Montanita, Ecuador
Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Montanita, Ecuador
Last updated on Jun 08, 2024
Summary: Expats and global nomads in Montanita, Ecuador share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Ecuador, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
How are healthcare services Montanita?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Montanita, they replied:
"Do sign up for IESS national healthcare. Note that as of July 2017 the rate will be based on Verified Income. The rate will be 17.6% and an additional 2.4% per dependent. An expat on $1200 Social Security with one dependent would therefore pay $240 a month for Health coverage," remarked one expat living in Montanita.
What are medical services in Montanita like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Montanita, they replied:
"There is essentially no healthcare options in my town but there are good options 3 hours away or acceptable ones just 45 minutes away," wrote one expat.
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Montanita?
"Do get IESS insurance. It will cover your coasts in the event of an accident or illness. As of July 2017, IESS will require payment on verified income, closing a loophole that allowed payment on claimed income. The obligated amount is 17.6% of the monthly verified income and 2.4% for each additional dependent. As an example, an expat on a limited pension of $800 a month would pay $140.80 A retired married couple living on their $1200 a month pay. $240. ," wrote an expat living in Montanita.
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaConnect
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaWith Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What are emergency services like in Montanita?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Montanita wrote:
"I live in Montañita, the middle of the Ecuador coast and the north of the province of Santa Elena. Closest hospital is one town away (Manglaralto). It is public. Better hospitals about 90 minutes south (Salinas, Santa Elena, Libertad) and World class medical three hours by car (Guayaquil)," said one expat living in Montanita.
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Guayaquil Cuenca and Quito are world class centers for cardiology and oncology. Specialists: Quito also has an English speaking psychiatrist on staff at Metropolitano. Cuenca has a world reknown plastic reconstruction surgeon Dr. Pablo Salamae. Dr. Salamae provides his skills free of charge for life altering surgery to the children of Ecuador. Cuenca also has an English speaking Multiple Sclerosis specialist, Dr. Piedra. Guayaquil has excellent cardiologists at the Kennedy Norte area," commented one expat who moved to Montanita.
Are common prescription medications available in Montanita?
"Most medication is available over the counter. Medication that is narcotic, sedative, opiod, such as anti anxiety drugs and pain medication is restricted to severely restricted. Medications such as antidepressants (SSRI & NSRI), thyroid medications, insulin, and NSAID are available though not every type or formulation. At certain times basic drugs may be embargoed. An example is embargo on NSAID drugs (ibuprofen, naprosyn, aspirin) during a mosquito borne virus outbreak. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common antihistamine in the USA that is not available in Ecuador," said one expat living in Montanita.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Montanita?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Montanita about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"Having a baby in Montanita, as an expat can be a unique experience, but it's important to be prepared. Firstly, it's crucial to understand the healthcare system in Ecuador. Public healthcare is available and affordable, but it may not offer the same level of comfort and service as private healthcare. Therefore, it might be worth considering investing in private health insurance that covers maternity care. Secondly, you should familiarize yourself with the local customs and practices related to childbirth. This can help you understand what to expect and how to navigate the process smoothly. Thirdly, it's advisable to find a reliable and trustworthy doctor who speaks your language. This will ensure that you fully understand all the medical information and advice given to you. Fourthly, consider the location of the hospital or birthing center. Montanita is a small town, and you may need to travel to a larger city for more comprehensive medical facilities. Fifthly, it's important to have a strong support network. This can be other expat families, local friends, or family who can travel to be with you. Lastly, make sure all your legal paperwork is in order. This includes ensuring that your child will have the correct citizenship and that their birth is properly registered. Remember, every pregnancy and birth is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to do your research, ask lots of questions, and make the choices that feel right for you and your family," remarked one in Montanita.
Are healthcare services good in Montanita?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Montanita. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Montanita are relatively basic, with a small local clinic available for minor health issues. For more serious conditions or emergencies, residents and visitors typically have to travel to larger cities like Guayaquil or Quito. The local clinic is staffed by local doctors and nurses who provide general medical care. Pharmacies are also available in the town, offering a range of over-the-counter and prescription medications. However, it's important to note that healthcare facilities in Montanita may not be as advanced or comprehensive as those in more developed countries. Therefore, travelers are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Despite these limitations, the cost of healthcare in Montanita is generally lower than in many Western countries," wrote a person living in Montanita.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
