Updated 2026 · Public + IPS + Private
Paraguay healthcare. Western quality at 1/4 the US price.
Private clinics in Asunción match Western quality with 3-5× lower prices and zero waiting lists. Tourists get free emergency care at public hospitals just by showing a passport. Dental work pays for the trip — implants from US$ 1,135.
— Cost compare
Private clinic prices vs the US.
| Service | Paraguay | United States |
|---|---|---|
| GP visit | US$ 15–50 | US$ 150–300 |
| Specialist visit | US$ 30–100 | US$ 300–500 |
| MRI (one zone) | US$ 150–300 | US$ 1,000–3,000 |
| Blood-test panel | US$ 30–80 | US$ 200–500 |
| Tooth extraction | US$ 30–80 | US$ 150–400 |
| Hospital stay (per night) | US$ 100–300 | US$ 2,500–5,000+ |
Prices are typical retail prices in Asunción private hospitals; vary by clinic and severity. Out-of-pocket without insurance.
— How the system works
Paraguay's three healthcare tiers.
- 01
Public (MSPBS) — free for everyone
Constitutional right to free emergency + basic care for anyone with ID, including foreign tourists. Reality: crowded, Spanish-only staff, weeks-long waits for specialists. Solid for emergencies, not for routine care.
- 02
IPS — for the formally employed
Mandatory social insurance: 9% from worker + 16.5% from employer. Covers consultations, surgeries, dentistry, chronic disease — no deductibles or waiting periods. Freelancers and remote workers do not qualify.
- 03
Private — what most expats use
3-5× cheaper than US private care, no waiting lists, English-speaking doctors at top hospitals. Most expats combine an out-of-pocket model with a comprehensive local plan.
— Top private hospitals
The three names every expat should know.
All three are in Asunción with ICUs, MRI/CT, English-speaking specialists, and direct billing for international insurance.
Sanatorio Migone Battilana
Mcal. Estigarribia 1221 y Constitución, Asunción
+595 21 218 2000
Flagship private hospital. MRI + CT, English-speaking doctors, full ICU.
Sanatorio San Roque
Eligio Ayala 1383 y Paí Pérez, Asunción
+595 21 228 600
Modern operating theaters. Strong cardiology and maternity.
Sanatorio Británico
Avda. Rodríguez de Francia 910 e/ Parapití, Asunción
+595 21 379-8000
Popular with English-speaking expats.
— Insurance options
Three plan tiers.
- Local prepaid (from US$ 50/mo) — Covers basic visits and labs. Doesn't cover serious illness — gap-filler, not real insurance.
- Comprehensive local (US$ 100–200/mo) — Asismed, OSDE — covers surgeries and hospitalization at top private hospitals.
- International (US$ 200–400/mo) — Cigna Global, GeoBlue — clinic choice anywhere worldwide, complex cases covered.
— Dental tourism
60–70% savings vs US prices.
Asunción dental clinics use the same Swiss titanium implants and CAD/CAM labs as US clinics. Many expats time their first visit for a dental work-up.
| Procedure | Paraguay | US (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | US$ 30–50 | US$ 100–200 |
| Filling | US$ 25–60 | US$ 150–300 |
| Tooth extraction | US$ 30–80 | US$ 150–400 |
| Crown (porcelain-metal) | US$ 150–300 | US$ 800–1,500 |
| Root canal | US$ 100–200 | US$ 700–1,500 |
| Implant (Swiss titanium, all-in) | US$ 1,100–1,500 | US$ 3,000–5,000+ |
- Risus Dental Clinic (Dr. Patricia Filippini) — Implant specialty. Fixed-price implant package: US$ 1,135. CAD/CAM lab, fully English-speaking staff.
- MediDent (Dr. Claudia) — Top patient-rated for routine care and cleanings. Av. Aviadores del Chaco casi Molas López.
- Odontología 3 — Largest network — 150+ clinics, 24/7/365 emergency dental.
- Codas Clinic (Dr. Diana Codas) — Premium / complex cases — diplomats' dentist. Uses dental microscopes. Juan de Salazar 463.
— Emergency
Numbers and addresses to save.
- Ambulance (SEME) 141
- All emergencies 911
- Hospital del Trauma (Asunción) +595 21 204-800
- Sanatorio Migone (24/7) +595 21 218 2000
— Plan your move
Have a procedure or condition? We'll match you to a clinic.
Book a consultation and we'll connect you to the right Asunción specialist before you arrive.