Expat Healthcare & Health Insurance in Paysandu, Uruguay

Like us, all expats are eligible to enroll in Uruguay's healthcare system and expats typically do enroll. It is as simple as enrolling and paying quarterly for your healthcare insurance. The costs range depending on if you are a landowner or city-dweller. We are land owners with a large family and we pay $600 a year. Your existing health conditions are not questioned prior to enrolling. There are many public hospitals. The quality of care from the public hospitals, suggested from close friends, was that it is a bit poor compared to private hospitals.

I suggest to newcomers that they sign up with the private healthcare offered by the state at a discounted rate. Under this care you are offered all the conveniences of regular doctors and hospitals. This includes diabetes care, high-blood pressure care, cancer care and treatment etc.

We are unsure about the emergency services first hand as we have not needed them. However; according to friends and locals the best hospital in Paysandu is COMEPA as the quality of care is great often with English speaking nurses and doctors. Also, the facilities are clean and modern.

Fortunately, this hospital is less than 15 minutes away from our farm, if, God-forbid we'd ever need their services. COMEPA is a private hospital, although the public are available. Simply 911 will get you an ambulance. According to some acquaintances, the British Hospital in Montevideo is a great hospital for expats.

For alternative or natural healthcare, although Paysandu has a few resources and options, Montevideo is the place to go. When that doesn't suffice, Buenos Aires, Aregentina (about an hour away from Montevideo) would be a possible option for care and treatment. We had a friend here in Paysandu, whose child needed an emergency hip operation and was quickly taken by ambulance to Montevideo. According to them, they received some of the best treatment they could have asked for. Everything turned out well and they were thankful for the transport. We would definitely consider our home country for medical care and treatment if the options here were not modern or available; all depending on what medical care and treatments we needed specifically.

Most common prescriptions medicines are available, some under different names. You are able to purchase most medicines without a prescription at the local pharmacy. The prices are very reasonable and not nearly as expensive as the States. There are also Homepathic pharmacies readily available for the alternative seeking individual or family.

Our experience in regard to a healthcare provider and insurance is a positive one. We are content that it covers our whole family at an affordable rate and is accepted by our local hospital. We are thankful locals and friends recommended this route.