Health Care in Puno
Summary: Learn about the health system in Puno: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Puno.
The system in Puno consists of both public and private facilities. While the public healthcare system is accessible to foreigners, the quality of care may vary, and expats often prefer private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Peru's Healthcare System
Peru's public healthcare system, known as EsSalud, is available to both locals and foreigners. However, public hospitals in Puno may not be recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries due to limited resources and overcrowding. Public hospitals in Puno may lack modern equipment and have long waiting times. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Peru, but they often prefer private hospitals for better quality care. Private hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they offer more advanced facilities and shorter waiting times.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Puno
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Puno include:
- Clínica Americana Puno (Private) - Located in the city center, this clinic offers general medical services.
- Hospital Regional Manuel Núñez Butrón (Public) - A public hospital located in Puno, offering a range of medical services.
If specialized medical care or surgeries are required, expats in Puno may need to travel to larger cities such as Arequipa or Lima. Arequipa is approximately 6 hours away by car, while Lima is around 22 hours away.
Emergency Services in Puno
There are ambulance services in Puno, but their response times may vary. To call for an ambulance, dial 106. However, it is important to note that there may be delays in response times, especially in rural areas or during peak traffic hours.
Health Insurance Companies in Puno
Popular private health insurers in Puno include Rimac Seguros, Pacífico Seguros, and Mapfre. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans for individuals and families. Expats and digital nomads may choose to use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers, depending on their needs and preferences.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


