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," explained one digital nomad living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"If living here try to join a local insurance plan through one of the hospitals. There are many but if you have existing conditions or a checkered medical history or are overweight they likely will not cover you. In that case join one of the ambulance programs such as Cardio Movil. You pay a monthly fee for ambulance and doctor services and they come to your home. They also have a clinic with most specialists covered. You pay about $25US a month and then to see a doctor costs about $5. You pay more for minor procedures that that do but equal to what my co-pay was in the states mostly and of course you save on the annual insurance and deductibles. Get a good expat Major Medical policy that will cover you for serious issues but if you don't use doctors a lot this works out to be a huge savings. Note that most international Hospitalization plans will cover you anywhere in the world but in the USA. They will of course if you are willing to pay for it but you could go to Argentina or France or England instead if you don't want to be hospitalized in Uruguay," said one member in Punta del Este.

"Check out the various affiliates. Rocha has a state affiliate that is quite reasonable. Medica Uruguaya is reasonable. COMERO has proven most economical & available choice for us. Very clean & professional, no problem getting appointments," explained one expat in Punta del Diablo.

"Uruguay offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialized care. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and is available to all Uruguayan citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with access to modern medical technology and a wide range of treatments. Foreign residents are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Uruguay can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Public Health and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Uruguayan citizens, including primary care, hospital care, and mental health services," remarked one global 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.

"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," explained one digital nomad living 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," said a member in Punta del Este.

"Well, we're a ways out. We're independent folk seldom needing any medical care, but when going for immigration checkups, blood, lab, etc., we travel to Chuy. For procedures like mammograms, etc., we go to Rocha," explained one person living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"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," wrote one digital nomad living in Uruguay.

"About an hour by car. In Canada it was 15 minutes. Have not used the hospital. Have not used emergency services. Clinics are mutualistas - you belong and use their doctors and clinics and hospitals for a monthly fee," said one foreigner in Atlantida.

"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," remarked one member in Punta del Este.

"Uruguay's capital city, Montevideo, is home to some of the country's best medical specialists. Other cities with a wide selection of medical specialists include Salto, Paysandú, and Rivera. Additionally, the coastal cities of Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este are known for their excellent medical care," explained one expat living in Uruguay.

"Yes they are available. It is cheaper to get a prescription and pick them up at the pharmacy of the mutualista you belong to. You can also get them at a local pharmacy. if you have the container you often do not need a prescription for common items They are probably similar in price to what I would have paid in Canada," explained one expat living in Atlantida, Uruguay.

"Most common prescriptions medicines are available, some under different names. You are able to purchase most medicines without a prescription at the local pharmacy. The prices are very reasonable and not nearly as expensive as the States. There are also Homepathic pharmacies readily available for the alternative seeking individual or family," said one digital nomad in Paysandu.

"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," commented a person living in Punta del Este, 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," explained one digital nomad living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"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," said one member in 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.

"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," explained one digital nomad living in 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," said one member in Minas.