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Peru Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Peru lies in South America along the Pacific Ocean. Its democratic government is run from the capital city of Lima, and the country was the site of the Inca Empire of which the world renowned UNESCO site of Machu Picchu is perhaps its most famous legacy. Economically, Peru is considered a developing country, though it is market-oriented. The services sector makes up the largest proportion of GDP, and leading exports are copper, gold and zinc. Its ethnic make-up is varied, with native Amerindians, descendents of Spanish and other European colonists, and more recent Chinese, Arab and Japanese immigrants. Its rich culture and cuisine reflect these various influences, with the most famous dishes including anticuchos, ceviche and pachamanca. While most Peruvians speak Spanish as a native language, indigenous languages remain in current use, most commonly Quechua.

Peruvian health care indicators are considerably good for a developing country. Life expectancy for males is 74 years and 77 years for females, in spite of low annual per capita health care expenditure of USD400. Health care spending makes up about 4.6 percent of GDP. While Peru aims to provide free basic health care to all citizens via the Ministry of Health, this can be very limited and long waiting times are common. Peru health insurance provided by the private sector is generally limited to urban areas near Lima and is generally only affordable to wealthier Peruvians. The standard of care in hospitals and clinics catering to privately insured Peruvians is much higher than that in the public sector.

Peru Healthcare and Insurance

Peru has been successful in reducing the relative burden of communicable disease in the country, although at 37 percent of years of life lost this is much higher than the regional average of 20 percent. With four cases of HIV per 1,000 adults, Peru is below the regional norm and just half of the global average; tuberculosis cases also are lower than the global average, but triple the Americas regional norm.

Thanks to public health investment, Peruvians have enjoyed continuously improved access to clean drinking water sources over the past two decades – currently about 80 percent have access to improved water sources. Similarly, improvements in sanitation facilities means that now about two thirds of Peruvians have access to proper sanitation. However, few of these facilities would measure up those of advanced modern countries. As with Peru health insurance, access to clean water and sanitation is marked by socioeconomic inequality.

Peru’s health care workforce is understaffed by regional standards. There are 9.2 doctors and 12.7 nurses and midwives per 10,000 Peruvians. These figures are high for a developing country, but far below the rest of the Americas. In spite of this, Peru has successfully implemented programmes designed to improve access to antenatal, birth and infant care. For example, over 90 percent of Peruvian infants receive measles immunisations before their first birthday.

Peru Travel Advice

In the past decade, the WHO has reported outbreaks of yellow fever in Peru. The US Centre for Disease control recommends vaccination for travellers to areas of lower elevation at least ten days before travel. Immunisation should come from an authorised clinic and consultation with a travel health specialist is advised. Travellers to Peru should ensure that all routine immunisations are up to date, including hepatitis, typhoid and rabies for those visiting rural areas. Due to the limitations of Peru health insurance and health care, immunisations should be done in the traveller’s home country. Appropriate prescription medications, over the counter drugs and antibiotics should also be brought from home if possible, to ensure security of supply.

Lower elevations of Peru are also subject to outbreaks of malaria. Prescription anti-malarial drugs may be advised. Further precautions can include mosquito nets, long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent with DEET. Other insect- and parasite-borne diseases in Peru include dengue, Chagas disease and Oroya fever in the Andes mountain range. Tourists and expatriates may suffer health problems in the high altitudes of the Andes if they are not acclimated. Slow ascents are recommended. Furthermore, visitors to Peru may suffer from the universal travellers’ complaint of diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. This can be avoided by avoiding raw or undercooked food (such as ceviche), and drinking only bottled water. Usually over the counter anti-diarrhoeal pills are sufficient to treat gastrointestinal distress, but serious cases may require the attention of a physician. Road accidents are also a major problem for tourists and expatriates. Special care must be taken on winding mountain roads; also note that Peruvian traffic drives on the right.

Peru Expat Health Insurance

With its rich natural beauty and varied resources, Peru has much to offer expatriate and tourist alike. But as mentioned above, these benefits do not come without risk. With its lower standards of basic public health care, and expensive local Peru health insurance options, a medical emergency can be compounded dramatically. Furthermore, a serious emergency, especially in the Andes mountain range, may require expensive air evacuation. Expat health insurance can provide you access to high quality healthcare with high levels of benefits to protect your health and finances in one go.

The market is saturated with various international health care options, and selecting the best plan for you, your family, your business or your tour group can be challenging. To help you make the best decision for your requirements, Global Health Insurance offers a dedicated team of experienced advisors. Our representatives are available around the clock to advise you on the best option for you globally or in Peru, expat health insurance plans on offer include alternative, dental, maternity cover and emergency evacuation from Peru. Ensure peace of mind ahead of your trip to Peru and contact Global Health Insurance today.