How to Navigate the Health System in Bolivia

Bolivia has a public healthcare system, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which provides free or low-cost healthcare to Bolivian citizens. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Bolivia, but it is not widely used by them. Public hospitals in Bolivia are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and understaffed.

Bolivia's Private Healthcare System

Bolivia also has a private healthcare system, which is more expensive than the public system but is generally of higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals, which are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Bolivia are typically well-equipped and staffed, and offer a higher level of care than public hospitals.

Bolivia's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Bolivia include:

• Hospital Viedma, a private hospital located in La Paz, which specializes in cardiology and neurology.
• Hospital Militar Central, a public hospital located in La Paz, which specializes in trauma and emergency care.
• Hospital San Juan de Dios, a private hospital located in Santa Cruz, which specializes in orthopedics and sports medicine.
• Hospital Obrero, a public hospital located in Cochabamba, which specializes in pediatrics.

Health Insurance Companies in Bolivia

The most popular private health insurers in Bolivia are FENASEG, FENASALUD, and FENASAN. These companies are typically used by Bolivian citizens, and expats and digital nomads typically use specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Bolivia: How to Navigate the Health System

"Bolivia has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The quality of care varies from region to region, but overall, the public health system is considered to be of good quality. Private health care is also available in Bolivia, and is generally of a higher quality than the public system. Private health care is more expensive, however, and is not accessible to everyone. Bolivia also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer advanced treatments and services. These centers are often staffed by highly trained professionals and offer a higher level of care than the public system," commented one member living in Bolivia.

"Healthcare services in Bolivia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Bolivian citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are required to pay for services. Expats in Bolivia typically use the private healthcare system, as it is more reliable and of a higher quality than the public system," commented one member living in Bolivia.