×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Ecuador | As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Street Tres de Noveimbre in Cuenca, Ecuador

As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

Answer this Question

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

We asked expats in Ecuador if they have access to public healthcare in Ecuador. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"I'm a Canadian transplant and I've been in the north of Ecuador (near Cotacachi) for nearly five years, married to an Ecuadorian and affiliated with EISS, the Ecuadorian version of medicare. I'm nearly 74, with no serious health problems other than blood pressure, which has been well controlled for more than ten years. All of our basic meds are covered and only occasionally do we have to go to a pharmacy to get something the doctors have prescribed. The cost to me for the two of us is $95/month.. Coming from almost fify years in the Canadian healthcare system I would give the IESS system pretty high marks. Access to the necessary care might be easier here," said another expat in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

"Permanent residents in Ecuador can enroll in public healthcare system or get private insurance at any age. The cost for public system is about $80 a month and pre-existing conditions are covered after 2 months. There are public hospitals in major cities and some smaller towns. The quality care may depend on the area but many expats in Ecuador enroll in the system due to low cost," wrote a member who made the move to Loja, Ecuador.

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Connect

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 ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

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!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question:

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Ecuador, please include the name of the city/town below:


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.

Street Tres de Noveimbre in Cuenca, Ecuador
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca
Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaEcuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara Chaca

Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move!
Learn More

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides