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Chile is one of South America's most prosperous, democratically run Latin American countries. Chile shares its borders with Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, and has a 6,435 kilometer Pacific coastline. Chile has a diverse climate, due to its geographical location. This ranges from a desert climate in the north, humid sub-tropical climate in the Easter Islands, Oceanic in the south, while central Chile enjoys a Mediterranean type climate. Chile features a splendid array of landscapes including volcanoes, glaciers and the mountains of the Andes.
Chile has a high standard of healthcare, with universal healthcare coverage provided through the government-run FONASA scheme with additional cover via privately run health insurers – known as Isapres, (Instituciones de Salud Previsional). Chileans are required to contribute 7% of their wages to the government run health insurance scheme, while private run health insures set prices based on the policyholders specific medical cover required.
In 1981 the Chilean healthcare sector opened up to competition, when it allowed private insurance companies – Isapres, (Instituciones de Salud Previsional) - to enter the market, giving Chileans a choice between state run or privately provided healthcare. Prior to 1981, and the introduction of Isapres, Chileans were obligated to participate in the state-run health insurance program Fondo Nacional de Salud (FONASA) which inluded a 4% deduction from wages. The introduction of private health insurance gave Chileans better access to more comprehensive and high quality medical coverage. By 1997 nearly 25% of the Chilean population were members of a private health insurance scheme, but this was at the expense of contributions to the state-run FONASA provision. This subsequently led the Chilean government to impose compulsory membership of FONASAs – with a 7% deduction from income; purchasing private health insurance then became an optional extra, but had an underlying impact on improving overall standards of healthcare.
The healthcare provided under private insurance did experience some issues with premium increases and a more selective approach to patient cover – refusing to insure higher risk categories such as those with pre-existing medical conditions and the aging element of the population. This resulted in the higher risk patient categories reverting to the public sector FONASA scheme, with consequential cost impacts on the state finances. New laws were introduced in the year 2000 to address this issue, so that the conditions for patient acceptance by both the FONASA and Isapres schemes were equalized. Nevertheless, in 2008 40% of the public sector FONASA membership was in the higher risk and ailing health categories including many poor or destitute member, of the population. In 2008, it was estimated that 8% of the population were unable to make any form of contribution to medical insurance cover – although the state was, and is still, required to provide basic healthcare for the indigenous population.
Healthcare facilities are generally regarded as good in Chile, although not quite up to the standard of medical care facilities expected in North America and Western Europe. The facilities available – particularly in major cities and towns – are able to provide comprehensive medical treatment with well trained medical professionals. However, because healthcare facilities are of a high standard, and there is wide healthcare coverage through Chilean private and public healthcare schemes, the medical treatment is expensive. It should be noted that if you are traveling to remote or rural areas, the healthcare facilities are limited and not up to the quality standards experienced in major centres.
Medical care is expensive in Chile, and if you are an expatriate or short term visitor, it is strongly recommended that you have Chilean international health insurance for the duration of your stay in Chile – as seeking even basic medical treatment can be expensive. To protect yourself and your family from high medical costs, ensure you take out an insurance policy that gives full medical coverage while you are in Chile. If you are a legal working expatriate in Chile you can request a RUN (Rol Único Nacional), which will entitle you to join one of Chile's insurance schemes; this does not apply to expatriate retirees. However, all expatriates in Chile are advised to obtain Chilean expatriate health insurance cover as it will be more comprehensive and meet your needs as a foreign national; this can include medical evacuation and repatriation – if treatment is required in your home domicile.
Foreigners seeking medical treatment in Chile are required to pay for all treatment. The majority of healthcare facilities will want payment at the time of treatment - some will only accept cash. Larger hospitals and clinics– especially those in the cities – will accept credit cards.
Visitors to the capital Santiago need to be aware that there is a major air pollution problem in the city, which can lead to people experiencing eye irritation and respiratory problems. The problem is heightened during the winter (June-September), as air pollution in the city increases; it is recommended that you take measures to limit your exposure to air pollution while in the city – such as avoid spending unnecessary time in the open.
Chile is prone to sporadic cases of typhoid, cholera and hepatitis B, especially during the summer months (December to March). Santiago is normally free from any serious outbreaks of infectious disease, but outside of the capital – especially rural areas – cases are fairly common. Cholera and typhoid are water borne diseases, it is recommended that you only drink bottled or boiled water, and take care with sanitary systems.
Dengue fever is common in Latin American and can occur throughout the year. In 2007, the number of cases of dengue fever increased across the region, although the only case in Chile was reported on Easter Island (Isla de Pascua). It is recommended that if any serious outbreaks of diseases occur when you are in Chile, you take precautionary measures to protect yourself from getting ill. For further information on health conditions in the country it is advised that you consult with a doctor prior to your trip to Chile to ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date.
When taking out Chile international health insurance, it is critical it covers you for all eventualities and activities you intend to take part in while in the country. As healthcare costs are very high throughout Chile, it is important to safeguard yourself from potentially significant medical costs which may occur from seeking medical treatment in the county; it is strongly recommended that you ensure you have medical air ambulance evacuation cover included, as this can amount to many thousands of dollars.
If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Chile, an international health insurance plan will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Chile. Should you require further information on Chile global medical insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now. |
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