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Ecuador Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Ecuador is named for its geographic location on the equator. The South American country faces the Pacific Ocean and borders Colombia and Peru. The former Spanish colony gained independence from Spain in 1830 and today is governed from the capital city of Quito as a presidential republic. Ecuador also includes the Galapagos Islands off the coast, widely famed for their diverse flora and fauna and attracting thousands of tourists yearly. Ecuador’s economy is highly dependent on resource exports and agriculture. In 2000, Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency. Ecuadorian culture is dominated by the mestizo majority – a mix of Spanish and indigenous population dating back to early colonial times. However other European and African minorities have also contributed to the art, music and cuisine of Ecuador.

Ecuador Healthcare System

Ecuadorian life expectancy is near developed country norms, 73 years for males and 78 years for females. However, health care spending is relatively low at US$ 503 per capita annually, or about 6.3 percent of GDP. Ecuador’s health care work force is understaffed, with 14.8 doctors and 16.6 nurses per 100,000 people, far below the regional average. Lack of training opportunities and “brain drain” as top health care professionals seek more lucrative opportunities overseas contribute to this problem.

While the HIV infection rate of 4 per 1,000 Ecuadorian adults is below the Americas regional average, communicable diseases are rather prevalent in the country. With 112 cases per 100,000 people, tuberculosis is a serious health concern far above the regional norm of 38 cases. In 2002, the WHO Global Alert and Response bulletin after an outbreak of dengue and haemorrhagic fever, but there have been no emergency alerts since then. In the late 1990s, malaria cases surged to about 100,000, but thanks to focused and well-funded efforts, today only about 5 percent of Ecuadorians are at risk for the disease.

Noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiopulmonary health problems are increasingly influencing Ecuadorian morbidity and mortality. Many of these are a result of “diseases of affluence” correlated with modern diets and sedentary lifestyle.

In spite of near universal utilisation of skilled health professionals at birth, Ecuador’s maternal mortality rate is rather high at 140 per 100,000 live births. This could be attributable to limited utilisation of antenatal health care. Only about 58 percent of expectant mothers make at least the bare minimum four antenatal visits to a physician.

Ecuadorian infrastructure investment over the past two decades has been focused on improving public health via access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities. The program has been a real success, as Ecuador has gone from about 70 percent to near universal access to improved drinking water and sanitation, although most of these in the rural hinterlands would not meet modern standards.

Ecuador’s position as a commodities exporter and its natural bounty make it a popular destination for business traveller and tourist alike. But like any overseas destination, visiting Ecuador carries certain risks. The US Centre for Disease Control has issued guidelines to aid prospective travellers.

The first step in preparing to visit or relocate to Ecuador is visiting a travel health physician or clinic to update routine immunisations. Yellow fever vaccination is required of all visitors from at-risk countries as well as Ecuadorians visiting at-risk countries. Rabies shots are recommended for those planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, although will not be necessary for those only going to the Galapagos Islands.

Although there has been a successful effort to reduce its prevalence, malaria is a serious health risk in parts of Ecuador below 1500 metres elevation, except for Guayaqui, Quito and Galapagos. Using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets and wearing long sleeved clothing are useful preventative measures. Antimalarial drugs may be used on a prophylactic basis if you plan to visit a high-risk area. Tropical South America also has a number of insect borne diseases such as dengue, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, as well parasitic infections like schistosomiasis. In any case, avoiding insect and animal bites as well as areas of stagnant water is strongly recommended.

Ecuador’s rich culinary traditions may delight the palate, but avoid raw or undercooked foods in order to prevent the number one global traveller’s complaint – indigestion. Drink only bottled water be careful with washing fruits and vegetables to avoid nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. A recent wave of deaths involving bootleg alcohol in Ecuador should serve as warning to drink alcoholic beverages in moderation and only from a trusted source. Most acute cases of gastrointestinal distress can be treated with over the counter medicine, but persistent symptoms will require a visit to a physician.

Ecuador’s traffic drives on the right, and it is important for overseas visitors to familiarise themselves with the rules of the road. Exercise caution while driving, always wear a safety belt and never drive after drinking alcohol as penalties are severe.

Due to Ecuador’s location, the climate is sunny all year long. The tropical sun is very strong and can have negative health effects especially for those not acclimated to the hot weather. Try to avoid being outdoors near midday and drink plenty of fluids. Light loose clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are all recommended.

The Ecuadorian Ministry of Health provides basic care to all citizens at no cost; this is funded by mandatory employee contributions and is augmented by voluntary donations. Outside of the major cities, there are a number of health centres, but they do not offer comprehensive care as in larger urban areas.

Ecuador Expat Health Insurance

While local residents may receive low cost or free basic health care, expats will need to take out some form of private insurance coverage. Should you plan on visiting public health facilities you may encounter language difficulties and limitations on health care technology, personnel and pharmaceuticals may present a problem, especially in more serious medical emergencies or remote locations in Ecuador. Expat health insurance can cover you for visits to private practitioners in Ecuador and in extreme cases, cover you for air evacuation to the United States should the local healthcare prove insufficient, To ensure peace of mind an international health insurance plan is recommended.

Fortunately, Global Health Insurance can assist with your international health care needs. abroad or while you are in Ecuador. Expat health insurance that we work with can provide you a range of coverage options, including medical evacuation, maternity, dental and repatriation. Our experienced team of dedicated advisors is available around the clock to help you choose a plan that best suits you, your family, your company or your tour group. Contact a Global Health Insurance representative today for more information.