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National Health Care?

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expattobe26
  2/18/2018 10:54 EST

Does Chile have a national care system? Can expats / permanent residents use it? What about coverage of pre-existing condition, including medicaitions? I am not able to get one of the international health insurance plans due to a pre-existing condition (I have checked).

FAIRCLOUGH
  2/19/2018 06:48 EST

The national healthcare is called FONASA and is available to expats like Medicare even if you have never contributed all your life.
You first need to get your ID or RUT. With that and proof of income or last Social Security payment you go to an office where they issue a piece of paper showing what your monthly contribution will be. In my case with a SS payment of 2700 us the contribution is about 150 us.
You then go to a Fonasa office and subscribe, pay and get your RUT put in the system.
The system goes down nationwide frequently so patience is required.
To visit a doctor you make an appointment and buy a bono. (copay) of about 15 bucks and see the doctor.
Every specialist or procedure has a copay but they are affordable.
Doctors graduate from medical school based on knowledge. Medical school is free but only the brightest get through. It does not depend on how much money your daddy has. No doctors get football scholarships.
There is no medications plan. However, most pharmacies will give you a Fonasa discount.
Included is a basic dental plan but dental work costs about a quarter of what they charge in the US. So for implants, root canals, maxilofacial surgery the private dental specialists are recommended.
ICU, emergency room, ambulance, in home care is all covered and cheaper than the US even with insurance.
They ask about pre-existing conditions and it is best not to withold information, but in my case it does not seem to make a difference. My diabetes is covered.
They dont have a monthly automatic payment system set up yet so I still have to go to a Fonasa office, get a number, wait, hope the system does not go down and pay with my debit card monthly.
Waiting times may vary but usually non emergency doctors visits have been same day to same week at worst.
I am located in Pucon so conditions may vary nationwide.

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HappyinChile
  2/19/2018 07:28 EST

Thank you for that, it's the first time I've understood it. If we have a local isapre (currently on temporary residency visa), does it make sense to also get FONASA? Is it even allowed?

liewald
  2/19/2018 08:22 EST

Hi,
You don’t have to wait to get a RUN number in order to have access to FONASA and you will be accepted no matter your pre-existent conditions.
You will only pay 7% of your taxable income, if you are tax exempt for income abroad, you will pay based on minimum wage (near 18K pesos).
You can join as soon as you apply for temporary residency (not for tourists)
No, you can’t have Isapre and Fonasa at the same time (and it would make no sense) an Isapre will give you the same heath services but won’t accept pre existing conditions and will also have a minimum plan that you will need to hire even if your 7% is much lower.
Typical Isapre plans will start above 60 K pesos.
Best
Walter

liewald
  2/19/2018 08:25 EST

You CAN pay Fonasa online at Previred.cl
Actually if you already have a RUN number you can sign in to Fonasa online.
First register at previred, then pay Fonasa, wait 2 days and then register online at Fonasa web page.
Best
Walt

drmicrochp
  2/19/2018 09:32 EST

Dear Happy in Chile,
I have been receiving treatment/surgery/outpatient/physical therapy for about nine months since a fall in Puerto Varas. My hospitalization and surgery in the new Puerto Montt hospital has been excellent (and practically free -I´m 62 and have fonasa D). However for a gringo in a Chilean public hospital there are some things you should know. I wrote a lot about the experience in my blog at www.drmicrochp.tumblr.com

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Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
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expattobe26
  2/19/2018 12:07 EST

Have they covered prescription drugs?

HappyinChile
  2/19/2018 14:42 EST

To my knowledge, the best you will get is about a 12% discount at an affiliated drug store for your Isapre or FONASA plan.

liewald
  2/19/2018 15:37 EST

It will depend on the type of decease and medication.
If covered by the system, it will be given to you for free every month at the local public health service (Consultorio)..
If not, still some of it can be reimbursed.
Best
Walter

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