Expat Community > Ecuador

msherron
Joined 2010
Posts: 16

Health insurance

14 years ago

My wife and I are coming to Ecuador for our initial visit from September 7th through 22nd. I must tell you this is an amazing forum and the discussions here are very informative for those of us considering a move to Ecuador (or anyplace for that matter).

I have a question regarding health insurance. For those of you who have made the move to Ecuador, do you still carry any type of health insurance? Or do you simply pay as you go for whatever care you require? If you do have health insurance is it a policy you obtained in Ecuador or is there some type of affordable international health insurance.

I ask because I will turn 70 in December of this year. It is my understanding that one cannot obtain health insurance in Ecuador once they turn 70. Is that true? Or does it simply become more expensive?

If we move to Ecuador, and it is certainly feeling like our visit will only reinforce our desire to do that, I will most likely choose to give up my Medicare since it would do no good to pay for it while living in Ecuador (or any other foreign country). Have any of you done that?

Do I have to establish residency before becoming eligible for health insurance? Does it require a specific address to obtain it?

I am satisfied from all I have read about the quality of health care as well as the affordability of it. I'm probably thinking more about any kind of catastrophic illness (heart attack, cancer, etc.) and the costs of treatment associated with it. While we do have enough monthly income to support ourselves we do not have a lot of reserves in the case of extreme medical costs. Of course, we face the same dilemma here in the US.

The only ongoing health issue that I have is atrial fibrillation which results in my heart beating irregularly on an infrequent basis. I have had 2 ablation procedures and take an arrhythmia drug and it now seems under control. I am now able to do things I enjoy such as hiking and aerobic exercise. The arrhythmia drug I take (Tikosyn) is fairly expensive and would cost about $200 per month assuming I could still obtain it in Ecuador.

Thanks for any information and thoughts you may have.

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Real Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

Additional Information:

Visit our Ecuador Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Ecuador

Health insurance

Login