15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Honduras
Last updated on Jan 07, 2024
Summary: The quality of medical care in Honduras is generally lower than in the United States. Emergency services are limited and often lack the necessary resources to provide adequate care. To call for an ambulance, one must dial 911 or contact the local fire department.
How are healthcare services Honduras?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Honduras, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Honduras are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Honduran citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are not eligible for the same benefits as Honduran citizens. Expats in Honduras typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of higher quality. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private healthcare," said one expat.
What are medical services in Honduras like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Honduras, they replied:
"Honduras has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The quality of care varies from region to region, with some areas having better access to medical facilities and resources than others. Private health care is also available in Honduras, and many people opt to use private clinics and hospitals for more specialized care. The country also has a number of international hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality medical services. In general, medical services in Honduras are adequate, but there is room for improvement in terms of access and quality," said one expat.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Honduras?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Honduras can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government's public health system. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the quality of care in Honduras can vary greatly, with some medical facilities being more expensive than others. As a result, many people in Honduras are unable to access the healthcare they need due to the cost," said an expat in Honduras.
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What are emergency services like in Honduras?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Honduras wrote:
"In Honduras, emergency services are available to provide medical assistance and other emergency services. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or the local emergency number, which is 199. Ambulances are typically staffed with paramedics and medical personnel who are trained to provide medical assistance in emergency situations," said an expat in Honduras.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"The capital city of Tegucigalpa is home to some of the best medical specialists in Honduras. San Pedro Sula, the second largest city in the country, also has a wide selection of medical specialists. Other cities with a good selection of medical specialists include La Ceiba, Comayagua, and Choluteca. Additionally, the Bay Islands of Honduras, such as Roatan and Utila, are known for their excellent medical care and specialists," wrote an expat living in Honduras.
Are common prescription medications available in Honduras?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Honduras. Most medications can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription, although some require a prescription from a doctor. Prices for medications in Honduras are generally lower than in the United States, and many medications are available in generic form. In addition, many medications are available in both brand name and generic form," said one expat living in Honduras.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Honduras?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Honduras vary greatly in quality. In general, the quality of medical care in Honduras is lower than in many other countries due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. However, there are some hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality medical care, particularly in the larger cities. In rural areas, access to medical care is often limited and the quality of care is often lower," said one expat living in Honduras.
"Both public and private medical clinics on island, capable of handling small emergencies. Mainland hospitals, both public and private are located 1 hour by boat, 15 min by plane," mentioned one expat in Utila, Bay Islands .
As a foreigner living in Honduras, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Honduras have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and overcrowded. The public healthcare system is often unable to provide the most up-to-date treatments and medications, and the wait times for appointments can be long. However, there are some private healthcare facilities that offer better quality care," said an expat in Honduras.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Honduras if they have access to public healthcare in Honduras. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Honduras. Access to healthcare has become increasingly difficult due to the limited resources available. Many hospitals and clinics have had to reduce their services due to the lack of staff and supplies. Additionally, the cost of medical care has increased, making it difficult for many people to access the care they need. The government has implemented some measures to help alleviate the burden, such as providing free testing and providing financial assistance to those in need. However, the situation remains challenging and many people are still struggling to access the care they need," wrote one expat.
"I know 2 neighbors who did have Covid and the care they received was fantastic! They are both alive and well despite having had pneumonia, and it cost each of them approximately $1000 for their care, with no health insurance," commented one expat who moved to Roatan.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Honduras?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Honduras about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the medical facilities available in the area where you will be living in Honduras, as well as the quality of care they provide. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife who speaks your language and is familiar with the local medical system. It is also important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Honduras, and to be prepared for any potential cultural differences. Additionally, it is important to ensure that you have access to the necessary supplies and medications for a safe and healthy delivery. Finally, it is important to build a support network of family and friends who can provide emotional and practical support during the pregnancy and delivery," said one person in Honduras.
Are healthcare services good in Honduras?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Honduras. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Honduras are limited and often inadequate. Access to healthcare is limited due to a lack of resources and infrastructure, and many people are unable to access basic medical care. The quality of care is often poor, with limited access to specialized care and medications. The public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed, and many people rely on private healthcare providers for their medical needs. Despite these challenges, the government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, including the introduction of a national health insurance program," explained one expat living in Honduras.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
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Digital Nomads in Honduras offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Honduras.
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