Moving to another country is a significant undertaking. When you are moving with your spouse, your kids, and getting an international education it is double that. The “Heart of South America” known as Paraguay is one of many places that international students are considering because of the lower cost of living and warm nature of the people. While there are many positive reasons why someone would want to move to Paraguay, the health care system is quite confusing to those who have never navigated it before.
While “being covered” is generally the biggest concern for most foreigners, it is ensuring that all members of their family will receive quality, dependable care from a medical care system that may operate much differently than they have seen at home. The difference between the quality of care in the public and private sectors of Paraguay is stark; understanding these differences is the best way to ensure a successful relocation to Paraguay.
The Reality of Healthcare in Paraguay
Paraguay has two main areas in its healthcare system, the public area and the private area. The public area, called IPS (Instituto de Previsión Social) is based upon funding from both employers and employees. Although it is intended for all Paraguayan residents to access, the public area is frequently characterized by long delays and red tape, and will seldom be an available or recommended option for someone who is in Paraguay on a short term visa. To really take advantage of the relatively inexpensive monthly rates ($25-$150 per month for a family), you will have to be able to obtain a cédula (national ID card) and permanently live in Paraguay. Due to these restrictions, international students virtually always use their private international health insurance. These insurance programs are designed to protect individuals internationally, providing them with financial protection that allows them to receive medical treatment at virtually any place they may travel. Private hospitals such as Sanatorio La Costa or Migone in the capital city of Asunción offer state-of-the-art facilities, however; they also require either payment up front or that you have a recognized insurance company prior to receiving care.
Why International Coverage is the Standard
If you are applying for a student visa, the Paraguayan government often requires proof of health insurance. While the official minimum coverage can vary, many experts recommend a policy with a limit of at least $30,000. However, for a family, that number is dangerously low.
International plans are the gold standard for three reasons:
- Evacuation and Repatriation: Paraguay’s best medical care is concentrated in Asunción. If you are traveling in the Chaco or rural areas and a medical emergency occurs, you need a plan that covers medical evacuation.
- English-Speaking Support: Navigating medical jargon in Spanish is difficult even for fluent speakers. Global providers offer 24/7 support lines in multiple languages.
- Flexibility: These plans follow you. If you decide to spend a semester break in Brazil or visit home, your family remains covered.
Top 10 Insurance Options for Families in Paraguay
While there is no “official” government ranking, the following ten providers are widely recognized for their reliability, family-friendly add-ons, and acceptance within Paraguayan private clinics.
| Provider | Monthly Cost (Family of 3-4) | Annual Max Coverage | Typical Deductible | Key Family Features |
| Cigna Global | $300 – $500 | Up to $2M | $0 – $500 | Pediatric care, maternity, and mental health. |
| Bupa Global | $350 – $600 | Unlimited options | $100 – $1,000 | Excellent for chronic conditions; family discounts. |
| Allianz Care | $250 – $450 | $1M – $5M | $0 – $500 | Strong oncology and evacuation coverage. |
| Aetna International | $280 – $480 | Up to $2M | $250 – $750 | Strong US-link networks; great preventive care. |
| IMG | $200 – $400 | $50K – $1M | $0 – $250 | Specifically tailored student/dependent plans. |
| AXA Global | $250 – $450 | $160K – $8M | $100 – $500 | Telemedicine and modular outpatient add-ons. |
| VUMI | $300 – $500 | $2M – Unlimited | $0 options | Direct payment to hospitals; covers chronic meds. |
| Mapfre Paraguay | $100 – $250 | Up to $1M | Varies | Hybrid: Local network + international reach. |
| April International | $150 – $350 | Varies | Low | Flexible optical/dental; repatriation focus. |
| Mondassur | $120 – $300 | Custom | Flexible | Budget-friendly for younger student families. |
A Closer Look at the Leaders
Cigna Global is often the first choice for professionals. Their “modular” approach allows you to pick and choose. If you don’t need maternity coverage, you don’t pay for it. For a family of four, you can expect to pay around $400 a month for a robust plan that includes outpatient visits.
VUMI (Vip Universal Medical Insurance) is a favorite in South America. They have strong ties with local hospitals, meaning you often don’t have to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement. This “direct billing” is a massive relief when dealing with the stress of a hospitalized family member.
Mapfre (specifically their Trebol Salud plan) represents the local-international hybrid. It is significantly cheaper because it focuses on a local network of clinics while providing “top-up” coverage for international emergencies. This is an excellent choice for students planning to stay in Paraguay for several years.
The Cost Equation: What to Expect
Budgeting for insurance is just as important as budgeting for tuition. For a family of four (two adults in their 30s and two children), a comprehensive international plan will generally fall between $200 and $600 per month.
Why the wide range?
- Age: As you cross into your 40s, premiums rise.
- Deductibles: Choosing a $1,000 deductible can slash your monthly premium by 30%, but you must ensure you have that cash on hand for emergencies.
- Maternity: This is the most expensive add-on. Most international plans have a 10-to-24-month “waiting period” for maternity, meaning you can’t buy the plan today and use it for a birth next month.
Coverage Essentials: Beyond the Basics
When reviewing a policy, look past the shiny brochures. You need to ensure the “unsexy” parts of the policy are robust.
1. Medical Evacuation
As mentioned, this is non-negotiable in Paraguay. If a specialist is required that isn’t available in Asunción, you want a policy that will fly your family to São Paulo or Buenos Aires.
2. Wellness and Preventive Care
With children, you will be at the doctor often for vaccinations and checkups. Ensure your plan covers these “well-child” visits without a deductible. It keeps your long-term costs down.
3. Chronic Condition Management
If anyone in your family has asthma, diabetes, or any ongoing condition, Bupa or VUMI are generally more lenient and offer better long-term management tools than “emergency-only” budget plans.
The “Hybrid Strategy” for Long-Term Students
Depending on the length of time it takes to complete your Ph.D. or M.D., your strategy for health insurance may need to be revised. Long-term expatriates often employ a hybrid model as a cost-effective way to receive quality health care.
For the first year of living abroad, keep an international health insurance plan (such as Cigna or Allianz) at full coverage. After obtaining your temporary resident status and cédula (the Paraguayan ID card), you can choose a Pre-paga (prepaid medicine provider) such as Asismed or Medital for a local private health insurance plan. These plans are significantly less expensive (usually around $100 per month for a family) and offer good protection for every day illnesses within Paraguay. Then, you can drop down from international to a “high deductible” plan that will cover all but catastrophic illness or injury requiring foreign travel. This switch could cut the annual cost by several thousand dollars to families.
Actionable Tips for Selection
Choosing a plan is a high-stakes decision. Do not rush it.
- Get Three Quotes: Never settle for the first price. Use a broker or the provider’s website to compare the exact same coverage levels across three companies.
- Check the “Sanatorio” Network: Call a major hospital in Asunción (like Sanatorio Británico) and ask which international insurances they accept for direct billing. This one phone call can save you from a $5,000 credit card bill later.
- Read the Exclusions: Most “student” plans exclude high-risk activities. If your family plans on exploring the Paraguayan wilderness or engaging in adventure sports, make sure you aren’t accidentally voiding your coverage.
- Ask About Telemedicine: Modern plans like AXA offer 24/7 video calls with doctors. This is a lifesaver at 2:00 AM when you just need to know if a child’s cough warrants a trip to the ER.
Pro Tips:
The conditions in Paraguay present an exceptional opportunity for students who wish to pursue international education while allowing their families to live safely, as long as they are adequately covered. By ensuring that your international health insurance provides you with the means to evacuate and to obtain private medical care, you will be able to concentrate on your studies rather than worry about the “what ifs.”
Take the time now to find the most suitable plan for your family’s individual requirements. Whether you prefer the top-of-the-line, world-wide benefits of Bupa International Health Insurance or the cost-effective, local coverage of Mapfre, the proper insurance is not only required by the Paraguayan immigration department — it is also the key to a successful, safe experience for you and your family in South America.
References:
- International Medical Group. (2023, December 31). International student insurance – IMG Global. https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-insurance
- Compare Expat Plans. (2024, December 31). Health insurance for families in Paraguay (2025 guide).https://compareexpatplans.com/countries/paraguay/insurance/for-families/
- Hello Paraguay. (2025, July 5). Health and insurance in Paraguay.https://www.helloparaguay.com/living/health-and-insurance-in-paraguay/
- Insurancy. (2024, November 8). International health insurance for Paraguay comparison (2026).https://www.insurancy.de/en/international-health-insurance/paraguay-comparison/
- Expat Settle. (2026, January 10). Healthcare in Paraguay 2026 | Hospitals, insurance & costs. https://expatsettle.com/asuncion/healthcare
- Compare Expat Plans. (2024, December 31). Health insurance for digital nomads in Paraguay (2025 guide).https://compareexpatplans.com/countries/paraguay/insurance/for-digital-nomads/
- Insubuy. (2025, August 14). Paraguay expat health insurance.https://www.insubuy.com/paraguay-expatriate-health-insurance/
- April International. (2026, January 31). Health insurance in Paraguay.https://www.april-international.com/en/destinations/america/health-insurance-in-paraguay
- Pacific Prime. (2024, December 31). Paraguay health insurance for expats.https://www.pacificprime.com/country/americas/paraguay-health-insurance-pacific-prime-international/
- Mondassur. (2025, July 1). Health insurance in Paraguay.https://www.mondassur.com/en/health-insurance-in-paraguay/
- Student Insurance Portal. (2004, January 31). Insurance requirements for studying in Paraguay. https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/Paraguay
