How to Navigate the Health System in Nicaragua

Nicaragua's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is called the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) and is available to all citizens and legal residents of Nicaragua. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Nicaragua, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. Public hospitals are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is not as high as private hospitals.

Nicaragua's Public Healthcare System

The Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) is the public healthcare system in Nicaragua. It is available to all citizens and legal residents of Nicaragua. The public healthcare system is free for citizens and legal residents, however, foreigners must pay a fee for services. Public hospitals are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is not as high as private hospitals.

Nicaragua's Private Healthcare System

Nicaragua's private healthcare system is composed of private hospitals and clinics. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but the quality of care is generally higher. Expats primarily use private hospitals for medical care, as the quality of care is higher than public hospitals. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is higher than public hospitals.

Nicaragua's Top Hospitals

The following is a list of some of the most well known hospitals in Nicaragua:

• Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas (private hospital, located in Managua)
• Hospital Bautista (private hospital, located in Managua)
• Hospital Militar (public hospital, located in Managua)
• Hospital La Mascota (public hospital, located in Managua)
• Hospital San Juan de Dios (public hospital, located in Granada)
• Hospital San Rafael Arcangel (private hospital, located in Granada)
• Hospital Metropolitano (private hospital, located in Leon)
• Hospital Escuela Antonio Lenin Fonseca (public hospital, located in Leon)

Health Insurance Companies in Nicaragua

The most popular private health insurers in Nicaragua are Seguros Monterrey, Seguros Atlas, and Seguros La Previsora. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

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

"My wife and I are near age 70 - expat health insurance has become too costly. We have Medicare coverage in the USA, so plan to return there in case of required hospitalization (non-emergency). We joined a "health plan" that offers discounts at one of the best hospitals in the country," commented one expat living in Tola, Nicaragua.

"Medical services in Nicaragua vary greatly depending on the region. In rural areas, access to medical care is limited and often of poor quality. In urban areas, there are more options for medical care, but the quality of care is still not up to the standards of many other countries. The public health system is underfunded and understaffed, and many people rely on private clinics and hospitals for medical care. The government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, but there is still a long way to go," mentioned one expat living in Nicaragua.

"Healthcare services in Nicaragua are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of lower quality than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay out-of-pocket for some services. Expats in Nicaragua often use the public healthcare system for basic medical care, but they may opt for private healthcare for more specialized services," commented one member living in Nicaragua.