15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in El Salvador

"Medical services are all free right here in Candelaria de la Frontera. If you want air conditioning in a big city, you have Santa Ana with many health facilities that have reasonably priced medical care," said one expat living in Candelaria de la Frontera.

"Healthcare services in El Salvador are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is funded by the government. The quality of public healthcare in El Salvador is generally considered to be below average, with limited access to specialized care and a lack of resources. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but they are not eligible for the same benefits as Salvadoran citizens. Expats in El Salvador typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and offer better quality care. However, some expats may use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private care," mentioned one expat in El Salvador.

"Medical services in El Salvador are generally of a good standard, with a range of public and private hospitals and clinics available. The public health system is free for citizens, and provides basic medical care, although it is often underfunded and overcrowded. Private hospitals and clinics offer more comprehensive services, but can be expensive. El Salvador also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, and a number of international hospitals and clinics," commented one expat living in El Salvador.

"People are indicating that health services are good. Compared to developed countries, the healthcare is substandard. Emergency services are below substandard by the same comparison. It's better to find a private clinic which will be more expensive. Emergency ambulance service is slow. Develop your network so that you have help is needed," wrote one expat.

"All USA citizen MUST have medical insurance especially 65+, which I am. I have not yet used that insurance - not in states nor El Salvador. I am pretty healthy for now," said one expat living in Candelaria de la Frontera.

"Healthcare and health insurance in El Salvador can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by the government's social security system. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the quality of healthcare in El Salvador is not always up to the standards of other countries, and the cost of medical care can be high. For those who are able to access public healthcare, the cost is generally lower, but the quality of care may not be as good as in other countries," mentioned one expat in El Salvador.

"Emergency services in El Salvador are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or the local emergency number, 132. Ambulances are typically staffed with a driver and a paramedic, and are equipped with basic medical supplies. In some cases, the ambulance may also be accompanied by a doctor," wrote an expat living in El Salvador.

"Yes, free transport from Candelaria to Santa Ana Centro Medico," said an expat in Candelaria de la Frontera.

"I am in my home country, I came back to my hometown. I try to educate my neighborhood," said an expat in Candelaria de la Frontera.

"San Salvador is the largest city in El Salvador and has the most comprehensive selection of medical specialists. Santa Ana, the second largest city, also has a wide range of medical specialists. Other cities such as San Miguel, Santa Tecla, and Sonsonate also have a good selection of medical specialists. Additionally, the coastal towns of La Libertad and La Union have a number of medical specialists available," commented one expat living in El Salvador.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in El Salvador. Most pharmacies in the country carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common illnesses such as colds, flu, and allergies. Many pharmacies also carry medications for more serious conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In addition, some pharmacies offer specialized medications for specific conditions, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. In general, prescription medications in El Salvador are relatively affordable and accessible," said one expat living in El Salvador.

"Medical facilities and medical care in El Salvador vary in quality. In general, the public health system is underfunded and understaffed, leading to long wait times and limited access to specialized care. Private hospitals and clinics offer better quality care, but they are often expensive and out of reach for many Salvadorans. Despite these challenges, the country has made progress in recent years in improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas," said an expat in El Salvador.

"Yes, foreigners living in El Salvador have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in El Salvador is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens and legal residents, including foreigners. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents, regardless of their ability to pay. The public healthcare system is made up of a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers, which provide a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care," remarked one expat living in El Salvador.

"I am a retired nurse with dual citizenship. I travel back and forth to the USA and El salvador. My medical insurance is deducted from my SSC, AARPUnitedhealth. I am trying to stay healthy during this Pandemic. El Salvador has an excellent medical care for a third world country, from public to private. Candelaria has a public clinic that's open around the clock ALL FREE including medications. You read right FREE. ," said one expat living in Candelaria de la Frontera.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on El Salvador's healthcare system. Access to healthcare has become increasingly difficult due to the limited resources available. Many healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed by the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and overcrowding. Additionally, the lack of personal protective equipment has put healthcare workers at risk of contracting the virus. Despite these challenges, the government has taken steps to improve the healthcare system, such as increasing the number of hospital beds and providing financial assistance to those in need," commented one expat who moved to El Salvador.