5 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Chile

Expats moving to Chile need to carefully consider their overall health and their health-care needs before their move. This should be a factor in determining where you live and the types of insurance you'll need as a resident in Chile.

Health Care Options For Expats in Chile

Health care in Chile involves a public agency called FONASA, which is an agency responsible for collecting and disbursing funds for healthcare, and also private options. In order to qualify for public health care, you must be a legal resident paying taxes in Chile.

Private insurance companies called Instituciones de Salud Previsional (ISAPREs) enable care by private providers at private clinics and private hospitals, but they are typically much more expensive. Those that opt for ISAPREs pay more than the 7% mandated for FONASA.

In order to receive the best quality care, Expats should ensure that they have international health insurance that will cover them in Chile and in their home countries.

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Quality of Care for Expats in Chile

As is the case with many countries throughout the world, the quality of care in Chile is generally better, and more comprehensive, the closer you are to a major city - especially Santiago.

The level of training, equipment, medicines, facilities and more is on par with other industrialized nations.

Remember that Medicare does not apply overseas.

Prescriptions in Chile

Before coming to Chile, obtain all of your prescriptions and make sure they include generic names. Prescriptions should include medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and any other medical devices or supplies.

As with the medical care, available pharmaceuticals are on par with other developed nations.

Here is a list of the Ten Best Pharmacies in Santiago, Chile

In many countries you will not need a prescription for drugs that require one in the U.S., U.K. or Canada, for example.

Medical Evacuation

As there is always the possibility that an emergency may require a return home, the U.S. Department of State "strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation."

Here is a list of companies provided by the U.S. department of state that offer medical evacuation.

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Hosptials in Santiago

According to the U.S. State Department, Santiago has two private hospitals accredited by The American Hospital Association:

• Clinica Alemana (English Website)
• Clinica Las Condes (Spanish-Only Website).

For more information about Chile, read 10 Tips for Living in Chile and visit our Expat Forum for Chile.