help. The public hospital in Solola I call the pre-morgue. It is a grim place I wouldn’t send an enemy. Best care is Guatemala City. A three hour, $100US, ambulance ride away or an expensive helicopter airlift," wrote one expat.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Guatemala vary greatly in quality. In general, the public health system is underfunded and understaffed, leading to inadequate care in many areas. Private hospitals and clinics tend to offer better quality care, but they are often expensive and out of reach for many people. In rural areas, access to medical care is often limited, and the quality of care is often lower than in urban areas. Despite these challenges, there are some excellent medical facilities and providers in Guatemala, and the country is making efforts to improve access to quality healthcare," commented one expat who moved to Guatemala.

"Yes, foreigners living in Guatemala have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. The public healthcare system is often overcrowded and underfunded, and there are long wait times for appointments and treatments. However, it is still possible to receive quality care in the public system, and it is often the only option for those who cannot afford private healthcare," wrote an expat living in Guatemala.

"Out of the 2 times that I have gotten sick a couple years ago the doctors were great," said an expat in Guatemala.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Guatemala. Access to healthcare has become increasingly difficult due to the limited resources available. Many healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed by the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and overcrowding. Additionally, the lack of personal protective equipment has put healthcare workers at risk of contracting the virus. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Guatemala has been able to provide essential services to those in need," commented one expat living in Guatemala.