Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Nicaragua?
When we asked expats in Nicaragua if healthcare and health insurance are expensive in Nicaragua, they wrote...
"I've used both the public system, and "private doctors", and been satisfied with both. Almost all Nicaraguan doctors work for the government in the morning, and then hold private office hours in the afternoon. A private doctor's visit is inexpensive, $20 - $30. If you want to queue up at the clinic, it's free. It may take you a while to be seen, depending... Private labs do blood work inexpensively. Most medications are available without prescription, and are reasonably priced. I maintain a "footprint" in the US, I''m registered to vote here, and have an address where I receive mail. This enables me to have a no premium Medicare Advantage plan. I've been very happy with it. I also have relationships with both a primary care provider and various specialists. I feel it's important to establish these relationships before you leave the US. I'm only a 5 hour flight from Managua. I recently had some heart work done that was billed to the plan for $160K. An angioplasty and a couple of stents plus the diagnostic work that led to the operation. My nut was only $600, for a co-pay for a night in the hospital and specialist co-pays, and a co-pay on one of the diagnostic tests. My prescriptions are shipped to my mailbox and I pay nothing, or very little, for a 90 day supply of the medications I need. Although this work would have been available and probably cost significantly less in Nicaragua, maybe $20K, it's still a lot of money. The diagnostic tests (stress EKG and Echo Cardiogram) that led to the decision to go into my heart WOULD be harder to come by in Nicaragua. All of this has to be arranged before you leave. But, it's not complicated, and is 99% on-line, or by phone. This has been my solution to my medical needs, and it has worked very well. Yours might be different. ," said a member in Nicaragua.
Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
"Healthcare and health insurance in Nicaragua can be expensive for some people. The cost of healthcare services and health insurance can vary depending on the type of services needed and the type of insurance plan chosen. Generally, the cost of healthcare services is higher than in other countries, and health insurance plans can be expensive for those who do not qualify for government subsidies. Additionally, the quality of healthcare services in Nicaragua can be lower than in other countries, making it difficult to access quality care," remarked another expat who made the move to Nicaragua.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Nicaragua?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Nicaragua?
- Will I be able to find a job in Nicaragua?
- What is life like in Nicaragua?
- What do expats in Nicaragua appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Nicaragua?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Nicaragua accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Nicaragua like?
- What are healthcare services like in Nicaragua?
- What are medical services in Nicaragua like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Nicaragua?
- What are emergency services like in Nicaragua?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Nicaragua?
- How are local medical facilities in Nicaragua?
- As a foreigner living in Nicaragua, 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?
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Nicaragua?
If you live in Nicaragua, newcomers to Nicaragua 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.