Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Loja, Ecuador

"I let them know about public and private insurance options. This with chronic conditions should enroll in Ecuadorian IESS public system. But even without insurance the medical care in Ecuador is much more affordable than in the US," remarked one expat in Loja.

"The cost of average minor surgery is about $1500-$2000, The office visit range from $25 - $40. I have private insurance that has large network of providers with most private hospitals. Four hospitals are in the network in the city near me. I chose my insurance based on price and positive reviews from people who have used it," said one expat living in Loja.

"I live in small town 40 min from a major city of Loja. But we have a basic hospital with an emergency room. In Loja we have a public IESS hospital and several private hospitals like: San Agustin and UTPL. You can call national emergency number 911 for any help," wrote one expat.

"In my area people go for more specialized services to Cuenca which is 4 hrs away. That would be heart surgeries, hip or knee replacements, etc. I would not return to the US for medical care. I believe I get adequate care here. I had an ovarian cyst surgery 2 years ago and I was very pleased with the quality of care in a private hospital," remarked one expat living in Loja.

"Pharmacies in Ecuador have most medications. Some like antibiotics and others are available without prescription. I take Eutirox pill for my thyroid and buy it without prescription. The cost is about $2-$3 for a month supply," remarked one expat living in Loja.

"We are about 7-8 minutes away by bus from the hospital in Catamayo. We have not been there but for 3-4 incidents, and found they helped to assist with the trouble really quite well! You have an option of buying both for general or public insurance. More serious health issues require more distant hospitals such as Loja, Cuenca or Quito," wrote an expat living in Catamayo and Loja.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Loja, you will have access to public healthcare. The Ecuadorian government provides universal healthcare to all residents, including foreigners. However, it's important to note that while healthcare in Ecuador is generally affordable and of good quality, it may not be up to the standards you are used to in your home country. The public healthcare system in Ecuador is known as the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS). To access this, you will need to contribute a percentage of your income. The system covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor's visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. In terms of quality, the healthcare in larger cities and towns like Loja is generally better than in rural areas. Hospitals and clinics in these areas are typically well-equipped and staffed with trained medical professionals. However, there may be long wait times for non-emergency procedures and services. Language can also be a barrier as not all healthcare professionals speak English. Therefore, it might be helpful to learn some basic Spanish or have a translator. While the public healthcare system is accessible, many expats choose to also have private health insurance for more immediate access to specialists and private hospitals. Private healthcare in Ecuador is also relatively affordable compared to many other countries. In conclusion, while public healthcare is available and generally of good quality, it's important to be prepared for potential challenges such as language barriers and long wait times," remarked one expat living in Loja.

"Permanent residents in Ecuador can enroll in public healthcare system or get private insurance at any age. The cost for public system is about $80 a month and pre-existing conditions are covered after 2 months. There are public hospitals in major cities and some smaller towns. The quality care may depend on the area but many expats in Ecuador enroll in the system due to low cost," said one expat living in Loja.