Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Punta del Este, Uruguay
Last updated on Feb 25, 2023
Summary: In Punta del Este, Uruguay, there are several hospitals and clinics, including Hospital Británico, Hospital Punta del Este, and Clínica Punta del Este. Emergency services in Punta del Este are generally reliable and ambulances can be called by dialing 911. The quality of medical care in Punta del Este is generally comparable to that of the United States, with some specialized treatments and procedures being more readily available in the US.
How are healthcare services Punta del Este?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Punta del Este, they replied:
"Punta del Este offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens and visitors. The city has several public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general practice, emergency care, and specialized treatments. Additionally, there are numerous pharmacies and medical supply stores located throughout the city. The public healthcare system in Uruguay is highly regarded and provides free or low-cost medical services to citizens and visitors. Private healthcare services are also available and offer a higher level of care and more specialized treatments," wrote an expat living in Punta del Este.
"If living here try to join a local insurance plan through one of the hospitals. There are many but if you have existing conditions or a checkered medical history or are overweight they likely will not cover you. In that case join one of the ambulance programs such as Cardio Movil. You pay a monthly fee for ambulance and doctor services and they come to your home. They also have a clinic with most specialists covered. You pay about $25US a month and then to see a doctor costs about $5. You pay more for minor procedures that that do but equal to what my co-pay was in the states mostly and of course you save on the annual insurance and deductibles. Get a good expat Major Medical policy that will cover you for serious issues but if you don't use doctors a lot this works out to be a huge savings. Note that most international Hospitalization plans will cover you anywhere in the world but in the USA. They will of course if you are willing to pay for it but you could go to Argentina or France or England instead if you don't want to be hospitalized in Uruguay," said an expat in Punta del Este.
What are medical services in Punta del Este like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Punta del Este, they replied:
"Punta del Este offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has several private hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical care, including emergency services. There are also a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores in the city that provide a variety of medications and medical supplies," wrote an expat living in Punta del Este.
"I would likely either go back to the US or at least the capital city for anything serious or surgery..," said an expat in Punta del Este.
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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Punta del Este?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Punta del Este can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public healthcare is also available, but it is limited and may not cover all medical needs. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Punta del Este can be expensive, but there are options available to help cover the costs," commented one expat living in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
"I have type 2 diabetes and have had cancer. No where that I applied would cover me here. At the British Hospital the nurse rejected me within 2 minutes because I was overweight. So I self insure mostly and use the doctors available through the ambulance service I belong to. You need to be signed up with one as there is no 911 ambulance service. My savings on medical care and insurance is about $5,000 a year from what it was," wrote one expat.

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What are emergency services like in Punta del Este?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Punta del Este wrote:
"Emergency services in Punta del Este are reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 to request an ambulance. The ambulance will be dispatched to your location as soon as possible. The ambulance staff are highly trained and experienced in providing medical assistance. They are also equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment to provide the best possible care," wrote one expat.
"There are Hospitals and clinics quite close, say about 10-20 minutes from anywhere and there is a plan for a huge medical complex to draw in medical tourism. Hospitals are Cantegril and Mautone that I know of and use and they are private. Most are private and I don't recommend the public ones," commented one expat who moved to Punta del Este.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Punta del Este. People in the area can access a wide range of medical services, including general practitioners, specialists, and highly specialized medical care. For highly specialized medical care, people typically go to the larger hospitals in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, which are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals," said one expat.
"Have not had serious issues here so specifically can't say. I would however likely go to the British Hospital in Montevideo," remarked one expat in Punta del Este.
Are common prescription medications available in Punta del Este?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Punta del Este. Most pharmacies in the area carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common ailments such as colds, allergies, and headaches. Many of the medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. In addition, some pharmacies offer online ordering and delivery services for those who are unable to visit the store in person," remarked one expat in Punta del Este.
"Everything I took in the States is available here just not always in the same dosages. All are over the counter and without a prescription, but a prescription will get you a nice discount. All are equal or less than what I paid in the US in co-pay but without the cost of the prescription plan," remarked one expat living in Punta del Este.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Punta del Este?
"Punta del Este offers a wide range of medical facilities and medical care. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide quality medical services. Additionally, there are a number of private medical practices that offer specialized care. The city also has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores. The medical staff in Punta del Este is highly trained and experienced, and the quality of care is generally very good," remarked one expat living in Punta del Este.
As a foreigner living in Punta del Este, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Punta del Este, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Uruguay is considered to be one of the best in Latin America, 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. The quality of care is generally good, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialists. The public healthcare system also provides access to medications at a reduced cost," said an expat in Punta del Este.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Punta del Este if they have access to public healthcare in Punta del Este. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The healthcare system in Punta del Este has been very responsive to the pandemic. The local government has implemented strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. The hospitals have been well-equipped with the necessary medical supplies and personnel to handle the influx of patients. The local government has also provided free testing for those who are at risk of contracting the virus. Additionally, the government has provided financial assistance to those who have been affected by the pandemic. Overall, the healthcare system in Punta del Este has been very effective in responding to the pandemic and providing the necessary care to those in need," remarked one expat in Punta del Este.
"I've received two free vaccinations with SinoVac and we also may receive a 3rd vaccination with the Pfizer vaccine, or so we believe. The vaccinations have been administered very professionally and efficiently, without having lines or other safety concerns," remarked one expat living in Punta del Este.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Punta del Este?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Punta del Este about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Punta del Este before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding childbirth and parenting. Additionally, it is a good idea to connect with other expat parents in the area to get advice and support. Finally, make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in Punta del Este," said one person in Punta del Este.
Are healthcare services good in Punta del Este?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Punta del Este. They wrote:
"Punta del Este offers a wide range of healthcare services. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care for both locals and visitors. These facilities offer a variety of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the city that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. The city also has a number of private medical practices that offer specialized care and treatments," remarked one in Punta del Este.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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