Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 911. In La Paz, Clínica del Sur is the best private emergency option. Public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded.
Response time: La Paz/Santa Cruz: 15-30 min. Rural areas: 1-4 hours or unavailable.
Cost: Public ER: BOB 50-200 ($7-29). Private ER: BOB 500-3,000 ($72-435). Medical evacuation: $15,000-40,000.
Healthcare System
Bolivia has limited healthcare infrastructure, especially outside La Paz and Santa Cruz. Altitude sickness is a major concern — La Paz sits at 3,640m, El Alto at 4,150m, and Uyuni at 3,656m. Clínica del Sur and Clínica Alemana in La Paz are the best private hospitals. Rural areas have very basic health posts. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Lima or São Paulo. English is rarely spoken in medical settings — bring a Spanish-speaking companion or translation app.
Designed for: Residents. Free basic public healthcare for Bolivians. Tourists rely on private clinics.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics. Public hospitals accept all but waits are long. Very limited English.
Typical wait: Public: 2-6 hours. Private: same-day.
Availability: Good in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba. Very limited in rural/Altiplano areas.
GP Visit
Public: BOB 10-50 ($1
Private GP
BOB 150-400 ($22-58)
ER Without Insurance
Private ER: BOB 500-5,000 ($72-725). Evacuation: $15,000-40,000.
Medication
Medications very affordable. Pharmacies sell most drugs without prescription. Quality can vary — buy from reputable pharmacies in cities.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Many farmacias de turno open 24h in cities.
OTC: Wide range available, many prescription drugs sold OTC. Quality variable.
Controlled substances: Bolivia has strict coca and drug laws. Carry prescriptions. Some medications may not be available.
Practical Tips
- Clínica del Sur (La Paz) — best private hospital, some English-speaking doctors
- Clínica Alemana (La Paz) — good private clinic with German-trained doctors
- Hospital Japonés (Santa Cruz) — best public hospital in eastern Bolivia
- Altitude sickness: take it SLOW on arrival in La Paz. Rest first day, avoid alcohol, drink coca tea
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) available locally — helps with altitude acclimatisation
- Carry basic medications — rural areas have no pharmacies
- If trekking Death Road or Uyuni: ensure your travel insurance covers adventure activities and altitude
- Medical evacuation to Lima (Peru) or São Paulo for serious cases
Who can get care in Bolivia?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Bolivia treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics. Public hospitals accept all but waits are long. Very limited English. Typical cost: Public: BOB 10-50 ($1.50-7). Private: BOB 150-400 ($22-58). Typical wait: Public: 2-6 hours. Private: same-day.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: Private ER: BOB 500-5,000 ($72-725). Evacuation: $15,000-40,000..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Yellow Fever certificate (for lowland areas)
- Prescriptions in Spanish if possible
Local contacts in Bolivia
Emergency services
911 (national emergency) / 118 (ambulance) / 110 (police)
Call 911. In La Paz, Clínica del Sur is the best private emergency option. Public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Many farmacias de turno open 24h in cities.
Wide range available, many prescription drugs sold OTC. Quality variable.
What is the emergency number in Bolivia?
911 (national emergency) or 118 (ambulance) or 110 (police) in Bolivia. Call 911. In La Paz, Clínica del Sur is the best private emergency option. Public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Bolivia?
Public: BOB 10-50 ($1.50-7). Private: BOB 150-400 ($22-58). Private consultations: BOB 150-400 ($22-58).
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Sources: Bolivia Ministry of Health, WHO Bolivia, CDC Travelers' Health 2024, UK FCDO Travel Advice Bolivia
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare