How healthcare works in Peru
Peru has a tiered healthcare system. EsSalud is the public social security system covering formal sector employees and their families. SIS (Seguro Integral de Salud) covers low-income populations through MINSA hospitals. Private clinics (Clínica Angloamericana, Clínica Delgado, Clínica San Pablo, etc.) serve those who can pay out of pocket or have private insurance. Expats and foreigners typically use private clinics unless their employer provides EsSalud coverage.
Private clinics in Lima provide high-quality care, but specialist appointments can take 1–3 weeks, costs are significant (S/150–300+ for a specialist consultation), and wait times at the clinic itself are often long. In cities outside Lima (Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo) or in smaller towns, private clinic access is more limited. Telemedicine bridges this gap — a licensed Peruvian physician can evaluate you remotely for the majority of non-emergency health needs.
What online doctors can do for you
- ✓Evaluate symptoms and provide a diagnosis or diagnostic impression for most common conditions
- ✓Issue digital prescriptions valid at pharmacies throughout Peru
- ✓Order lab tests (blood work, urinalysis, cultures) with digital orders valid at private labs in Peru
- ✓Provide referrals to specialists and help you navigate the private healthcare system
- ✓Advise whether a symptom requires an ER visit or can be safely managed at home
See a doctor online in Peru today
Licensed Peruvian physicians, prescriptions valid across Peru, consultations from S/80.
Book your consultation →What can be treated online vs. what requires in-person care
Conditions well-suited to online consultation: respiratory infections, UTIs, skin conditions (with photos), digestive issues, anxiety and mild-moderate depression, insomnia, chronic condition management and prescription renewal (hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism), contraception, preventive care and lab order requests, travel health advice, and general medical questions. The physician evaluates the clinical picture and advises appropriately.
Conditions requiring in-person evaluation: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, signs of stroke (sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), high fever with stiff neck or rash, major trauma, or any condition where physical examination, imaging, or urgent procedures are needed. If in doubt, the online physician will tell you directly whether you need to go to a clinic or emergency room — and can help you identify the best one for your situation in Peru.
Access quality medical care from anywhere
Online medical consultation from S/80. Available across all of Peru.
Book nowHow Delvir works for expats
Delvir connects you with licensed Peruvian general physicians through video or phone consultation. The process: book a consultation on the website, choose video or phone, connect with your physician at the scheduled time. The consultation typically lasts 20–30 minutes. Afterward, you receive your prescription and/or lab orders digitally. Prescriptions are valid at pharmacies throughout Peru (Inkafarma, MiFarma, Boticas y Salud, and others). Lab orders are valid at private laboratories including Suiza Lab, Blufstein, Roe, and others.
The cost is S/80 for a general medicine consultation — significantly less than a private clinic specialist and without the wait. For expats without Peruvian insurance, this is often the most practical option for non-emergency care. The physician can also issue medical certificates (certificados médicos) and guide you toward specialist referrals in the private system if your condition requires further evaluation.
Pharmacies and labs in Peru: what you need to know
Peru has an extensive pharmacy network. The main chains — Inkafarma and MiFarma — have hundreds of locations across the country, including in smaller cities. Generic medications are widely available and significantly cheaper than branded equivalents. Most medications are dispensed in single-unit quantities, which is useful when you only need a short course. Some medications (controlled substances, certain antibiotics, isotretinoin) require a paper prescription or have specific dispensing restrictions.
For lab tests, private laboratories like Suiza Lab, Roe, and Blufstein have locations throughout Lima and major cities. Results are typically available online within 24–48 hours for most blood tests. No appointment is needed — walk in with your lab order during business hours. Some labs offer home collection service for an additional fee.
FAQ
Do Delvir physicians speak English?
Delvir physicians are Peruvian doctors who speak Spanish. For expats with limited Spanish, the consultation can be conducted with the help of a translation tool or a bilingual companion. The prescription and lab orders are issued in Spanish, which is what pharmacies and labs in Peru use.
Is the prescription valid if I'm not Peruvian?
Yes. Digital prescriptions issued by Peruvian-licensed physicians are valid at pharmacies throughout Peru regardless of the patient's nationality. Your identity is verified at consultation booking.
What should I do in a medical emergency in Peru?
For emergencies, go directly to the nearest private clinic emergency room. In Lima, Clínica Angloamericana (+51 1 616-8900) and Clínica San Borja are well-regarded for international patients. The national emergency number is 106 for ambulances. Online consultation is not appropriate for emergencies.
Can I use my foreign health insurance for an online consultation in Peru?
Some international health insurance plans (Cigna Global, AXA, IMG) cover telemedicine consultations. Check with your insurer whether Delvir consultations are reimbursable and whether they require pre-authorization. Delvir can provide a consultation receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
Conclusion
As an expat in Peru, telemedicine dramatically simplifies access to quality medical care — no clinic navigation, no long waits, no language barrier for administrative hurdles. For the majority of non-emergency health needs, an online consultation with a licensed Peruvian physician is the most practical first step.
At Delvir, you can consult a physician online from S/80, from anywhere in Peru.