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Vilcabamba, Ecuador

As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

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William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

We asked expats in Ecuador if they have access to public healthcare in Ecuador. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"Just want to tell about my experience with IESS during covid. I was diagnosed with high risk prostate cancer in January 2021. As no so called elective surgeries were being done by IESS I had a catheter for 5 plus months until I paid out of pocket for what is called TURP surgery. Even before that I started hormone therapy at IESS. So it took about 4.5 months for me to start treatment. After that it was about another month before I started radiation treatments. I know a lot of folks rag on IESS but to be honest considering covid and full hospitals I was satisfied with the time frame. I stayed in Quito and received 38 radiation treatments, treatment everyday 5 days a week. I was treated with respect and never met anyone who wasn't professional and very friendly. All questions I had were answered and they made sure that I understood what was happening with my treatment. So I just want to give a shout out to IESS and let expats know that you can have a good experience if you just show a little patience and stay on top of things. I won't know my prognosis for about 4 more months but feel the complete experience was very positive," explained one expat living in Ecuador.

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Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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"I'm a Canadian transplant and I've been in the north of Ecuador (near Cotacachi) for nearly five years, married to an Ecuadorian and affiliated with EISS, the Ecuadorian version of medicare. I'm nearly 74, with no serious health problems other than blood pressure, which has been well controlled for more than ten years. All of our basic meds are covered and only occasionally do we have to go to a pharmacy to get something the doctors have prescribed. The cost to me for the two of us is $95/month.. Coming from almost fify years in the Canadian healthcare system I would give the IESS system pretty high marks. Access to the necessary care might be easier here," said another expat in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

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As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

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About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.

Vilcabamba, Ecuador

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

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