Survive - Guatemala - page 605

Health Care in Guatemala
Larger towns have both public (cheap, with long waiting times) and private (expensive, but faster) hospitals, often with
doctors who speak at least a little English. In smaller towns there will be a health clinic and in villages there is usually a
doctor. Guatemala City naturally has the best range of health services in the country.
Health care is relatively cheap in Guatemala (around Q25 for a standard doctor's consultation). Despite low costs, it is
generally recommended that travelers to Guatemala take out travel insurance, which almost always covers medical
costs. Check your policy carefully to see what is and is not covered before buying.
While 'medical tourism' is taking off in Guatemala (dentistry, for example, is a serious bargain compared to what you
will pay elsewhere), if you have a serious complaint that does not require immediate attention, consider returning to
your country to get treated.
Insurance
Getting travel insurance to cover theft, loss and medical problems is recommended. Some policies specifically exclude
dangerous activities, which can include scuba diving, motorcycling, and even trekking.
You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly, rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim
later. If you have to claim later, ensure you keep all documentation.
Check that the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services . You can buy, extend and claim on-
line anytime - even if you're already on the road.
Internet Access
Most travelers make constant use of internet cafes and free web-based email. Most towns have cybercafes with fairly re-
liable connections. Internet cafes typically charge between Q5 and Q10 an hour.
Wi-fi is becoming readily available across the country, but can only really be counted on in large and/or tourist towns.
Most (but not all) hostels offer wi-fi, as do many hotels in the midrange and up category. The best reliable source of wi-
fi around the country is at Pollo Campero restaurants - they're in pretty much every town of any size and all offer free,
unsecured access.
Language Courses
Guatemala is celebrated for its many language schools. A spot of study here is a great way not only to learn Spanish but
also to meet locals and get an inside angle on the culture. Many travelers heading south through Central America to
South America make Guatemala an early stop so they can pick up the Spanish skills they need for their trip.
Guatemalan language schools are some of the cheapest in the world, but few people go away disappointed. There are
so many schools to choose from that it's essential to check out a few before deciding.
You can start any day at most schools, and study for as long as you like. If you're coming in peak season and hoping
to get into one of the more popular schools, it's a good idea to book ahead, although many schools charge around Q300