How are healthcare services Ecuador?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ecuador, they replied...
"In Ecuador, healthcare services typically include medical consultations, hospitalizations, diagnostic tests, immunizations, and a few specialized services. Ecuador has a public healthcare system called the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS), which provides free healthcare to residents of Ecuador, including the elderly and disabled, from health centers and hospitals. The quality of the public healthcare system is considered to be fair, but it can be difficult to access for those living in rural areas. Foreign residents are able to use the public healthcare system if they have obtained a residency card and registered with IESS. Most expats opt to use private healthcare instead of the public system," said another in Ecuador.

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"In the cities, the medical services are the best we have seen in our travels outside of France, (the best in the world). From a home and the decision to see someone, to seeing a specialist can take as little as 20 minutes at a cost of $40. Tests and operations can be set for the same day. We grew up with national medical care and were advised on arrival, by those who have that background, to get insurance. We did so for three years but dropped it in angry disgust. It is demeaning being privately health-insured if you are not used to it. We self-insure and cover the expat requirement (when there is one from time to time) with IESS (never used)," explained one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.
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How are healthcare services Ecuador?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question:
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.