Health Care in San Pedro Sula
Summary: Health Care in San Pedro Sula: Locate providers, hospitals, and medical centers to find the best health services available for expats and nomads.
The healthcare system in San Pedro Sula, is a mix of public and private facilities. The quality and availability of services can vary, with the public system often being stretched thin and private care being more expensive but generally offering a higher standard of care.
Honduras's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Honduras is known as the Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS). It is primarily used by Honduran citizens, but foreigners are also allowed to use it. However, the public healthcare system is often overwhelmed, leading to long wait times and limited resources. Public hospitals in San Pedro Sula, like the Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital, are typically not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries due to these limitations. On the other hand, private hospitals, such as the Hospital Cemesa, offer a higher standard of care and are often used by expats and digital nomads. These private facilities are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in San Pedro Sula
There are several hospitals and clinics in San Pedro Sula that are recommended for expats and digital nomads. These include:
- Hospital Cemesa (Private) - A full-service hospital located in the heart of the city.
- Hospital D’Vida (Private) - A specialty hospital focusing on cardiovascular health.
- Hospital Del Valle (Private) - A general hospital located in the city center.
- Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital (Public) - The largest public hospital in the city, offering a wide range of services.
Emergency Services in San Pedro Sula
Emergency services, including ambulance services, are available in San Pedro Sula. The emergency number in Honduras is 911. However, response times can vary and there can sometimes be delays due to traffic or other factors.
Health Insurance Companies in San Pedro Sula
There are several private health insurance companies in San Pedro Sula, including Seguros Atlantida and Seguros Del País. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including coverage for private hospital care. However, many expats and digital nomads opt to use international health insurance providers that offer coverage in multiple countries, rather than relying on local Honduran insurance companies.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.