Health Care, Disease Control, Crime and Safety in Guatemala

Medical facilities in Guatemala are relatively acceptable to those who are used to world-class medical care. Hospitals and clinics in the city offer modern and adequate equipment and services but out of those bounds, the situation proves otherwise.

Guatemala’s private hospitals generally present sufficient knowledge and treatment for common illnesses and health complaints. Most specialists working in the private setting are trained and certified in the United States. However, public medical facilities are not in such a good shape. While the private sector has excellent conditions, Guatemala’s public hospitals often experience deficiencies of even the most basic medicines and paraphernalia.

Medical insurance for travel is very much encouraged. This is simply done to ensure safety when a medical emergency comes up. A lot of hospitals in Guatemala necessitate payment before actually administering treatment to patients. This is the case even when the patient has personal insurance to cover the expenses. Most hospitals and clinics prefer not to consider payment plan contracts.

Foreigners do not necessarily have to take any specific vaccine shots or immunizations before entering Guatemala. However, it is recommended that a visitor take routine vaccine shots prior to entry. Similarly, it is better to be safe with updated health boosters especially for Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, and Typhoid when travelling. There is virtually no risk of acquiring Yellow fever in Guatemala. But although such a disease risk is not present, visitors coming from countries that pose the said possibility are required to present proof of vaccination against Yellow fever. This consideration must be noted so as not to have any problems upon entry.

Water in Guatemala is potable, but it is best be safe with bottled or boiled drinking water, or other canned drinks. This is specifically good for people who might be sensitive to water-borne illnesses like diarrhea. Visitors are advised to avoid insect bites, especially those from mosquitoes, to be clear from disease risks of Malaria and Dengue fever.