Healthcare in Chile > 5 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Chile
Jan 16, 2018
Summary: After considering their individual health, Expats moving to Chile should carefully consider the health care options where they'll live, and what else is available in the immediate vicinity.
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 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.
Expats living in Chile interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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.
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.
Expats interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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.
According to the U.S. State Department, Santiago has two private hospitals accredited by The American Hospital Association:
For more information about Chile, read 10 Tips for Living in Chile and visit our Expat Forum for Chile.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Chile from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Help others moving to Chile by answering a set of questions about health insurance, public healthcare in Chile, prescription medicine, quality of medical care and emergency services.
An expat mom in Chile talks about her experiences finding a doctor, at the hospital, during childbirth and more.
If you're an expat parent who had a baby abroad, write a report about your childbirth experiences to help other expecting expat parents.
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Some of Joshua's more popular articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and 5 Best Places to Live in Spain. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Chile from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
If you're moving to Chile, this is a must-read article that covers it all - best places to live, healthcare, earthquakes, driving permits, schools and more.
Expats in Chile offer advice to newcomers about shipping to Chile, customs inspections and more.
Expats in Chile enjoy the stable economy, friendly people and relatively affordable cost-of-living. Many find becoming close friends with Chileans, who primarily socialize with family, a big challenge. But, the expat community in Chile is strong and offers a great support system for newcomers.
Expats in Chile enjoy the country's beaches, beautiful cities and lower cost of living. Santiago, La Serena, Vina del Mar and other destinations top their favorite places to live in Chile.
James Jones offers advice about starting a business in Chile. He says that the main thing to remember as an expatriate opening a business in Chile is that customer service is much desired. If you provide a top-notch service to Chilean people, you can expect your business to flourish rapidly.
First Published: Jan 16, 2018
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Chile from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Help others moving to Chile by answering a set of questions about health insurance, public healthcare in Chile, prescription medicine, quality of medical care and emergency services.
An expat mom in Chile talks about her experiences finding a doctor, at the hospital, during childbirth and more.
If you're an expat parent who had a baby abroad, write a report about your childbirth experiences to help other expecting expat parents.
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