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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Matagalpa 2024
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Health Care in Matagalpa

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Learn about the health system in Matagalpa: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Matagalpa.

The healthcare system in Matagalpa consists of both public and private facilities. While the public system is accessible to foreigners, many expats and digital nomads prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.

Nicaragua's Healthcare System

Nicaragua's public healthcare system, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud, is available to both locals and foreigners. However, public hospitals in Matagalpa are often crowded and may lack the necessary resources and equipment for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. As a result, many people recommend using private hospitals for such cases. Private hospitals in Matagalpa generally offer better facilities, more specialized care, and shorter waiting times. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Nicaragua, but they primarily opt for private hospitals due to the higher quality of care provided.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Matagalpa

Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Matagalpa include:

  • Centro de Salud Carlos Fonseca Amador (public) - located in the city center
  • Hospital Regional César Amador Molina (public) - located in the city center
  • Clínica Santa María (private) - located in the city center, specializes in general medicine and minor surgeries
  • Clínica Médica Previsional (private) - located in the city center, offers a range of medical services
In case of emergencies or specialized medical care, expats in Matagalpa may need to travel to the capital city, Managua, which is approximately 130 kilometers away by car.

Emergency Services in Matagalpa

There are ambulance services available in Matagalpa, but their response times may vary depending on the location and availability of resources. To call for an ambulance, dial 128 from any phone within Nicaragua.

Health Insurance Companies in Matagalpa

Some popular private health insurance companies in Matagalpa include Seguros América, Seguros Lafise, and Mapfre Seguros. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans for locals and foreigners residing in Nicaragua. However, many expats and digital nomads prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers that cater specifically to their needs and offer coverage for medical treatments both in Nicaragua and abroad.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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Cigna Global Health

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William Russell
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