Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Digital Nomads in Paraguay
Paraguay is a destination attracting expats for various reasons. As a digital nomad, your insurance needs focus on coverage in multiple countries without changing plans and flexibility to move between destinations.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting covered in Paraguay—from visa requirements to the best providers for your situation.
Key Considerations for Digital Nomads
What to Know
- Paraguay is nomad-friendly with good infrastructure and coworking options
- Flexible insurance that works across borders is essential for frequent travelers
- Low costs mean you can self-insure minor expenses and use insurance for emergencies
- Telemedicine access helpful when moving between locations
Visa & Insurance Requirements
No digital nomad visa. SUACE system makes residency very easy.
Insurance Requirement Summary
Check specific visa requirements—some require insurance, others recommend it strongly.
Even if insurance isn't legally required for your visa type, having coverage protects you from potentially catastrophic medical bills. A hospital stay in Paraguay can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
Recommended Plans for Digital Nomads
Based on your needs as a digital nomad, here are the best insurance options for Paraguay:
| Provider | Type | Best For | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMG Global | international | Higher limits than SafetyWing | Varies |
| Cigna Global | international | Comprehensive needs | Varies |
| Allianz Care | international | EU-focused expats | Varies |
| SafetyWing | international | Budget nomads, frequent travelers | Varies |
IMG Global
Step up from SafetyWing with higher limits and more comprehensive coverage. Good middle ground between travel medical and full expat insurance.
Cigna Global
Comprehensive international health insurance with strong global networks.
Allianz Care
Solid international coverage with particularly strong European networks.
Healthcare Access for Digital Nomads
Routine care is affordable out of pocket. Focus insurance on emergencies and hospitalization.
As a nomad, prioritize plans with telemedicine access and no fixed location requirements. You'll likely use local clinics for minor issues and save insurance for serious situations.
Day-to-Day Healthcare Reality
Paraguay offers a middle ground on healthcare costs. Doctor visits typically run $50-100, hospital stays $150-400 per night at private facilities. This is affordable enough that minor issues won't break the bank, but a serious illness or injury without insurance could still cost you thousands.
Quality of care in Paraguay is generally good in major cities, though it can vary in rural areas. Private hospitals typically offer shorter wait times and more English-speaking staff, while public options may be cheaper but involve longer waits.
As a nomad, you'll likely rely on telemedicine for minor issues and local clinics for anything that needs in-person attention. Build relationships with a local clinic or doctor early—having someone who knows your history makes healthcare abroad much smoother. Many nomads keep a basic medical kit with common medications rather than visiting a doctor for every minor ailment.
Insurance Buying Tips for Digital Nomads
Finding the right insurance takes research. Here's what to focus on as a digital nomad looking for coverage in Paraguay:
- Get quotes from at least 3 providers before deciding—prices vary significantly for similar coverage
- Read the policy document (not just the brochure) to understand exclusions
- Check provider reviews from actual expats, not just star ratings
- Verify the claims process: how long does reimbursement take? Is direct billing available?
- Understand the difference between travel medical insurance and international health insurance
- Consider monthly payment plans if you want flexibility to change or cancel
- Verify there's no "home country" restriction that limits coverage in your passport country
- Look for plans with telemedicine—essential when you're in remote areas or new cities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We've seen these mistakes repeatedly from digital nomads getting insurance abroad. Learn from others' experiences:
Relying solely on travel insurance for long stays
Travel insurance is designed for trips, not living abroad. After 3-6 months, you need proper international health insurance. Travel policies may also deny claims if they determine you're "residing" rather than "traveling."
Assuming you can buy insurance after getting sick
Insurance doesn't work retroactively. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, and you can't buy coverage for an injury that already happened. Get insured before you need it.
Choosing the cheapest plan without reading exclusions
A $40/month plan that excludes most things isn't actually saving you money. Read what's covered. Mental health, adventure sports, and chronic conditions are commonly excluded in budget plans.
Expected Costs
Budget $45-100/month for travel medical. Routine care affordable out of pocket ($20-50/visit).
Insurance Costs
Travel medical: $45-100/month. Comprehensive: $150-300/month.
Out-of-Pocket Care
Doctor visits: $100-200. Hospital stays: $400-1000+/night private. Budget accordingly.
Before You Go: Digital Nomads Checklist
Don't wait until you arrive in Paraguay to sort out healthcare. Complete these steps before you leave:
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Research visa insurance requirements for Paraguay and ensure your plan meets them
- Get copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and vaccination history
- Have prescriptions written with generic drug names (brand names vary by country)
- Research hospitals and clinics near where you'll be living
- Download your insurance provider's app and save emergency contact numbers
- Understand how to file a claim and what documentation you'll need
- Set up a way to pay for medical care upfront if your plan uses reimbursement
- Verify your plan covers all countries you might visit, not just your primary destination
- Check if your plan has a "home country" exclusion that limits coverage there
- Save digital copies of your insurance card and policy documents in cloud storage
Common Questions
Can I get insurance while already in Paraguay?
Yes. Most travel medical providers (SafetyWing, IMG, World Nomads) allow you to purchase while abroad. There may be a short waiting period (24-72 hours) before coverage starts.
Is travel medical insurance enough?
For healthy nomads, travel medical covers emergencies and hospitalization. It doesn't cover routine care, pre-existing conditions, or dental. If you have ongoing health needs, consider comprehensive coverage.
What if I move to another country?
Travel medical and international health plans typically cover you in 180+ countries. You don't need to change plans when moving. Just verify your new destination is included.
Related Guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa requirements, insurance rules, and healthcare systems change. We are not immigration consultants or insurance brokers. Verify all requirements with official sources and insurers before making decisions.