Healthcare & Health Insurance in Uruguay

"I suggest to newcomers that they sign up with the private healthcare offered by the state at a discounted rate. Under this care you are offered all the conveniences of regular doctors and hospitals. This includes diabetes care, high-blood pressure care, cancer care and treatment etc," said one digital nomad in Paysandu.

"Uruguay has a comprehensive public health system that provides free medical services to all citizens. The country also has a number of private health care providers that offer a range of medical services, including specialized care. The quality of medical care in Uruguay is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. The country also has a number of medical research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and technology," said one digital nomad in Uruguay.

"Uruguay has mandatory participation in socialized medical care. I dont participate, I dont have to, i am still here on a tourist visa. The one time i had an emergency with my eye, i went to the urgent care, and they gave me an appt. with the opthamologist and he charged me the equiv. of 45. u.s., since i did not have a membership with that program. I spend my health care money on herbs, acupuncture, health food, etc. But most expats that i know who live here are able to get the prescript meds that they need, and many meds that are prescription in the U.S. are over the counter here. I have heard that the hospitals do not really serve much food, that people have their family members take care of that. I just work really hard to stay OUT of the hospital and OFF meds," commented a person living in Minas, Uruguay.

"I don't bother with health insurance. Medical care is so cheap here I don't need it. Can't see paying a monthly fee when I've been "sick" once in 11 years," said one foreigner in Punta del Diablo.

"Healthcare in Uruguay is generally considered to be of good quality and is relatively affordable. The government provides universal health coverage for all citizens, and private health insurance is also available. Private health insurance is more expensive than public health insurance, but it does provide more comprehensive coverage. In general, healthcare and health insurance in Uruguay are considered to be reasonably priced and accessible," remarked one member in Uruguay.

"I have type 2 diabetes and have had cancer. No where that I applied would cover me here. At the British Hospital the nurse rejected me within 2 minutes because I was overweight. So I self insure mostly and use the doctors available through the ambulance service I belong to. You need to be signed up with one as there is no 911 ambulance service. My savings on medical care and insurance is about $5,000 a year from what it was," explained one expat living in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

"Our experience in regard to a healthcare provider and insurance is a positive one. We are content that it covers our whole family at an affordable rate and is accepted by our local hospital. We are thankful locals and friends recommended this route," said one digital nomad in Paysandu.

"We are unsure about the emergency services first hand as we have not needed them. However; according to friends and locals the best hospital in Paysandu is COMEPA as the quality of care is great often with English speaking nurses and doctors. Also, the facilities are clean and modern. Fortunately, this hospital is less than 15 minutes away from our farm, if, God-forbid we'd ever need their services. COMEPA is a private hospital, although the public are available. Simply 911 will get you an ambulance. According to some acquaintances, the British Hospital in Montevideo is a great hospital for expats," remarked one member in Paysandu.

"Emergency services in Uruguay are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 911. This number is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will ask for the location of the emergency and dispatch the appropriate emergency services," explained one expat living in Uruguay.

"There are Hospitals and clinics quite close, say about 10-20 minutes from anywhere and there is a plan for a huge medical complex to draw in medical tourism. Hospitals are Cantegril and Mautone that I know of and use and they are private. Most are private and I don't recommend the public ones," said one digital nomad in Punta del Este.

"For alternative or natural healthcare, although Paysandu has a few resources and options, Montevideo is the place to go. When that doesn't suffice, Buenos Aires, Aregentina (about an hour away from Montevideo) would be a possible option for care and treatment. We had a friend here in Paysandu, whose child needed an emergency hip operation and was quickly taken by ambulance to Montevideo. According to them, they received some of the best treatment they could have asked for. Everything turned out well and they were thankful for the transport. We would definitely consider our home country for medical care and treatment if the options here were not modern or available; all depending on what medical care and treatments we needed specifically," explained one person living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"Everything I took in the States is available here just not always in the same dosages. All are over the counter and without a prescription, but a prescription will get you a nice discount. All are equal or less than what I paid in the US in co-pay but without the cost of the prescription plan," said a member in Punta del Este.

"Uruguay has a high quality of medical care and facilities. The country has a well-developed public health system, with a network of hospitals and clinics providing comprehensive medical services. The country also has a number of private medical facilities, which offer a range of services, including specialized care. The quality of medical care in Uruguay is generally considered to be good, with a high level of expertise and access to modern medical technology," explained one person living in Uruguay.

"Our local hospital is about 15 minutes away from us here, living in the country. Fortunately, we have not had to use any hospital or emergency services, but have heard that the private hospitals' standards of service are high and response rate is good. Public hospitals are typical and crowded and less attentive compared to private," wrote one digital nomad living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Uruguay, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Uruguay is considered to be one of the best in Latin America, with a wide range of services available to citizens and foreigners alike. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The quality of care is generally good, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialists. The public healthcare system also provides access to medications at a reduced cost," said one digital nomad in Uruguay.

"Like us, all expats are eligible to enroll in Uruguay's healthcare system and expats typically do enroll. It is as simple as enrolling and paying quarterly for your healthcare insurance. The costs range depending on if you are a landowner or city-dweller. We are land owners with a large family and we pay $600 a year. Your existing health conditions are not questioned prior to enrolling. There are many public hospitals. The quality of care from the public hospitals, suggested from close friends, was that it is a bit poor compared to private hospitals," commented a person living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"i havent had to use the health care system during Covid. uruguay just got vaccines in THIS WEEK, the beginning of March 2021 , and they are currently dispensing them to essential workers. The govt. is under contract to buy more, and once those get delivered, those are supposed to be available to older people, then others," wrote one digital nomad living in Minas, Uruguay.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Uruguay. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients, including the introduction of telemedicine services, the provision of protective equipment, and the implementation of strict hygiene protocols. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the number of cases, leading to long wait times for appointments and delays in the delivery of care. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a shortage of medical supplies, such as masks and gloves, which has further strained the system. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Uruguay has remained resilient and has continued to provide quality care to those in need," said one foreigner in Uruguay.