Healthcare and Health Insurance in Ecuador

Summary: The quality of medical care in Ecuador is generally considered to be good, although it is not as advanced as the medical care available in the United States. Emergency services are available in Ecuador, and ambulances can be called by dialing 911. In some areas, private ambulance services may also be available.

How are healthcare services Ecuador?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ecuador, they replied:

"I have SaludSA and it is $100 per person per month. Check your options before using IESS. Depending on your situation private might be more cost effective, especially when you have to go to IESS facilities and medicine has limited availability. We go to private clinic in the local shopping mall and pay $5 copay for office visit, $90 deductible each person," said an expat in Ecuador.

" We have private insurance which costs $100 per month per person with $90 deductible. Our doctor copays are $5 for office visit (general and specialty). My husband had physical therapy for $15 each visit since deductible was not met yet. Normal blood tests are about $50. Colonoscopy $150 with anesthesia. I have gone for lab tests without rx for thyroid and other issues. About $12-20 each cash pay. There are doctors who will make house calls also, probably Spanish speaking. Costs are cheap without using insurance except for discounts. Rarely use it for meds because very little require rx. Just go talk to local friendly pharmacist about your issues and they will recommend a variety of meds and give you the pros and cons of each. They will also advise when you REALLY need to go to doctor. My lab test for infection ($12) gave me a list of meds that could be used to kill that bacteria. Took lab results to pharmacy to discuss which med would be the best for me. The amount of attention that the doctors in USA are able to give has made us fairly educated medical consumers. The system here makes it easy and cheap to get care," commented one expat living in Ecuador.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What are medical services in Ecuador like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ecuador, they replied:

"In Ecuador, medical services are relatively accessible in larger cities and rural areas. Most doctors speak Spanish, but there are some who can also speak English. The medical care available in Ecuador ranges from basic medical services to specialized care. There are both public and private hospitals, as well as a large network of clinics throughout the country. The quality of care varies depending on the specific facility, and the cost can be quite expensive for certain treatments. Furthermore, Ecuador has numerous pharmacies that offer a wide selection of medicines and medical supplies," commented one expat who moved to Ecuador.

"Surprised by the ease in getting doctor's appointments and the speed at which patients are processed - much less waiting time than in the States. No wasted or unnecessary medications or treatments. Doctors and nurses here are for the patients not for profit," said one expat.

Answer Question & View More Answers

The insurance that travels with you. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Get a Quote from Now Health International.

Learn More GET A QUOTE

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ecuador?

"We didn't use our U.S. insurance because the deductibles would have been more than what we paid for care in Cuenca," said one expat living in Cuenca.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Now Health International

What are emergency services like in Ecuador?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Ecuador wrote:

"I live in Montañita, the middle of the Ecuador coast and the north of the province of Santa Elena. Closest hospital is one town away (Manglaralto). It is public. Better hospitals about 90 minutes south (Salinas, Santa Elena, Libertad) and World class medical three hours by car (Guayaquil)," commented one expat living in Montanita, Ecuador.

" I am closest to a hospital that is a private hospital, and is less than a mile away. Another hospital about 2 miles away is also a private hospital. A public hospital is about 5 miles away. The quality of care at most hospitals is excellent, yet the public hospitals have a lower grade of care, a higher population waiting for service and because of the high volume of patiensts, a lower class service to the patient and a longer waiting period for service. The level of caring for the patient varies, with the highest level of caring at the private hospitals. The most expensive private hospitals charge a fraction of the price that you would pay in the United States. The level of care and the success of recovery is so much higher than in the United States in my opinion and in the opinion of both the local people and the expat population. In addition, there is a freedom of choice of medical care. So Cancer patients are not only offered Chemo, Radiation and Surgery. There are Natural Health healers, Homeopathy and many other practitioners with successful records of reversing serious life-threatening disease conditions. ," wrote one expat.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Learn More GET A QUOTE

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"I have been able to find providers for all health issues here in Cuenca and all have been of good quality and excellent availability," remarked one expat in Cuenca.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Are common prescription medications available in Ecuador?

"Pharmacies in Ecuador have most medications. Some like antibiotics and others are available without prescription. I take Eutirox pill for my thyroid and buy it without prescription. The cost is about $2-$3 for a month supply," said one expat.

"Almost all non-opioid prescription meds from the US are available OTC here. No prescription needed -- though of course it is recommended to see a doctor to verify you need the same drugs here. We are at 8500' altitude, so some meds might be adjusted due to elevation," remarked one expat in Cuenca.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Ecuador?

"The medical care in Ecuador is generally good and modern in the larger cities and main tourist destinations. Many doctors and surgeons are able to speak English and have had training abroad. In the more rural locations and smaller towns, the health care is often basic and limited to basic care and diagnosis, with a much more limited range of treatments. Ecuador has many reputable private clinics and hospitals which offer excellent quality medical care, but the cost of private care is often considerably higher than in most other Latin American countries," mentioned one expat in Ecuador.

"There is a Basic Hospital with an Emergency Room in our town. More series cases are taken to Loja, 40 min away. The local hospital is public and offers free healthcare. There are several public and private hospitals in Loja, well equipped with quality of medical care," commented one expat who moved to Vilcabamba, Ecuador.

Answer Question & View More Answers

As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Permanent residents in Ecuador can enroll in public healthcare system or get private insurance at any age. The cost for public system is about $80 a month and pre-existing conditions are covered after 2 months. There are public hospitals in major cities and some smaller towns. The quality care may depend on the area but many expats in Ecuador enroll in the system due to low cost," mentioned one expat in Loja.

"Yes, every expat is required by law to have insurance. The federal system is available, and costs $68/mo for a couple. However, health care is so cheap that I skip the (underfunded and long lines) IESS (federal system) and pay out of pocket for private health care anyway," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Ecuador if they have access to public healthcare in Ecuador. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"We went into lockdown a few days before the government made it official. If I were to get sick, with any cause, I would stay home. I'm not sure that is any different here than in the USA. Here at least the people embraced the guidance of masks, bleach boxes, disinfecting, limited number of people in a store at a time, etc. Here in Cuenca we did see a similar spike in cases as experienced in Quito and Guayaquil, however, local government shut the highways down promptly. Many communities in the surrounding area locked their towns down to minimize exposure. Some hospital facilities are far superior than others, my coverage would require I visit the better government hospital first, possibly referred to a private hospital if the care required was beyond their "normal" care. For that reason I don't really worry, at the worst I just go to the good one and pay out of pocket," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"I believe COVID protocol is followed more stringently here in Ecuador. Still the ICUs in the public hospitals are still dealing with a lot," said one expat living in Cuenca.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ecuador?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Ecuador about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"Make sure to research the medical facilities in the area beforehand and select one with a good reputation. Visit the medical facility before your due date to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures. Consider registering in a pre-natal class and hiring a doula or private midwife to increase your chances of having the birth experience you want. Be aware of cultural differences between what you may be used to and what is done in Ecuador. Make sure you have the necessary paperwork in place prior to the birth such as your Ecuadorian residency documents, insurance paperwork, and other birth documents. Lastly, be prepared for a few surprises along the way as every birth is unique," said one expat in Ecuador.

"Insist on taking a tour of the places where you could possibly have your child. Even if they refuse, (it's not Ecuadorian culture to allow tours in hospitals) try your best to see everything first and understand the conditions before your decision. All public hospitals offer free service for deliveries and C-sections, but since it's free they're usually packed with people. Be prepared ahead of time with everything you will need, but keep a close eye on what you bring in and what's going on around you. Things like baby shampoo, soap, a towel, and clothes are a MUST, because public hospitals won't provide any of it. If you don't bring soap or a towel, you will go home with a dirty baby with wet clothes because you had to dry it off with them. If you go to a clinic, be sure to know the circumstances of your labor and if it's absolutely necessary to have a C-Section if the doctor suggests it, because many have been deceived into the operation unnecessarily because it costs more than a normal delivery. Many doctors are just looking for more money. I'm not sure about the clinics in other cities, but at least in Otavalo, pain medication isn't given in clinics or in the hospital. Be prepared," wrote a person living in Otavalo.

Are healthcare services good in Ecuador?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Ecuador. They wrote:

"Your choice of the free hospital or higher cost facilities. Also qualify for the Social Security hospital here 100% coverage for $72 a month," said one expat in Cuenca.

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Ecuador

How are healthcare services Ecuador?

What are medical services in Ecuador like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ecuador?

What are emergency services like in Ecuador?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Ecuador?

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Ecuador?

As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ecuador?

Are healthcare services good in Ecuador?

About the Author