Chile Health Insurance

The Republic of Chile lies along the Pacific coast of South America. As a 4,300 kilometer long country, Chile’s climate varies from arid desert to temperate, and its topography ranges from flatlands to the Andes mountain range. Before Spanish conquest, today’s Chile was ruled by the Inca Empire. While under Spanish control it declared independence from Spain in 1818, although this was not recognized until 1844. Chile has transitioned into a modern services based economy, although commodity exports, especially copper, remain important. It has also become an increasingly important New World wine producer; it is the world’s fifth largest exporter and eighth largest producer. Spanish is Chile’s official language, but indigenous languages such as Mapundgun, Quechua, Aymara and Rapa Nui are widely spoken and German is spoken as a second language in some parts of southern Chile.

Chile health insurance is divided into public and private sector care. The Chilean National Health Fund is supported by all employees in Chile, who must make compulsory 7 per cent contributions to the fund. The fund, known as “Fonasa”, covers over 12 million Chileans and covers basic health expenditures. Chile’s local private health insurance fund, “Isapre”, is more costly and covers about 2.7 million Chileans, or nearly 16 per cent of the population. Overall, Chile’s public health is very strong. Life expectancy is 76 years for men and 82 years for women. Overall annual per capita health expenditure is USD1,172 or just over 8 percent of its GDP.

Chile Health Insurance and Health Care Indices

Like many developed countries, Chile’s burden of disease has shifted away from communicable diseases. Tuberculosis infections affect just 15 of every 100,000 population, which is less than half of the regional average. The same goes for the country’s HIV infection rates, with 4 cases per 1,000 adults, or just half of the global average. Today’s Chileans are more likely to be affected by the diseases of affluence such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, which occur more often in populations with modern diets and sedentary lifestyles, including alcohol abuse and smoking. Today over one third of Chileans smoke and obesity rates are on the rise. Chileans have access to universal from birth. This, combined with comprehensive antenatal care, has led to a large reduction in maternal mortality; Chile’s rate is less than half of the Americas regional average.

In terms of public health investment, Chileans now enjoy nearly universal access to improved drinking water; although some rural areas lack clean water, there have been steady gains in access since 1990. Similarly, most Chileans have access to improved sanitation facilities, and the gap in access with rural areas is rapidly closing. This has been a major contribution to the reduction in the spread of communicable diseases in Chile. Chile’s health insurance system has ensured near universal access to care, and in the private system there is a very high standard of care. But physician shortages plague poor rural areas, as Chile’s health care workforce is somewhat understaffed by regional standards. There are 10.9 doctors and 6.3 nurses per 10,000 population in Chile. The World Health Organisation operates five collaborating centres in the capital city of Santiago, which perform research on nutrition, midwifery, primary care, ethics and occupational health.

Chile Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

Chile’s steady economic growth, varied terrain and cultural heritage make it attractive to tourists and expatriates alike. While the South American nation is know for its stability and safety, visiting Chile is not without risk. The Centre for Disease Control recommends visiting a travel health specialist four to six weeks before visiting Chile to update routine immunisations, including hepatitis and typhoid. Rabies vaccinations may be suggested for those planning to come into direct contact with wild animals such as bats. Easter Island has had outbreaks of dengue fever, and the Andes have seen cases of bartonellosis. Also, Chile’s location on the Pacific Rim makes it prone to destructive earthquakes, with concomitant effects on public health.

Chile’s cuisine has recently emerged on the global culinary stage, but here it should be mentioned that diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal complaints are the number one health problem for travellers globally. Avoiding raw or undercooked foods and drinking only bottled water should prevent most instances of ill health. Traffic accidents are also a major health risk for tourists and expatriates, for those planning to drive in Chile, the traffic moves on the right and tourists should observe local rules of the road. Regarding Chile health insurance plans, these are available to expatriates, but only if they have spent a significant amount of time in-country and have a tax identification number and contribute to either the Fonasa or Isapre system. Many hospitals and clinic will require an up front payment in cash or credit card before providing any service, unless the patient has some proof of health insurance coverage. An international health insurance plan is strongly suggested for tourists and expatriates to avoid the high costs associated with a medical emergency or surgery.

Chile Health Insurance & International Health Care Plan

While an international health insurance plan is a vital part of any tourist or expatriate’s toolkit, choosing among the wide range of options can be daunting. The experienced team of advisors at Expat Medical Insurance are available to answer any question you may have about international health insurance plans. Options available through Expat Medical Insurance include alternative, dental, maternal and even medical evacuation care. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, so contact Expat Medical Insurance today for more information.