Guayaquil has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS). It is used by Ecuadorian citizens and foreigners who are legally registered in the country. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Guayaquil for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Guayaquil are generally crowded and understaffed, but they provide quality care at a low cost. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Ecuador, but many expats prefer to use private hospitals. Private hospitals in Guayaquil are more modern and have better facilities, but they are more expensive. People recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Guayaquil
The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Guayaquil are:
- Hospital Metropolitano (private hospital) located in the north of the city
- Hospital del Rio (private hospital) located in the south of the city
- Clinica Kennedy (private hospital) located in the center of the city
- Clinica del Sol (private hospital) located in the east of the city
- Clinica San Jose (private hospital) located in the west of the city
Emergency Services in Guayaquil
There are ambulance services in Guayaquil. You can call for an ambulance by dialing 911. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays due to traffic or other factors.
Health Insurance Companies in Guayaquil
The most popular private health insurers in Guayaquil are:
- Pacifico Seguros
- Mapfre Seguros
- Seguros Bolivar
- Seguros SURA
Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies for health insurance. However, there are also specialized expat health insurance providers available.
