Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 106 (police) or 116 (fire/rescue). SAMU 106 provides medical dispatch. Private hospitals recommended in Lima for quality care.
Response time: 15-30+ minutes (traffic-dependent in Lima)
Cost: Public ER: minimal fees. Private: PEN 200-1,000 ($50-270).
Healthcare System
Peru has improving healthcare with good private clinics in Lima. Public hospitals (SIS) are free for citizens but crowded. Private hospitals in Lima (Clínica Ricardo Palma, Clínica Anglo Americana) offer English-speaking care. Rural and Andean healthcare is limited.
Designed for: Peruvian citizens via SIS (free) or EsSalud (employed). Visitors use private clinics.
GP Access & Costs
Private clínicas accept walk-ins and appointments. Public postas de salud for registered citizens.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: variable, often crowded.
Availability: Good private options in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa. Very limited in rural/Andean areas.
GP Visit
Private GP: PEN 100-300 ($27-80)
Private GP
PEN 100-300 ($27-80)
ER Without Insurance
PEN 500-5,000 ($135-1,350) at private hospitals.
Medication
Affordable at local pharmacies (boticas/farmacias). InkaFarma and MiFarma chains widespread. Many medications available OTC.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Daily 8am-10pm. InkaFarma and MiFarma chains widespread, some 24/7 in Lima.
OTC: Many medications available without prescription including antibiotics. Boticas (pharmacies) serve as first point of care for many Peruvians.
Controlled substances: Carry doctor's letter for controlled medications. Altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide/Diamox) available at pharmacies in Cusco.
Practical Tips
- Clínica Anglo Americana and Clínica Ricardo Palma in Lima offer English-speaking care
- Carry acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness — available at Cusco pharmacies
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential for Andean and Amazon travel
- InkaFarma pharmacies are reliable and found nationwide
- Allow 2-3 days to acclimatise in Cusco before trekking to Machu Picchu
Who can get care in Peru?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Peru 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
Private clínicas accept walk-ins and appointments. Public postas de salud for registered citizens. Typical cost: Private GP: PEN 100-300 ($27-80). Specialist: PEN 200-500 ($54-135). Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: variable, often crowded.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: PEN 500-5,000 ($135-1,350) at private hospitals..
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate (if visiting Amazon)
Local contacts in Peru
Emergency services
106 / 116
Call 106 (police) or 116 (fire/rescue). SAMU 106 provides medical dispatch. Private hospitals recommended in Lima for quality care.
Pharmacies
Daily 8am-10pm. InkaFarma and MiFarma chains widespread, some 24/7 in Lima.
Many medications available without prescription including antibiotics. Boticas (pharmacies) serve as first point of care for many Peruvians.
What is the emergency number in Peru?
106 or 116 in Peru. Call 106 (police) or 116 (fire/rescue). SAMU 106 provides medical dispatch. Private hospitals recommended in Lima for quality care.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Peru?
Private GP: PEN 100-300 ($27-80). Specialist: PEN 200-500 ($54-135). Private consultations: PEN 100-300 ($27-80).
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Sources: Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA), WHO Peru, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare