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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Minas 2024
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Health Care in Minas

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Learn about the health system in Minas: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Minas.

The healthcare system in Minas is a blend of public and private services. The public healthcare system, known as the Integrated National Health System (Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud), is widely used by both locals and foreigners, while private healthcare options are also available and often preferred by expats and digital nomads.

Uruguay's Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in Uruguay, the Integrated National Health System (Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud), is accessible to all residents, including foreigners. It is generally recommended for routine check-ups and minor health issues. However, for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, people often prefer private hospitals due to their advanced facilities and shorter waiting times. Public hospitals in Minas, like most public hospitals in Uruguay, are typically crowded and may have longer waiting times. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Uruguay, but many opt for private healthcare due to the higher standard of care and the availability of English-speaking staff. Private hospitals in Minas offer a high standard of care, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Minas

Minas has a few healthcare facilities that are recommended for expats. These include:

  • Public Hospital de Minas - a public hospital located in the city center.
  • Sanatorio Mautone - a private hospital known for its high standard of care.
  • Centro Médico de Minas - a private clinic offering a range of healthcare services.
In case of specialized medical care or surgeries, expats in Minas often travel to Montevideo, which is approximately a two-hour drive away. Montevideo has a number of highly-rated hospitals such as the British Hospital and the Medica Uruguaya.

Emergency Services in Minas

Emergency services are available in Minas. In case of an emergency, you can call 911 for an ambulance. The response time can vary depending on the location and the nature of the emergency, but generally, the services are reliable.

Health Insurance Companies in Minas

There are several private health insurance companies in Minas that are popular among locals and expats. These include the State Insurance Bank (Banco de Seguros del Estado), which is the largest insurance company in Uruguay, and the Medical Union of Uruguay (Unión Médica del Uruguay), which offers a range of health insurance plans. Expats and digital nomads often opt for international health insurance providers that offer coverage in Uruguay, as these plans often provide a wider range of services and greater flexibility.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat 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.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

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