Cuenca has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS). It is used by both Ecuadorian citizens and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Cuenca for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Cuenca are generally clean and well-equipped, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Ecuador. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Cuenca are modern and well-equipped, and the staff is highly trained and experienced.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Cuenca
The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Cuenca are:
- Hospital del Rio, a private hospital located in the center of Cuenca
- Hospital de Especialidades, a public hospital located in the center of Cuenca
- Clinica San Francisco, a private hospital located in the south of Cuenca
- Clinica del Valle, a private hospital located in the north of Cuenca
- Clinica del Sol, a private hospital located in the east of Cuenca
Emergency Services in Cuenca
Cuenca has ambulance services that can be called by dialing 911. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the location of the emergency.
Health Insurance Companies in Cuenca
The most popular private health insurers in Cuenca are Pacifico Seguros, Mapfre Seguros, and Banco Pichincha. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, rather than specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Cuenca: Health Care
“In the cities, the medical services are the best we have seen in our travels outside of France, (the best in the world). From a home and the decision to see someone, to seeing a specialist can take as little as 20 minutes at a cost of $40. Tests and operations can be set for the same day. We grew up with national medical care and were advised on arrival, by those who have that background, to get insurance. We did so for three years but dropped it in angry disgust. It is demeaning being privately health-insured if you are not used to it. We self-insure and cover the expat requirement (when there is one from time to time) with IESS (never used),” commented one member living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
“Spot on. From sitting on your couch and musing about an ache in Cuenca, you can be sitting in front of specialist (35-45$) in the space of 15 minutes. Simple dental services are everywhere, but like back home, the best with the best cutting edge equipment is rare, but not more expensive, in fact, often cheaper over the long run. On the other hand, from pre-highway Ecuador (10-15 years ago) it is still common to find fathers widowed 3-4 times, all from the lack of a doctor at child birth. Disabuse yourself that small town living in South America is like small town living in the western world. These countries are not going to change to fit what you want them to be. Those who do not adapt return home (50%+),” mentioned one expat living in Ecuador.
