How Chile’s Healthcare System Works
Chile has one of the highest standards of public healthcare in the world. They are considered a leader in Latin America, setting the standard for what other countries can achieve. According to the World Health Organization’s ranking of global healthcare systems, Chile is listed 33rd in the world. This puts it just below countries like Finland and Canada and just above the United States and Denmark.
The results of their exemplary care are evident in life expectancy rates. Chileans have one of the longest average lifespans in the world: 80 years for men and 85 years for women. However, while standards in cities such as Santiago are especially high, many of Chile’s rural and remote regions struggle to get the same standard of care as the capital. If you’re moving to or traveling in Chile, here is what you should know about the healthcare system.
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Overview of Healthcare in Chile
Chile was one of the first Latin American countries to introduce universal healthcare funded through salary deductions. In the 1950s, the government created a national healthcare system overseen by the Fondo Nacional de Salud (FONASA).
Historical Development
Chile’s early universal system changed during the years of the military dictatorship, when a two-tier healthcare model emerged. During this period, citizens were allowed to opt out of the public system in favor of private insurance, but public investment declined significantly as a result.
By 1990, after the return to civilian rule, the government began strengthening the public system once again, making notable improvements to access and quality.
Chile’s Healthcare System Today
Chile now operates a mixed public–private model:
- Public Sector (FONASA): Administers the national public health system and remains the primary source of coverage for much of the population.
- Private Sector (ISAPRE): A network of private insurance institutions that individuals can choose instead of the public system.
- Special Programs: Additional coverage options are available for specific groups, including members of the Armed Forces.
Public Health Achievements
Chile’s healthcare system has produced several important public health successes:
- Nearly universal access to clean drinking water
- Dramatic reductions in communicable and childhood diseases
- Universal hospital delivery coverage
- Creation of pediatric care facilities for acute respiratory infections
- Broad public health initiatives, including national immunization and nutrition programs
These improvements reflect decades of investment in hygiene, maternal care, and preventive health.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite its strengths, Chile continues to face systemic challenges:
- About 3.5% of the population lives in extreme poverty, limiting access to consistent care.
- Social inequality remains a significant barrier. For example, infant mortality among children of mothers with less than three years of schooling is 3.4 times higher than among children whose mothers have over 13 years of education.
These disparities highlight the uneven distribution of healthcare resources and outcomes across different socioeconomic groups.
Who is Eligible For Coverage
Expats living and working in Chile are eligible for public healthcare. However, they must have legal residency and be paying taxes. As of 2018, there are options for self-employed workers as well.
Anyone who is self-employed and issues receipts for the services they provide is required to contribute 7% of their pay towards healthcare.
Costs of the Healthcare System
In Chile, approximately 5% of the family income is allocated towards healthcare expenses. Otherwise, the healthcare system is financed primarily through payroll taxes and government funding. The standard payroll deduction is 7%.
The Ministry of Health oversees all governance and regulation at the federal level. The federal system is responsible for collecting and pooling funds, as well as purchasing equipment and supplies.
The Differences Between Private and Public Care
The public and private healthcare systems in Chile operate a bit differently from those in other countries. Public healthcare is focused mostly on primary healthcare. This includes health promotion, preventative care, and medical treatment.
The private sector, however, tends to focus more on specialized secondary services. This includes everything from cardiac clinics to dermatological care.
Approximately 20% of the population in Chile opt to carry private health insurance. Some of the benefits of private care include having access to multilingual staff, convenient testing facilities, and much shorter wait times. As well, facilities tend to be newer, cleaner, more comfortable, and more private.
Healthcare Options for Expats and Foreigners
Those eligible for public healthcare in Chile can choose from either the state-run health service (FONASA) or a private insurer (ISAPRE) plan. Residents who opt for FONASA will have 7% of their salary automatically deducted to fund the healthcare system. The FONASA program also provides health insurance coverage for individuals receiving unemployment benefits, pregnant women without insurance, the families of insured workers, individuals with disabilities, and low-income citizens.
When it comes to private insurance options through the ISAPRE system, the better the plan, the more expensive it tends to be. Many high-salary earners opt to join ISAPRE or another private insurance option for the higher overall standard of care they receive. However, many expats opt to secure their health insurance by purchasing private international health insurance before they relocate. This allows them to maintain a high standard of private healthcare with minimal issues related to local paperwork and bureaucracy.
Best Health Insurance Plans for Expats Living in Chile
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
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IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Best Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens Living in Chile
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Maternity Care in Chile
Birth Tourism and Citizenship
Chile has developed a modest but notable industry centered on maternity-related medical tourism. Any baby born in Chile automatically receives Chilean citizenship, regardless of the parents’ nationality. As a result, some international families seek out delivery in Chile to secure the benefits of dual citizenship and access to Chile’s widely respected passport.
Many private hospitals actively market maternity packages to foreign parents, ranging from standard labor and delivery stays to extended packages that include added services such as language lessons.
Maternity Care for Expats
For expats already living in Chile, the experience differs when using the public or private insurance systems (FONASA or ISAPRE). In most cases, insurance coverage includes:
- Three-night hospital stay for vaginal births
- Four-night hospital stay for Cesarean births
Expats often note that epidurals are widely used in Chile, more so than in many other countries. However, other standard pain-relief methods, such as gas and air used in the UK, are less commonly available. These cultural and procedural differences are essential to discuss with your healthcare team as early in your pregnancy as possible.
Reproductive Rights and Abortion Laws
Until 2017, Chile had some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. Today, abortion is permitted only under three circumstances:
- When the mother’s life is at risk
- When the fetus is not expected to survive the pregnancy
- In cases of rape, within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (or 14 weeks if the patient is under 14 years old)
Abortion remains a sensitive and highly debated topic in Chile. Women’s organizations and advocacy groups are available to support patients who may not have a strong or supportive relationship with their primary healthcare provider.
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- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
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- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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