Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Ecuador?

Moving to Ecuador as an expat or digital nomad comes with the excitement of exploring a new culture, climate, and landscape. However, amidst the adventure, it's crucial to consider practical matters such as health insurance. Ecuador requires all residents, including expats and digital nomads, to have health insurance coverage. This is not only a legal requirement but also a practical necessity to ensure access to healthcare services without facing high out-of-pocket costs. The Ecuadorian government mandates that the insurance must cover a minimum set of benefits and be valid for the entire duration of your stay. It's important to note that while Ecuador has a public healthcare system, newcomers are expected to have private health insurance until they obtain residency and can enroll in the public system.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

Expat health insurance policies are designed to meet the needs of individuals living abroad, and many of these policies are tailored to comply with the legal requirements of the host country. In Ecuador, a health insurance policy for expats must provide comprehensive coverage that includes hospitalization, outpatient services, and emergency care. It's essential to ensure that the policy you choose is recognized by the Ecuadorian government and provides coverage equivalent to or greater than the public healthcare system. Before purchasing a policy, verify with the insurance provider that their plan is compliant with Ecuadorian residency requirements and that it will remain valid for the duration of your visa.

Which local health insurers offer this type of insurance?

In Ecuador, there are several local health insurance companies that offer plans suitable for expats and digital nomads. These insurers provide a range of policies that cater to different needs and budgets, ensuring that you can find a plan that meets the minimum requirements for residency. Some of the well-known local insurers include SaludSA, BMI, and Humana. These companies have experience dealing with the expat community and often provide customer service in multiple languages, making it easier for newcomers to navigate the process of obtaining health insurance. When selecting a local insurer, it's advisable to compare plans, coverage details, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.

Advice from Expats in Ecuador about Health Insurance

Experienced expats in Ecuador often emphasize the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy. It's crucial to be aware of any exclusions, deductibles, and co-payments involved. Additionally, consider the network of hospitals and clinics covered by your insurance, as well as the process for filing claims. Expats recommend choosing a plan that offers a straightforward claims process and direct billing with healthcare providers to avoid out-of-pocket payments. It's also wise to look for a policy with a good track record of customer satisfaction and prompt assistance. Lastly, while cost is an important factor, expats advise not to compromise on coverage quality for the sake of saving money, as adequate health insurance is vital for peace of mind while living abroad.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance in Ecuador

" I am convinced that health insurance is a scam and that the cost of medical care is a scam in the USA. It has been proven to me by my experiences and the experiences of others in Ecuador and throughout Mexico, Central and South America. The Allopathic medical system has the worst record in losing patients to life threatening diseases, but the best records in trama cases where you have to air lift a patient to a hospital. I will only opt for Natural healing methods, which really work. I have also seen in the rural areas, a free health clinic with Allopathic medical doctors offering 24 hour service 7 days a week, being ignored by the local population, except in trauma cases. These rural folks go to their local healers and pay a very low fee for herbal and other healing preparations. Why? Because their experience is that the herbal preparations work and also have no side effects. They therefore do not opt for health insurance. ," said one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Do get IESS insurance. It will cover your coasts in the event of an accident or illness. As of July 2017, IESS will require payment on verified income, closing a loophole that allowed payment on claimed income. The obligated amount is 17.6% of the monthly verified income and 2.4% for each additional dependent. As an example, an expat on a limited pension of $800 a month would pay $140.80 A retired married couple living on their $1200 a month pay. $240. ," mentioned one expat when asked about moving to Ecuador.

"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," stated one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"I would pay out of pocket if it were still available, because doctors are cheap. With my cheap insurance, I will still have to pay out of pocket and maybe get reimbursement if I'm lucky. Insurance here is a government sponsored racket, as whenever government requires something the drops and prices go up, that's why governments do it. If it were a service people actually wanted it wouldn't be required," remarked one expat in Ecuador.