Emergency Numbers & Access
Hospital Herrera Llerandi and Centro Médico in Guatemala City are the best private hospitals. Rural areas rely on Red Cross.
Response time: 20-45 minutes in cities; much longer in rural areas
Cost: $30-500+ at private hospitals
Healthcare System
Guatemala has a limited public healthcare system. Private hospitals in Guatemala City offer acceptable care. Outside the capital and Antigua, medical facilities are very basic. Indigenous communities have the least access.
Designed for: Residents; tourists rely on private clinics in Guatemala City and Antigua
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics; cash payment
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Availability: Limited to Guatemala City, Antigua, and larger towns
GP Visit
$20-50 private clinic visit
Private GP
$20-50
ER Without Insurance
$100-1,000+
Medication
Medications very cheap. Pharmacies (farmacias) are everywhere. Quality can vary — buy from established chains.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Generally 8am-8pm; some 24h
OTC: Very wide range including antibiotics
Controlled substances: Drug laws are strict. Carry prescriptions for all medications.
Practical Tips
- Hospital Herrera Llerandi in Guatemala City for the best care
- Learn basic Spanish medical phrases — English is rare even in hospitals
- Carry a personal first-aid kit for travel outside cities
- Malaria prophylaxis needed for Petén and lowland jungle areas
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential for rural travel
Who can get care in Guatemala?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Guatemala treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics; cash payment Typical cost: $20-50 private clinic visit Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $100-1,000+.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Return ticket
Local contacts in Guatemala
Emergency services
110 / 120 (Red Cross) / 123 (fire)
Hospital Herrera Llerandi and Centro Médico in Guatemala City are the best private hospitals. Rural areas rely on Red Cross.
Pharmacies
Generally 8am-8pm; some 24h
Very wide range including antibiotics
What is the emergency number in Guatemala?
110 or 120 (Red Cross) or 123 (fire) in Guatemala. Hospital Herrera Llerandi and Centro Médico in Guatemala City are the best private hospitals. Rural areas rely on Red Cross.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Guatemala?
$20-50 private clinic visit Private consultations: $20-50.
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Sources: Guatemala Ministry of Health, WHO Guatemala, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare