Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Paysandu, 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," wrote one expat.

"Our experience in regard to a healthcare provider and insurance is a positive one. We are content that it covers our whole family at an affordable rate and is accepted by our local hospital. We are thankful locals and friends recommended this route," remarked one expat in Paysandu.

"We are unsure about the emergency services first hand as we have not needed them. However; according to friends and locals the best hospital in Paysandu is COMEPA as the quality of care is great often with English speaking nurses and doctors. Also, the facilities are clean and modern. Fortunately, this hospital is less than 15 minutes away from our farm, if, God-forbid we'd ever need their services. COMEPA is a private hospital, although the public are available. Simply 911 will get you an ambulance. According to some acquaintances, the British Hospital in Montevideo is a great hospital for expats," mentioned one expat in Paysandu.

"For alternative or natural healthcare, although Paysandu has a few resources and options, Montevideo is the place to go. When that doesn't suffice, Buenos Aires, Aregentina (about an hour away from Montevideo) would be a possible option for care and treatment. We had a friend here in Paysandu, whose child needed an emergency hip operation and was quickly taken by ambulance to Montevideo. According to them, they received some of the best treatment they could have asked for. Everything turned out well and they were thankful for the transport. We would definitely consider our home country for medical care and treatment if the options here were not modern or available; all depending on what medical care and treatments we needed specifically," commented one expat living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"Most common prescriptions medicines are available, some under different names. You are able to purchase most medicines without a prescription at the local pharmacy. The prices are very reasonable and not nearly as expensive as the States. There are also Homepathic pharmacies readily available for the alternative seeking individual or family," commented one expat living in Paysandu, Uruguay.

"Our local hospital is about 15 minutes away from us here, living in the country. Fortunately, we have not had to use any hospital or emergency services, but have heard that the private hospitals' standards of service are high and response rate is good. Public hospitals are typical and crowded and less attentive compared to private," remarked one expat in Paysandu.

"Like us, all expats are eligible to enroll in Uruguay's healthcare system and expats typically do enroll. It is as simple as enrolling and paying quarterly for your healthcare insurance. The costs range depending on if you are a landowner or city-dweller. We are land owners with a large family and we pay $600 a year. Your existing health conditions are not questioned prior to enrolling. There are many public hospitals. The quality of care from the public hospitals, suggested from close friends, was that it is a bit poor compared to private hospitals," remarked one expat living in Paysandu.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Paysandu, you will have access to public healthcare. Uruguay has a universal healthcare system, which means that all residents, including foreigners, have the right to access healthcare services. The public healthcare system in Uruguay is funded by taxes and is generally of a good standard, with a high ratio of doctors to patients. In Paysandu, you will find several public hospitals and clinics where you can receive treatment. The healthcare professionals are well-trained and many of them speak English, which can be helpful if you do not speak Spanish. However, it's important to note that while public healthcare is available to everyone, it can sometimes be slow due to high demand. For non-emergency situations, you may have to wait for an appointment. In addition to the public healthcare system, there are also private healthcare options available in Paysandu. Many expats and wealthier Uruguayans choose to use private healthcare, as it can offer faster service and more comfortable facilities. Overall, while the public healthcare system in Paysandu, Uruguay, is not perfect, it is generally reliable and accessible to all residents, including foreigners," said one expat living in Paysandu.