Peru Health Insurance

Boasting the deepest canyons and the highest dunes in the world, the Republic of Peru, with a population of 29 million, is a land of contrasts. From snowcapped mountains and dense tropical rainforests, to barren deserts, volcanoes, parched plateau and deep valleys Peru is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world.

Nestled between Ecuador and Bolivia and fronting the Pacific Ocean, Peru is a commodity producing country with an export-dependent economy. It is Latin America’s biggest producer of gold, zinc and lead, and the United Nations also believes that it now rivals Colombia in cocaine production, becoming the world’s largest producer of coca leaf. Peru’s climate varies from dry in the west, to tropical in the east and from temperate to frigid along the Andes mountain range. Situated on the Pacific coast, the capital Lima is the country’s commercial center and largest city. Contrasts exist here, with people born in the capital living almost twenty years longer than those born in the southern highlands. Urban dwellers can also earn as much as thirty times more than Peru’s rural farmers. The majority of Peruvians either speak the official language, Spanish, or are of indigenous descent and largely speakers of the Quechua dialect.

Tourism, having increased significantly over the last few decades, is an important source of income in Peru, evident by city life focused on catering for foreign visitors and many historic buildings reconfigured into hotel accommodation, restaurants or home to travel related businesses. Ancient ruins, colonial mansions, impressive churches and labyrinthine cities, along with Peru’s premier attractions of the Amazon rainforest, Machu Picchu and the Andes draw numerous visitors keen to explore the country and experience Peru’s indigenous traditions. Safety standards that visitors may expect of tour and transport operators however are not consistently met. Adequate safety equipment for water sports, such as lifejackets, may not be provided and maintenance standards and safety precautions are not always observed. Tourists have died through mishaps in adventure activities in Peru, and it is recommended that credentials of tour operators be checked and local tourism authorities be consulted. Comprehensive expat health insurance should also be obtained which covers planned activities, and which also has a medical evacuation provision.

Peru Health Care and Insurance

Administered centrally by the Government, Peru’s health system is under the direction of the Ministry of Health which has a mission to promote health, prevent disease, protect personal dignity, and ensure an equal distribution of comprehensive health services to its populace. The health system comprises of publicly funded national and regional hospitals and primary healthcare clinics. Medical facilities are concentrated in the densely populated areas and, being well equipped, the vast majority of hospitals deliver a broad range of services. Due to increased demand however, including the movement of rural dwellers migrating to urban areas, patients can experience prolonged waiting periods before receiving treatment.

The Ministry of Health has introduced a ‘Health-for All’ program aimed at providing the populace with access to public healthcare, regardless of income, and strengthening the services available. Inhabitants are divided into one of three categories, contributory, semi-contributory and subsidized; however a barrier to treatment still exists for a large proportion of Peruvian society who are poverty-stricken and unable to afford the level of contributions. Despite these challenges, estimated live expectancy for the country is not disheartening at 70 years for males and 74 years for females.

There is a small but flourishing private health sector in Peru, with clinics generally of a higher standard than those in the public sector. Facilities are mainly centered in the capital and are equipped with up-to-date technologies, medications, diagnostic equipment and well-trained physicians. Services are expensive however and therefore are only available to those Peruvians who can afford to pay the increased prices or who hold private insurance coverage. Although facilities in the public system are considered adequate, acute medical conditions are likely to require treatment in the capital and in a private hospital. Foreign nationals are not eligible to receive state-funded care, which highlights the need for private Peru health insurance, in order to cover the significant costs associated with receiving treatment in the country. Visitors who may require medical attention should be aware that payment in full, at the time of receiving the service is expected, and without a guarantee of payment from an insurance company or cash payment, could result in a delay in receiving treatment. As such it is highly recommended that any visitor in the country have some form of Peru health insurance protection for the duration of their stay.

Even though poverty affects both urban and rural dwellers, remote areas in Peru show the most severe poverty, where subsistence living, food insecurity and disease is chronic is such communities. With a significant number of Peruvians living below the international poverty line, inconsistencies are obvious in the distribution of wealth and basic services, including healthcare, with a large proportion of poor suffering inadequate access. Several regions in Peru lack any medical facilities, and therefore the number of aid agencies that operate in the country fill an important role in assisting the Peruvian Government in improving quality of care and overcoming the barriers for the poor to access basic services. Travellers in rural areas could experience issues in accessing medical facilities of an adequate standard, and therefore should consider cover for medical evacuation as part of an expatriate health insurance policy.

Peru Travel Insurance Concerns

Vaccinations are recommended before travelling to Peru due to water and food-borne diseases being prevalent and serious outbreaks occurring periodically. Several people died in February 2011 as a result of an outbreak of Dengue Fever, and health advisories note extra precautions should be used against mosquito bites. Malaria also poses a risk. World Health Organization statistics show that Peru is in the highest risk category for Tuberculosis, reporting rates of over 100 cases per 100,000 of population. The US Center for Disease Control recommends vaccinations for Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, and the Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccinations for some parts of Peru and for at risk travellers. A travel medicine physician can highlight health risks for Peru and suggest appropriate inoculations pertinent to decreasing the risk of exposure.

A high degree of caution is required in Peru due to the level of serious crime. Travel advisories from developed countries suggest travelers pay close attention to personal security and that local media be monitored for possible new safety risks. Some cities are prone to civil unrest, and travel can be disrupted without notice. Protest demonstrations are often in response to social issues or local labour disputes and occur regularly throughout the country. River pirates also operate throughout the tributaries of the Amazon, therefore tour companies should be queried regarding their specific security arrangements. Safety of road users in Peru is also at risk due to poorly maintained vehicles, the aggressive driving style of locals, inadequate lighting and poor road condition. Fatal accidents are common particularly with intercity buses however using reputable transport companies can reduce one’s risk. The rainy season, from November to May can make driving particularly hazardous as flooding and landslides occur and disruptions to transportation, emergency care, utilities, supplies of food and water result. International health and travel insurance is recommended to cover unexpected costs of medical treatment or for replacement of stolen belongings.

Peru Expat Health Insurance

Medical facilities in major cities in Peru are considered adequate, however can be limited elsewhere. Up-front payment in cash is generally required before treatment is commenced, including for emergency care. Medical evacuation to a facility with appropriate facilities would be essential if a serious illness or accident occurs. These costs could be considerable. Comprehensive medical insurance is necessary to avoid delays in receiving quality curative care and to ensure substantial costs associated with medical evacuation from Peru does not become a financial burden. Expat Medical Insurance arranges globally transferable policies covering you wherever and whenever you or your family may travel. A worldwide medical insurance policy covers emergency evacuation, maternity services, doctors’ fees, medications, specialist consultations, and a range of other specific needs. Contact one of Expat Medical Insurance’s consultants to discuss a range of health insurance plans available.