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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bolivia | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bolivia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 04, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Bolivia is generally lower than in the United States. Bolivia has a shortage of medical professionals and medical facilities, and the quality of care is not as high as in the US. Emergency services in Bolivia are limited and often slow to respond. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 118 or contact your local police station.

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How are healthcare services Bolivia?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bolivia, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Bolivia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Bolivian citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are required to pay for services. Expats in Bolivia typically use the private healthcare system, as it is more reliable and of a higher quality than the public system," mentioned one expat in Bolivia.

What are medical services in Bolivia like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bolivia, they replied:

"Bolivia has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The quality of care varies from region to region, but overall, the public health system is considered to be of good quality. Private health care is also available in Bolivia, and is generally of a higher quality than the public system. Private health care is more expensive, however, and is not accessible to everyone. Bolivia also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer advanced treatments and services. These centers are often staffed by highly trained professionals and offer a higher level of care than the public system," remarked one expat living in Bolivia.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bolivia?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Bolivia can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government's public health system. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the quality of care in Bolivia can vary greatly, with some areas having better access to medical services than others. As a result, many people in Bolivia opt to pay out of pocket for medical services, which can be expensive," said one expat living in Bolivia.

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What are emergency services like in Bolivia?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Bolivia wrote:

"Emergency services in Bolivia are generally reliable and available. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 118 from any phone. This will connect you to the emergency services, who will then dispatch an ambulance to your location. Additionally, you can also call the local fire department or police station for assistance," commented one expat who moved to Bolivia.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The cities of La Paz and Santa Cruz are home to some of the best medical specialists in Bolivia. La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and is home to a number of hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Santa Cruz is the largest city in Bolivia and is home to a number of medical centers and hospitals that offer a variety of medical services. Additionally, the cities of Cochabamba and Tarija are also known for their excellent selection of medical specialists," wrote one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in Bolivia?

"Prescription medications are available in Bolivia, although the availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region. Generally, most common medications can be found in pharmacies and drug stores throughout the country. However, some medications may require a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Additionally, some medications may be more expensive in Bolivia than in other countries," said one expat.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bolivia?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Bolivia vary greatly depending on the region. In urban areas, medical care is generally of a higher quality than in rural areas. In general, medical facilities are often understaffed and lack the necessary equipment and resources to provide adequate care. However, there are some private hospitals and clinics that offer better quality medical care. In addition, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve access to healthcare in rural areas," mentioned one expat in Bolivia.

As a foreigner living in Bolivia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Bolivia have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of good quality. The public healthcare system is free for Bolivian citizens, but foreigners may be required to pay a fee for services. In addition, there are private healthcare facilities available in Bolivia, which may offer higher quality care than the public system," said one expat living in Bolivia.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Bolivia if they have access to public healthcare in Bolivia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Bolivia. The country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of cases, with the healthcare system struggling to cope with the influx of patients. The government has implemented a number of measures to try and contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of borders, the suspension of public events, and the implementation of a nationwide curfew. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed, with hospitals and clinics struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Many healthcare workers have been working long hours and have had to make difficult decisions about which patients to prioritize. The government has also implemented a number of measures to try and improve access to healthcare, including the provision of free testing and the expansion of telemedicine services. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Bolivia is still struggling to cope with the pandemic," wrote one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bolivia?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Bolivia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Bolivia before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who is experienced in delivering babies in Bolivia. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Bolivia. It is also a good idea to have a support system in place, such as family or friends, to help with the process. Finally, make sure to have all the necessary supplies and documents ready before the baby arrives," remarked one expat in Bolivia.

Are healthcare services good in Bolivia?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Bolivia. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Bolivia are generally limited and of low quality. The country has a shortage of medical personnel and a lack of modern medical equipment. Access to healthcare is also limited due to the country's rural geography and poverty. The government has made efforts to improve healthcare services, such as providing free healthcare to children and pregnant women, but there is still much room for improvement," said one expat in Bolivia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

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