How does healthcare work in South America, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in South America?

The quality of care varies greatly between countries in South America. Healthcare in Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil is well developed and Guyana offers the best quality of care of the Caribbean islands. While healthcare in Venezuela, Suriname and Peru, for example, is often not good.
The quality of care also varies greatly between the public and private sectors and between cities and countryside.
Pharmacies (farmacias) are generally available in cities and villages. Many medicines that require a prescription in Europe can be obtained here without a prescription.
In several countries in South America, there is a lack of good care for serious medical cases. It is therefore common for medical evacuation or repatriation to be necessary.

Every South American country has a public healthcare system. Healthcare is often free or cheap.
There is often a public health insurance system for residents. Sometimes expats with a residence permit can also use the public health insurance system.
In Argentina and Brazil, you will find a universal healthcare system. In some cases, expats can also use this universal healthcare system.

Many foreigners often use private healthcare institutions because of the higher quality and shorter waiting times.
Be prepared for higher costs than in public healthcare, but you will still spend less than in many Western countries.
In private healthcare, you are more likely to get by with English.

A strict GP system often does not exist; you can usually go directly to a specialist.
However, there are “medicinal general” doctors who are comparable to a GP, especially in the public sector.
In private clinics, you can also often find general practitioners who provide GP care.

The dentist is usually called a “dentista”.
The quality of and the range of dental care varies greatly per country in South America, but in general it can be said that private healthcare is good and offers more extensive options than public healthcare.
Dental care is also generally much cheaper than in Western Europe or the US. Private dental practices are almost exclusively found in large cities.
Foreigners living in South America generally also opt for private dental care. This is more expensive than public, but still reasonably cheap when compared to countries in Europe or North America.
Brazil, Peru and Colombia are popular countries for medical tourism in the field of dental care, because of the relatively low costs and good quality of care.

Just like all other care, the quality of maternity and maternity care also differs per country, but there are some generalities.
In the public sector, care is often free or affordable, but the waiting times are long and you have little privacy or options.
Many expats opt for private care because of the quality, personal attention and freedom of choice.
Private healthcare institutions are usually only found in large cities.
Most people give birth in the hospital. Home births are much less common. Giving birth by caesarean section is becoming increasingly popular in many South American countries and this is not always for medical reasons.

Robberies and thefts are the most common crimes in South America, especially in tourist areas and large cities such as Bogotá, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Buenos Aires.
Pickpockets usually perform their tricks in busy areas such as markets, train stations and public transport.
The amount and location of violent crime varies greatly from country to country, but it generally occurs in certain suburbs (favelas, barrios marginales). As a foreigner, you are less likely to be a target if you stay in safe places.
Politics is not equally stable everywhere. Protests and political unrest occur mainly in countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
The relatively safest countries and areas are Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and southern Brazil and the central and southern coast of Peru.
One of the least safe countries is Venezuela. There is a lot of serious crime and foreigners are sometimes targeted.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika occur in low-lying, humid areas such as the Amazon, on the coast and in the tropical rainforest.
Malaria occurs in parts of the Amazon in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.
Leishmaniasis and Chagas occur in more remote areas.
Tap water is certainly not safe everywhere. In Chile and Argentina you can usually drink it, but in other places bottled water is recommended.
Food hygiene also leaves much to be desired in some countries.
Beware of altitude sickness in high-altitude areas.

Main roads and highways are generally well maintained in countries such as Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.
In countries such as Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, mountain roads can be dangerous due to hairpin bends, landslides and a lack of crash barriers.
With an international driving licence you can drive for 90 days in most countries (sometimes longer when renewing).
Car rental is possible, but be aware of the small print on insurance policies.
Petrol is generally cheaper than in Europe.
Driving at night outside cities is not recommended due to unlit roads, potholes and the risk of robberies.
Buses are the most common long-distance transport: cheap, regular and in some countries (such as Argentina and Chile) very comfortable.
City buses can be crowded and confusing. In larger cities, app like Uber, Cabify or Didi are often used.
Taxis can be unsafe if they are not officially registered. Use taxi apps where possible or ask your accommodation for a reliable taxi.

Is the trip to South America and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

In some countries, long-term residents can get good health care at low or even no cost. In other countries, you will probably have to make do with private healthcare, or sometimes even medical evacuation and care in neighboring countries. For this reason, many expats opt for good, international health insurance so that they are not faced with unexpectedly high costs.
Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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