Uruguay Health Insurance

Formerly part of the Empire of Brazil, Spanish-speaking Uruguay declared independence in 1825. Located between Brazil and Argentina in South America and facing the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay enjoys a mild, temperate climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 9 to 26 degrees Celsius. Culturally, Uruguay is similar to Argentina, with strong European (and especially Italian) influences. Barbequed meats and tango dancing are both very popular, as in Argentina. The historic local patois, “cocoliche” is a mix of Spanish and Italian and some words remain in common usage today. Uruguay’s posh seaside resort city of Punta del Esta attracts chic Argentines and global jet-setters alike.

Uruguay is highly regarded for its quality of life indicators, and tops regional rankings for media openness, education, environmental factors and health. Uruguay’s population of less than 3.5 million enjoys average life expectancy comparable to that of wealthier countries, with 72 years for men and 79 years for women. Uruguay spends 7.4 percent of GDP on health care, which amounted to USD979 per capita in 2009. Government expenditure has made up an increasing proportion of Uruguayan health care spending since the mid 1990s, and now represents nearly two thirds of overall health care spending in the country. While private spending has declined proportionally, this has mostly come as a result of fewer out of pocket expenditures. Uruguay health insurance and health care financing have modernized and become much more sophisticated over the past two decades. Uruguay health insurance spending now represents more than two thirds of private health care spending, up from less than one-third in 1995.

Uruguay Health Insurance & Health Care Indicators

Thanks to the increased efficiency of its health care system along with a series of public health campaigns, Uruguay’s rates of communicable disease tend to be below the average in the Americas region. For example tuberculosis infection rates are just two-thirds of the regional average, and about one tenth of the global norm. Because of focused public health investment over the past two decades, access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities are available to all Uruguayans. All births are attended by skilled medical professionals, and the standard of prenatal and infant care has also been improved, with positive results on infant and maternal mortality figures. Smoking remains a public health concern as about one third of Uruguayans smoke cigarettes. However, Uruguay has enacted some of the strictest public smoking ordinances in South America, so these rates may be expected to decline. Modern sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets have led to an increase in obesity rates, which is cause for concern. But Uruguay’s obesity rates are far below those in North America.

Hospitals and clinics in Uruguay are well-staffed with a well-trained workforce, and there are one third more doctors per capita than the Americas average. Uruguay’s education system ranks near the top regionally. Free health care is constitutionally mandated for the poor in Uruguay, and the public sector provides health for 43 percent of the population, according to WHO figures. About 46 percent of the population utilize Uruguay’s health insurance system. Recent measures have been enacted with the aim of improving equity in access to health care. Related goals include a national health fund, to improve the distribution of health care in Uruguay. Like many developed countries, Uruguay has shifted the focus of health care to preventative care, such as campaigns to promote health diet, exercise, quitting smoking and other social and environmental determinants of health.

Uruguay Health Insurance for Tourists and Expatriates

Uruguay has long been an attractive getaway for South Americans, but has increasingly become a global tourism hot spot. Many are now moving beyond the bohemian chic of Punta del Este and its local beachside environs, and exploring the unspoilt natural beauty of Uruguay’s national parks. Many of these marshland preserves are unrivalled anywhere on earth. Although Uruguay had the distinction of being the only country in the Americas not to have a recession in the recent global financial crisis, it is not yet a major business travel destination, although not for lack of opportunities. However the country is becoming increasingly popular for retired expatriates. Uruguay is generally a very safe place to visit, but nevertheless visitors should be aware of certain health risks.

Most of the health risks encountered in Uruguay are similar to those in most developed countries. Traffic accidents, particularly those involving alcohol, are particularly dangerous. Although the local cuisine is not terribly exotic, visitors not accustomed to local bacteria may suffer gastrointestinal distress. As with most vacation destinations, visitors should drink only bottled water. Local health care for visitors is generally satisfactory, especially in areas near the capital city of Montevideo. Visitors to more remote parts of the country may encounter more difficulty in receiving care. In Uruguay, health insurance may not cover medical evacuation, so an international health plan may be recommended.

Uruguay Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Visiting Uruguay should be an exciting, relaxing and awe-inspiring experience, but should the unthinkable happen and you or your family have a medical emergency, you want to make sure you’re covered. With so many international health care plans on the market, choosing the best option is never easy. Expat Medical Insurance has a full time staff available around the clock who are dedicated to finding the best insurance plan to suit your needs. Expat Medical Insurance offers a wide range of plans, which can include a medical evacuation rider. Contact us today for further information.

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