Healthcare in Ecuador

The EcuaAssist Team

Ecuador is a country that is very aware of health issues. The reason? All over Ecuador, but Quito has long been proud of being the home to national health care, offering excellent medical services at low prices. Expats from around the world find it still a great place to seek low cost medical services. Cuenca, Guayaquil and Manta also have topnoth healthcare facilities.

Both public and private options are offered for healthcare in Ecuador.

Public Healthcare:

Ecuador's publicly funded healthcare system "Ministerio de Salud Pública" provides healthcare services to all residents, regardless of nationality or residential status. The services in the public system are usually cheaper than private alternatives but they may have longer waiting times and there are varying levels of quality.

Public health services are available to resident or expat, as well as citizen or foreigner. For example, an ordinary doctor's visit at a public hospital might cost anything from $10-30. But it should be remembered that people may only speak limited English in public health facilities; consequently, some knowledge of Spanish could be helpful.

Private Healthcare:

Expats favor private healthcare in Ecuador for speedier access to medical services and improved care quality. There are available plans of private health insurance, the cost varying depending on things like age, coverage and pre-existing conditions.

But these numbers are only approximate. You should ask for quotes from insurance companies based on your individual needs for coverage.A minor operation might cost as much as $3,500, whereas in the United States such an operation would set you back $20,000. Accidents with motorcycles are common also; if you get hit by one, anything from bashed ribs to permanent paralysis could result.And it's not just individuals who will need attention. Patients are sent outside to buy their own drugs; at government clinics, however, a prescription can be filled on-site. Sometimes drugs given at hospitals will also have to be purchased by you–even when the diagnosis isn't yet known.Possibly the most important reason: the lead times for medical treatment are generally very short indeed. In the United States, you might have to wait months before getting an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. In Ecuador, most people can see one of these within just about 48 hours.

It should be noted that these are general estimates and that actual prices may deviate. Location of purchase, specific treatment provider, and the individual`s health condition can all impart a significant influence on the price of care. Furthermore, given that healthcare is subject to the laws of supply and demand, costs are also constantly changing. Therefore it is essential to confirm today's up-to-the-minute data along your healthcare professional or insurance company before making a decision based on outdated numbers However can one estimate what an item.

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