What are medical services in Santiago like?

"Medical services in Santiago, are generally of high quality, with both public and private healthcare systems available. The public healthcare system, known as FONASA, provides affordable and accessible services to citizens and residents, while the private system, known as ISAPRE, offers more specialized and faster care at a higher cost. Santiago is home to numerous well-equipped hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, with many healthcare professionals being bilingual in Spanish and English. The city also has a range of pharmacies that are well-stocked with medications. However, waiting times in public hospitals can be long, and the quality of care may vary between public and private facilities. It is recommended for visitors to have travel health insurance to cover any potential medical expenses," wrote a member who made the move to Santiago, Chile.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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"The main problem with Chile, is that it has followed the USA example, as a neo-liberal policy brought in by Pinochet/Friedman of "privatising" most State activities, including Health Care, Social Services, Pensions, Water management, Education, etc, etc. SO.........the owners of these businesses are more interested in making profits, at the "poor man's" expense, and the State does little to stop this. So there is great social inequality in Chile, with the "ruling elite" naturally wanting to maintain their advantage. As in UK, with national schooling, NHS, State Social support, etc, the State provides good standards as "safety nets" for the mass population. The Skandinavian countries offer even better examples of State social responsibility, but of course their tax regimes to support this are even higher than in the UK. In Chile, whilst the economy could afford higher taxing (private and corporate taxes) to support widespread social improvements, there is not the WILL by the "Old Guard", who wish to retain their exclusivity," explained one expat living in Santiago, Chile.