Essential Guide to the Health System in Uruguay

Uruguay has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the Ministry of Public Health and is free for all citizens and legal residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Uruguay, however, they are not eligible for free healthcare and must pay for their medical services. The public healthcare system is used by foreigners, however, it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Uruguay are generally well-equipped and staffed, however, they may not have the same level of technology and resources as private hospitals.

Uruguay's Private Healthcare System

Uruguay also has a private healthcare system, which is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is generally of a higher quality. Private hospitals in Uruguay are well-equipped and staffed, and they are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Uruguay's Top Hospitals

Uruguay has several well-known hospitals, including:

• Hospital Británico (private, Montevideo)
• Hospital Italiano (private, Montevideo)
• Hospital Maciel (public, Montevideo)
• Hospital de Clínicas (public, Montevideo)
• Hospital de Clínicas (public, Paysandú)
• Hospital de Clínicas (public, Salto)
• Hospital de Clínicas (public, Rivera)
• Hospital de Clínicas (public, Colonia)
• Hospital de Clínicas (public, Maldonado)

Health Insurance Companies in Uruguay

The most popular private health insurers in Uruguay are ASSE, IAS, and UPA. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.

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

"Uruguay has mandatory participation in socialized medical care. I dont participate, I dont have to, i am still here on a tourist visa. The one time i had an emergency with my eye, i went to the urgent care, and they gave me an appt. with the opthamologist and he charged me the equiv. of 45. u.s., since i did not have a membership with that program. I spend my health care money on herbs, acupuncture, health food, etc. But most expats that i know who live here are able to get the prescript meds that they need, and many meds that are prescription in the U.S. are over the counter here. I have heard that the hospitals do not really serve much food, that people have their family members take care of that. I just work really hard to stay OUT of the hospital and OFF meds," commented one expat living in Minas, Uruguay.

"I would likely either go back to the US or at least the capital city for anything serious or surgery..," mentioned one expat living in Uruguay.

"Medical care in Uruguay is fine and easily available very cheaply on the level of out-patient medical clinic services. However, if I ever need attention for a serious medical concern, my plan is to return to my home country, since advanced medical care is certainly not as good here. I'm from San Francisco, in good health, and I travel annually to my home country for medical checkups, blood testing, and other medical follow-up exams. I also buy emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover worse case scenarios. The pandemic has curtailed my ability to travel for my annual exams, which is a significant concern for me," said an expat in Uruguay.

"Uruguay has a comprehensive public health system that provides free medical services to all citizens. The country also has a number of private health care providers that offer a range of medical services, including specialized care. The quality of medical care in Uruguay is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained medical professionals. The country also has a number of medical research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and technology," remarked one member living in Uruguay.

"Check out the various affiliates. Rocha has a state affiliate that is quite reasonable. Medica Uruguaya is reasonable. COMERO has proven most economical & available choice for us. Very clean & professional, no problem getting appointments," commented one expat living in Punta del Diablo, Uruguay.

"If living here try to join a local insurance plan through one of the hospitals. There are many but if you have existing conditions or a checkered medical history or are overweight they likely will not cover you. In that case join one of the ambulance programs such as Cardio Movil. You pay a monthly fee for ambulance and doctor services and they come to your home. They also have a clinic with most specialists covered. You pay about $25US a month and then to see a doctor costs about $5. You pay more for minor procedures that that do but equal to what my co-pay was in the states mostly and of course you save on the annual insurance and deductibles. Get a good expat Major Medical policy that will cover you for serious issues but if you don't use doctors a lot this works out to be a huge savings. Note that most international Hospitalization plans will cover you anywhere in the world but in the USA. They will of course if you are willing to pay for it but you could go to Argentina or France or England instead if you don't want to be hospitalized in Uruguay," mentioned one expat living in Uruguay.

"I suggest to newcomers that they sign up with the private healthcare offered by the state at a discounted rate. Under this care you are offered all the conveniences of regular doctors and hospitals. This includes diabetes care, high-blood pressure care, cancer care and treatment etc," said an expat in Uruguay.

"When a newcomer asks about medical care, we tell them to go to COMEPA. Along with the facilities being modern and having English speaking doctors, we have only heard of good reviews coming from that hospital. We are not familiar with serious medical conditions or the hospitals and doctors that treat them; however in Montevideo, Uruguays capital, there is a British hospital that is all the talk amongst expats, so I would definitely recommend this hospital along with giving Buenos Aires, Argentina as an option," remarked one expat in Uruguay.

"Uruguay offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialized care. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Public Health and is available to all Uruguayan citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with access to modern medical technology and a wide range of treatments. Foreign residents are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Uruguay can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Ministry of Public Health and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Uruguayan citizens, including primary care, hospital care, and mental health services," said one expat living in Uruguay.