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Expat Exchange - Health Care in San Ignacio 2024
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Health Care in San Ignacio

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Learn about the health system in San Ignacio: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in San Ignacio.

The healthcare system in San Ignacio, consists of both public and private facilities. While the public system is accessible to foreigners, expats and digital nomads often prefer private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.

El Salvador's Healthcare System

El Salvador's public healthcare system is called Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). It is used by both locals and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads. However, people generally do not recommend using public hospitals in San Ignacio for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries due to limited resources and long waiting times. Public hospitals in San Ignacio can be crowded, and the quality of care may not be up to the standards expected by foreigners. Expats primarily use private hospitals, which are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. Private hospitals in San Ignacio offer better facilities, shorter waiting times, and a higher standard of care.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in San Ignacio

There are a few hospitals and clinics in San Ignacio that cater to the needs of expats and digital nomads. Some of the recommended facilities include:

  • Centro de Salud San Ignacio (Public) - Located in the town center, this clinic provides basic healthcare services.
  • Clínica Santa Lucía (Private) - A small private clinic offering general medical services, located in the town center.
  • Clínica San Francisco (Private) - Another private clinic in the town center, offering general medical services.
In case of emergencies or specialized medical care, expats in San Ignacio may need to travel to nearby cities such as Santa Ana or San Salvador, which are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away by car.

Emergency Services in San Ignacio

There are ambulance services in San Ignacio, which can be called by dialing 911. However, response times may vary depending on the availability of ambulances and the location of the emergency. In some cases, there may be delays in reaching the patient, so it is essential to be prepared for alternative transportation options in case of an emergency.

Health Insurance Companies in San Ignacio

Some of the most popular private health insurers in San Ignacio include Seguros Futuro, ASESUISA, and SISA. These companies offer various health insurance plans catering to the needs of locals and expats. However, expats and digital nomads typically prefer specialized expat health insurance providers, which offer more comprehensive coverage and cater specifically to the needs of foreigners living and working in El Salvador.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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