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Chile Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Chile begins in the Andes and goes west to the Pacific Ocean in a long, narrow strip of land in South America. As it runs north to south 2,700 miles, and from high mountainous altitude to sea level, Chile’s climate varies dramatically, and includes deserts as well as glacier fields. With gross national income of USD13,250 in 2009, Chile is considered a middle-income country. Tertiary services dominate the economy, but copper mining and agricultural exports during the northern hemisphere’s off-season, particularly grapes, also make up a significant proportion of Chilean national income.

In terms of health care indicators, Chile highly resembles most modern developed countries. Average life expectancy at birth for males is 76 years; Chilean female life expectancy is 82 years. Following economic reforms carried out under University of Chicago-trained free-market disciples who headed various aspects of the Pinochet regime, Chile’s health insurance system is highly privatised vis-à-vis other Latin American countries, although a mandatory contribution of 7 percent of income is required of all Chilean employees in order to fund the public health care system.. The World Health Organisation does not have a breakdown of figures public versus private health care spending in Chile, but overall annual per capita health care expenditure in Chile is USD1,172, or 8.2 percent of GDP.

Over the past several decades, like many rapidly emerging countries, Chile has reduced its burden of communicable disease. Rates of infection from HIV and tuberculosis are far below the global average. The most recent health bulletin from the WHO involved a cholera outbreak in 1998. However, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases associated with more affluent countries is on the rise. Diabetes, cancer and cardiac problems associated with modern diets and sedentary lifestyles account for 71 percent of Chilean morbidity and mortality. Tobacco usage rates are high in Chile as two fifths of males and one third of females smoke.

Chile Health Insurance and Associated Health Indicators

In recent decades, although there has been rapid growth in the delivery of Chile health insurance, some of the greatest advances in Chilean health have come in rural areas as a result of improved access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Access to clean water has been raised from 50 to 75 percent of rural Chileans since 1990, and sanitation facilities have followed a similar trajectory, with concomitant positive impact on public health.

Chile’s health care workforce is quite understaffed. Although basic antenatal, birth and infant care are nearly universally provided, there are only 10.9 doctors and 6.3 nurses and midwives per 10,000 population, which represent about one half and one tenth of the Americas regional average.

Chile Medical Insurance and Advice for Expatriates and Travellers

In addition to its hospitals and health clinics, Chile also operates five research centres in collaboration with the WHO, each in the capital city of Santiago. The WHO Collaborating Centres perform research on: nutrition and health; midwifery; primary health care; bioethics; and occupational health. Hospitals in Chile generally operate at a high standard and most expatriates should have no problems with the level of care provided at Chile’s private clinics. Long-term residents in Chile may participate in the local health care system, but to cover care at home and in Chile, health insurance from an international provider is strongly recommended.

Chile is very much a modern country, but travelling or relocating to the country is not without risk. The region is prone to earthquakes; a recent quake in 2010 caused extensive casualties and property damage. Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred on Easter Island, Andes virus has been reported near the border with Argentina and bartonellosis is common in the Andes. Chile is a popular off-season ski destination for northern hemisphere residents, so injuries related to this and other outdoor sports are also quite common. Injuries occurring in more remote areas may require costly medical evacuation via airlift. Hence it may be worthwhile to ensure that your international health insurance plan covers this in Chile.

More commonplace, but potentially no less serious concerns include the universal travellers’ complaint of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. These can usually be treated with over the counter medication, but serious cases should be administered by a physician. Also, road accidents can happen anywhere, but tourists and expatriates less familiar with local driving laws and customs are much more likely to have problems.

Chile Expat Health Insurance

Chile’s modern health care system is able to treat most medical conditions that should befall the expatriate or traveller. Many doctors and nurses will have varying degrees of English language skills and there are also a few international clinics. However the shortage of medical professionals in the country means that more remote parts of the country may not have uniformly high levels of care. Furthermore, although many clinics accept credit card payments, some hospitals may require upfront payment in cash without proof of Chile or expat health insurance coverage.

There are many international health care options available on the market today, and choosing the right plan for your needs, or the requirements of your family, company or tour group can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Global Health Insurance has a dedicated team of trusted advisors to help you select the best plan for your needs as a visitor or expat in Chile. Expat health insurance plans offer optional coverage benefits including alternative, dental, maternal and medical evacuation coverage. Global Health Insurance advisors are available around the clock; contact one of our representatives today.