15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Peru

"Healthcare services in Peru are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Peru generally use the public healthcare system, as it is more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats opt to purchase private health insurance to access higher quality care," remarked one expat living in Peru.

"So I recently got to use an ER room in Arequipa for my granddaughter, a skin specialist and internal medicine specialist as well as a hospital Lab and Radiology department. All private pay. ER room was for some stomach bacteria. Ran around 300 Soles. (less then 100) and included an IV and antibiotics. The ER room was not as modern, but care pretty good. Then in Lima, Doctors were excellent, although the dermatologists bedside manner could have been better. Visits were 400 Soles each. Hospital experience was good. Very modern. Labs ran me 800 Soles and we had results end of the next day. CT scan cost me 4000 Soles including contrast and we had results in 2 days," said one expat living in Peru.

"The availability of medications is very dependent on what it is. Until COVID an expat friend had an insulin pump she was able to get what she needed to ensure its proper functioning. I was able to get any meds the local doctor prescribed, but not one my US doctor had. Our insurance let me buy a year's worth at a time to compensate for that," remarked one expat living in Arequipa.

"Peru has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. Private health care is also available, and many people opt for this option due to the higher quality of care. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and dentistry. In addition, Peru has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology," said one expat living in Peru.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Peru can be expensive, especially for those who do not have access to public health services. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many medical treatments and medications are not covered by insurance, and the cost of these can be prohibitive for some people. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Peru can be expensive, and it is important to research the options available before making a decision," said one expat living in Peru.

"Emergency services in Peru are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call the national emergency number, 105, to request an ambulance. The ambulance will be dispatched to your location and will provide medical assistance. Additionally, you can also call the local fire department or police station for assistance," commented one expat who moved to Peru.

"Lima is the largest city in Peru and is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. The city is home to a number of world-class hospitals and clinics, including the National Institute of Health, the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases, and the National Institute of Cardiology. Additionally, the city is home to a number of private medical centers, such as the Clínica Ricardo Palma, the Clínica San Borja, and the Clínica Anglo Americana. Other cities in Peru with excellent medical specialists include Arequipa, Trujillo, and Cusco. In addition, the Amazon region of Peru is home to a number of traditional healers and shamans who offer alternative treatments," said an expat in Peru.

"Prescription medications are available in Peru, although the availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region. Generally, most common medications can be found in pharmacies throughout the country. However, some medications may require a prescription from a doctor or may not be available at all. Additionally, some medications may be available in generic form, while others may only be available in brand name form," commented one expat living in Peru.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Peru are generally of good quality. The country has a well-developed public health system, with a network of hospitals and clinics providing a range of services. Private health care is also available, and many doctors and specialists are highly trained and experienced. The quality of care is generally good, and the cost of medical care is relatively low compared to other countries in the region," wrote an expat living in Peru.

"Yes, foreigners living in Peru have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Peru is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. However, it is important to note that the quality of care may vary depending on the region and the availability of resources. Additionally, some services may require a co-payment," said one expat.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Peru. The government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of non-essential services and the suspension of elective surgeries. This has resulted in a significant strain on the healthcare system, with hospitals and clinics struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Additionally, the lack of resources and personnel has made it difficult for healthcare workers to provide adequate care to those in need. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Peru has managed to remain resilient and continue to provide essential services to the population," commented one expat who moved to Peru.

"All hospitals were nationalized at first. Certain clinics were designated as NON-COVID treatment centers. I went to one during COVID lockdown to have a cyst removed from my back. All COVID precautions were taken. I had a chiropractor-acupuncturist who saw me via video to recommend exercises and then saw me, again with all COVID protocols in place, after the gov't lifted the ban on in person visits. Pharmacies remained open and when I did need meds there was no problem in getting them. Hand sanitizers, masks, shields, gloves were widely available," said one expat.