Emergency Numbers & Access
Ambulance service is unreliable. Take a taxi to Hospital Vivian Pellas (private) or Hospital Militar (public) in Managua.
Response time: 20-40 min in Managua. Rural: often unavailable.
Cost: Public ER: free. Private ER: $30-200.
Healthcare System
Nicaragua has the most limited healthcare in Central America. Public hospitals are severely under-resourced. Private hospitals exist in Managua but are basic by international standards. Caribbean coast (Bluefields, Corn Islands) has almost no healthcare. Medical evacuation to Costa Rica or Panama for serious cases.
Designed for: Residents. Very limited tourist infrastructure.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics in Managua.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours to days.
Availability: Limited in Managua. Almost none elsewhere.
GP Visit
$15-40 private GP visit
Private GP
$15-40
ER Without Insurance
$30-300. Surgery: $1,000-5,000. Evacuation: $10,000-25,000.
Medication
Very affordable but limited availability. Stock shortages common. Bring essential medications.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Limited Sunday/evening options.
OTC: Basic range. Many drugs unavailable.
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions. Drug import rules are strict.
Practical Tips
- Hospital Vivian Pellas (Managua) — best private hospital, some English
- Hospital Metropolitano (Managua) — alternative private option
- Hospital Militar (Managua) — main public hospital for emergencies
- Corn Islands / San Juan del Sur: only basic clinics — carry a first-aid kit
- Medical evacuation insurance is ESSENTIAL — serious cases go to Costa Rica
- Bring all medications — pharmacies have limited stock
Who can get care in Nicaragua?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Nicaragua 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 in Managua. Typical cost: $15-40 private GP visit. Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours to days.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $30-300. Surgery: $1,000-5,000. Evacuation: $10,000-25,000..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance with evacuation
- Prescriptions
Local contacts in Nicaragua
Emergency services
118 (fire) / 128 (police) / 120 (ambulance — limited)
Ambulance service is unreliable. Take a taxi to Hospital Vivian Pellas (private) or Hospital Militar (public) in Managua.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. Limited Sunday/evening options.
Basic range. Many drugs unavailable.
What is the emergency number in Nicaragua?
118 (fire) or 128 (police) or 120 (ambulance — limited) in Nicaragua. Ambulance service is unreliable. Take a taxi to Hospital Vivian Pellas (private) or Hospital Militar (public) in Managua.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Nicaragua?
$15-40 private GP visit. Private consultations: $15-40.
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Sources: Nicaragua Ministry of Health, WHO Nicaragua, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare