Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Cuenca, Ecuador

"Seeing a doctor in Cuenca is an easy matter. No appointment necessary in most cases. Excellent service and good quality for a much lower cost that the U.S," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"In the cities, the medical services are the best we have seen in our travels outside of France, (the best in the world). From a home and the decision to see someone, to seeing a specialist can take as little as 20 minutes at a cost of $40. Tests and operations can be set for the same day. We grew up with national medical care and were advised on arrival, by those who have that background, to get insurance. We did so for three years but dropped it in angry disgust. It is demeaning being privately health-insured if you are not used to it. We self-insure and cover the expat requirement (when there is one from time to time) with IESS (never used)," said one expat living in Cuenca.

"Cuenca offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and offer a variety of services, including general medicine, emergency care, and specialized care. Private hospitals and clinics offer more specialized services, such as cosmetic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and fertility treatments. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores in the city, as well as a number of home health care providers. Cuenca also has a number of medical tourism companies that offer packages for medical treatments and procedures," mentioned one expat in Cuenca.

"If you need medical care and have good knowledge of Spanish, the state system IESS may be your choice, however if you are retired they raised the rates to about 17.5% of retirement income. I have cheap (low quality) insurance which reportedly doesn't pay, which is fine for me because I would rather pay 45 per month for insurance that I can't use than 75/mo for insurance I won't use," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"IESS (federal system) is cheapest insurance here UNLESS you came on "retirement income" visa, where it can be quite expensive (they they charge 17% of your income for the insurance). Almost all non-opioid prescription meds in the US are available here OTC," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"Cuenca offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and offer a variety of services, including emergency care, general medical care, and specialized care. Private hospitals and clinics offer a more personalized approach to medical care, with a focus on preventive care and specialized treatments. Cuenca also has a number of pharmacies, which provide a wide range of medications and other health-related products. Additionally, there are a number of medical professionals in the city, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are available to provide medical care," wrote one expat.

"Don't come down here looking for a miracle cure for your ails. You would find the experience frustrating and assistance costs would wipe out the advantage I think. I do know from some other gringos, and gringo sites, that some medications are not available here, I don't have that experience," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Cuenca are generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other countries. The cost of medical care is much lower than in the United States, and the quality of care is generally good. Health insurance is also relatively inexpensive, with many plans offering comprehensive coverage for a fraction of the cost of similar plans in the US. Additionally, the Ecuadorian government offers a public health insurance plan for those who cannot afford private insurance," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

" I am convinced that health insurance is a scam and that the cost of medical care is a scam in the USA. It has been proven to me by my experiences and the experiences of others in Ecuador and throughout Mexico, Central and South America. The Allopathic medical system has the worst record in losing patients to life threatening diseases, but the best records in trama cases where you have to air lift a patient to a hospital. I will only opt for Natural healing methods, which really work. I have also seen in the rural areas, a free health clinic with Allopathic medical doctors offering 24 hour service 7 days a week, being ignored by the local population, except in trauma cases. These rural folks go to their local healers and pay a very low fee for herbal and other healing preparations. Why? Because their experience is that the herbal preparations work and also have no side effects. They therefore do not opt for health insurance. ," said one expat living in Cuenca.

" I am closest to a hospital that is a private hospital, and is less than a mile away. Another hospital about 2 miles away is also a private hospital. A public hospital is about 5 miles away. The quality of care at most hospitals is excellent, yet the public hospitals have a lower grade of care, a higher population waiting for service and because of the high volume of patiensts, a lower class service to the patient and a longer waiting period for service. The level of caring for the patient varies, with the highest level of caring at the private hospitals. The most expensive private hospitals charge a fraction of the price that you would pay in the United States. The level of care and the success of recovery is so much higher than in the United States in my opinion and in the opinion of both the local people and the expat population. In addition, there is a freedom of choice of medical care. So Cancer patients are not only offered Chemo, Radiation and Surgery. There are Natural Health healers, Homeopathy and many other practitioners with successful records of reversing serious life-threatening disease conditions. ," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"Pretty much every specialty can be covered right here in town (Cuenca), We even have a cancer center hospital specifically for that (which is free if you paid for IESS) that has gotten rave reviews from two friends who recently went through cancer treatments. I have two heart specialists myself (stents in 2005 in the US). They seem very competent, though I have had no heart issue since coming to Ecuador," wrote one expat.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Cuenca. People in the city have access to a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, and more. For highly specialized medical care, people in Cuenca typically go to the Hospital del Rio, which is the largest hospital in the city and offers a wide range of services. Additionally, there are several private clinics in the city that specialize in specific areas of medicine, such as ophthalmology, orthopedics, and plastic surgery," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca.

" I would return to Ecuador for any serious health issues, because of the high level of care and the high level of successfully reversing serious health problems. The lower cost is just another bonus available to the patient. Some specialists here are not only trained and certified here in Ecuador, but have advanced medical certification education in other countries. So you get the benefit of other International modalities. ," said one expat.

"I am young and in good health so these don't concern me. I only have insurance because the law requires it," remarked one expat in Cuenca.

"Almost all non-opioid prescription meds from the US are available OTC here. No prescription needed -- though of course it is recommended to see a doctor to verify you need the same drugs here. We are at 8500' altitude, so some meds might be adjusted due to elevation," mentioned one expat in Cuenca.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Cuenca. Most pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common ailments such as allergies, colds, and flu. Many of the medications are generic versions of popular brands, and some are even available over the counter. Prices for medications in Cuenca are generally lower than in the United States, making them more affordable for locals and visitors alike," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Medical care in Cuenca is generally of a high quality. The city has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Cuenca also has a number of specialized medical centers, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. The city also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications. In addition, there are a number of private medical practices, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. Overall, medical care in Cuenca is of a high standard and is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike," wrote an expat living in Cuenca.

"Yes, every expat is required by law to have insurance. The federal system is available, and costs $68/mo for a couple. However, health care is so cheap that I skip the (underfunded and long lines) IESS (federal system) and pay out of pocket for private health care anyway," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Cuenca, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Cuenca is generally considered to be of good quality, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. The cost of healthcare is also relatively low compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those looking for affordable medical care," said one expat living in Cuenca.

"Regular Dr visits, no issues regarding Covid One DR visit with my 27 year old son, no issues regarding Covid," commented one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Cuenca during the pandemic have been generally positive. The healthcare system has been very responsive to the needs of the community, providing free testing and treatment for those affected by the virus. The hospitals and clinics have been well-equipped and staffed with knowledgeable and caring professionals. The government has also provided financial assistance to those in need, helping to cover the costs of medical care. Overall, the healthcare system in Cuenca has been able to provide quality care to those affected by the pandemic," wrote one expat.