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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Atlantida, Uruguay | Expat Exchange
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Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Atlantida, Uruguay

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 03, 2024

Summary: Expats and global nomads in Atlantida, Uruguay share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Uruguay, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

What are emergency services like in Atlantida?

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

"About an hour by car. In Canada it was 15 minutes. Have not used the hospital. Have not used emergency services. Clinics are mutualistas - you belong and use their doctors and clinics and hospitals for a monthly fee," commented one expat living in Atlantida, Uruguay.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"There are specialists about 1/2 hour away but for anything major you go to MVD which is an hour or more from me," said one expat living in Atlantida.

Are common prescription medications available in Atlantida?

"Yes they are available. It is cheaper to get a prescription and pick them up at the pharmacy of the mutualista you belong to. You can also get them at a local pharmacy. if you have the container you often do not need a prescription for common items They are probably similar in price to what I would have paid in Canada," wrote an expat living in Atlantida.

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

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

"Firstly, it's important to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system in Uruguay. The country has a high standard of healthcare, with both public and private options available. However, private healthcare is recommended for expats for its higher quality of service and shorter waiting times. Ensure that you have comprehensive health insurance that covers maternity care. Check if your insurance plan covers prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care. If not, consider upgrading your plan or getting additional coverage. Find a good obstetrician and hospital for the delivery. You can ask for recommendations from other expats or locals. It's also advisable to visit the hospital beforehand to familiarize yourself with the facilities and procedures. Learn Spanish or have someone who can translate for you. While some doctors and nurses may speak English, many medical staff in Uruguay are more comfortable speaking Spanish. Having a basic understanding of the language or a translator can help avoid misunderstandings. Prepare all necessary documents for the birth registration. In Uruguay, you need to register the birth within 90 days. The documents usually required include the parents' passports, marriage certificate (if applicable), and the medical certificate of birth from the hospital. Understand the parental leave policies in Uruguay. If you're working in Uruguay, you're entitled to certain maternity and paternity leave benefits. Make sure to discuss this with your employer. Lastly, connect with other expat parents in Atlantida. They can provide valuable advice and support, and help you navigate the challenges of having a baby in a foreign country," said one expat in Atlantida.

Are healthcare services good in Atlantida?

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

"Healthcare services in Atlantida are generally of high quality, with both public and private healthcare systems available. The public healthcare system, known as ASSE, provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents, including expatriates. The private healthcare system, on the other hand, offers more personalized care and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. In Atlantida, there are several clinics and hospitals that provide a wide range of medical services. These facilities are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained medical professionals. Many doctors and nurses in Atlantida are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, which can be beneficial for expatriates or tourists who do not speak Spanish. Pharmacies are also widely available in Atlantida, offering both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some pharmacies even provide home delivery services. Despite the high quality of healthcare services in Atlantida, it's important to note that more complex medical procedures or treatments may require travel to larger cities like Montevideo. Overall, healthcare in Atlantida is accessible and reliable, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to the medical care they need," explained one expat living in Atlantida.

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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