Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Quito, Ecuador

"Go to the best hospital instead of the government hospital. Use the private clinics for basic healthcare and pay out of pocket," wrote an expat living in Quito.

"Quito offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services and are often more expensive. Both public and private facilities offer general medical care, emergency services, and specialized care such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and cardiology. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies in Quito that provide over-the-counter medications and other health-related products," said an expat in Quito.

"My health insurance is with IESS and I've been completely satisfied with the care I've received. I have high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease. When the doctors at the IESS hospital learned this they ordered a complete lipid profile, an EKG, treadmill stress test and echocardiogram and placed me on a statin drug for my cholesterol and a drug for high blood pressure," said one expat living in Quito.

"Quito offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, while the private hospitals offer more specialized services and often have shorter wait times. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores throughout the city, providing access to a variety of medications and medical supplies. Quito also has a number of medical tourism companies that offer services such as cosmetic surgery, dental care, and fertility treatments," mentioned one expat in Quito.

"The cost of medical care if much cheaper than the United States. I had back surgery for $8,000 and I only had to pay $1,000 deductible," said one expat living in Quito.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Quito can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is available, but it is limited and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the cost of medical care in Quito can be high, especially for specialized treatments or procedures," mentioned one expat in Quito.

"I am one block from a clinic, Clinica Primavera. Services there are fine (to see a doctor for a cold or flu). Three blocks away is a very good hospital, Los Valles. Both are private. I have been to the ER in Los Valles a couple of times. The cost was around $300 (once for stitches and once for back pain which included a MRI scan). The quality of care in both were great," said one expat.

"Emergency services in Quito are provided by the Ecuadorian Red Cross. In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 to request an ambulance. The Red Cross also provides medical assistance and first aid services. In addition, the Ecuadorian government has a network of hospitals and clinics throughout the city that are available to provide medical care," remarked one expat in Quito.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Quito. People in Quito can access a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and more. For highly specialized medical care, people in Quito typically go to one of the city's many private hospitals, such as the Clínica Kennedy, the Clínica del Valle, or the Clínica San José. These hospitals offer a wide range of specialized services, including advanced diagnostics, surgery, and treatments for complex medical conditions," remarked one expat in Quito.

"I have gone to a specialist in Quito for back surgery. I had two surgeons for my back surgery. They were great. The language barrier can be the only issue but I had help from friends," remarked one expat living in Quito.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Quito. Most pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common ailments such as colds, allergies, and pain relief. Many of the medications are generic versions of popular brands, and some are even available over the counter. Prices for medications in Quito are generally lower than in other countries, making them more accessible to the local population," remarked one expat in Quito.

"Yes, common medicines are found at the pharmacies and are often available without prescriptions. Medicine is fairly cheap," remarked one expat living in Quito.

"Medical care in Quito is generally of a high standard. The city has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Many of these facilities offer a range of services, including emergency care, general medical care, and specialized treatments. Additionally, there are a number of private medical centers that provide quality care at competitive prices. In general, the quality of medical care in Quito is comparable to that of other major cities in Latin America," wrote one expat.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Quito, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Ecuador is generally considered to be of good quality, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. The public healthcare system is free for Ecuadorian citizens, but foreigners may be required to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many private healthcare providers are available in Quito, offering a higher level of care for those who can afford it," remarked one expat in Quito.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Quito during the pandemic have been mostly positive. The government has taken a proactive approach to the pandemic, implementing strict social distancing measures and providing free testing and treatment for those who need it. The healthcare system has been able to keep up with the demand for services, and I have been able to access the care I need when I need it. The healthcare workers have been incredibly dedicated and have gone above and beyond to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy," said one expat living in Quito.