What Expats and Visitors Need to Know About Hospitals in Chile
Whether traveling to Chile or making the country your permanent home, it is essential to understand how to access healthcare, whether for an emergency or a routine procedure. And this means being able to access Chile’s hospitals and clinics. Here is a guide to help you access hospitals in Chile.
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How Many Hospitals Are in Chile?
There are 425 hospitals in Chile. They are pretty evenly split between public and private (46% public and 54% private). In general, the word “hospital” refers to public ones, while “clinic” is the word used for private ones. The good news is that both public and private hospitals offer access to high-quality healthcare at affordable prices.
Are Hospitals Good in Chile?
Chile is well-regarded for its world-class healthcare, often considered the best in Latin America. Many people believe that the quality of healthcare in Santiago is comparable to that in large cities in the United States and Europe. Additionally, Chile’s healthcare is more accessible and more affordable than in the United States.
It is essential to note that while healthcare in larger cities is world-class, treatment options are more limited in rural areas, and equipment and facilities may not seem adequate in comparison.
List of Recommended Hospitals in Chile
The majority of the hospitals are concentrated in Santiago, and we have included a list of some of the world-class institutions. We have also included hospitals outside of the capital city.
Hospitals and Medical Centers in Santiago
Clínica Redsalud Providencia
Address: Av. Salvador 130, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 366 2000
Fax: +56 2 223 0744
Centro de Cáncer Nuestra Señora
Address: Diagonal Paraguay 319, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 354 6901
Centro Médico Alcántara
Address: Av. Apoquindo 3990, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 207 0427
Clínica Dávila Vespucio
Address: Serafín Zamora 190 (Costado Mall Plaza Vespucio), La Florida, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 390 8800
Fax: +56 2 390 8980
Centro Médico Irarrázaval
Address: Av. Irarrázaval 3695, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 209 0386
Centro Médico Nuestra Señora de la Paz
Address: San Borja 122, Piso 2 (Mall Paseo Estación), Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 779 6615
Centro Médico San Joaquín
Address: Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4686, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 552 1900
Centro Médico San Jorge
Address: Cruz del Sur 177 (Esquina Nevería), Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 754 8300
Clínica Alemana de Santiago S.A.
Address: Av. Vitacura 5951, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 210 11 11
Fax: +56 2 212 43 80
Clínica Arauco
Address: Av. Presidente Kennedy 5413-B, Parque Arauco, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 299 0000
Fax: +56 2 299 0305
Clínica Cordillera – Centro de Diagnóstico (Ñuñoa)
Address: Eduardo Castillo Velasco 4890, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 601 414
Clínica Indisa
Address: Avenida Santa María 1810, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 362 5555
Fax: +56 2 362 0275
Clínica Las Condes – Lo Fontecilla
Address: Lo Fontecilla 441, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 210 4000
Fax: +56 2 217 2998
Clínica Las Condes – Medical Centre (Lo Barnechea)
Address: El Puente 2082, Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 210 4000
Clínica Las Lilas
Address: Av. Eliodoro Yáñez 2087, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 410 6100
Clínica Cordillera – Centro de Diagnóstico (Amunátegui)
Address: Amunátegui 465, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 731 2600
Clínica San Carlos
Address: Camino El Alba 12351, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 754 8700
Clínica Santa María
Address: Av. Santa María 0500, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 461 3000
Clínica Las Nieves
Address: Avenida Santa María 5950, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 366 7800
Fax: +56 2 366 7888
Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile
Address: Santos Dumont 999, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 678 81 34
Fax: +56 777 13 73
Hospital Universidad Católica
Address: Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 222 4516
Hospitals Outside of Santiago
Clínica Alemana Temuco
Address: Senador Estébanez 645, Temuco, Chile
Tel: +56 45 201 201
Clínica Avansalud Bío Bío
Address: Av. Jorge Alessandri No. 1315, Talcahuano, Concepción, Chile
Tel: +56 41 734 200
Fax: +56 41 734 201
Clínica Avansalud Viña del Mar
Address: 13 Norte No. 635 (between Av. Libertad and 1 Poniente), Viña del Mar, Chile
Tel: +56 32 451 000
Clínica Reñaca – Jardín del Mar
Address: Anabaena 336, Reñaca, Chile
Tel: +56 32 658 435
Mutual de Seguridad
Address: Av. El Santo 1506–1522, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
Tel: +56 51 221 991
Fax: +56 51 226 939
Best Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Chile
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
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.
Is Healthcare Free in Chile?
The public healthcare system is run by the government organization, Fondo Nacional de Salud (FONASA). Chilean residents must pay into the system to take advantage of this healthcare system, but there are groups of people for whom the system is free.
There is also a robust private healthcare system, ISAPRE. Many Chileans use this system instead of enrolling in FONASA. However, if a citizen is not insured with ISAPRE, they will be automatically enrolled in FONASA; thus, Chile does have universal healthcare.
Before landing in Chile, make sure you have the health insurance that will provide the coverage you need:
What Is the Difference Between Public and Private Hospitals?
Both types of hospitals will offer excellent healthcare at prices that are significantly more reasonable than those in North America. However, public hospitals in Chile may seem crowded and hectic for visitors. For instance, while the number of facilities is relatively evenly split between public and private, with a slight preference for the private sector, the number of citizens using public facilities far outweighs those using private facilities.
Approximately 70% of Chileans opt to stay in the FONASA system, meaning public hospitals offer centralized services to a significantly larger number of people than private clinics. Additionally, visitors and expats may not be able to access the public healthcare system. Private insurance may work more effectively within the private system.
In general, visitors and expats alike prefer the private system for their healthcare needs.
How Much Does a Hospital Visit Cost in Chile?
Of course, the answer to this depends significantly on insurance. Due to the high quality and affordability of healthcare in Chile, it is advisable to seek an international plan that reflects these benefits in its rates.
Here is a quick breakdown of some standard procedures with approximate prices for having the tests and procedures done at a private clinic in Santiago:
- An MRI $450 out-of-pocket, and as low as $14 with insurance
- A colonoscopy is $300-$500 out-of-pocket
- Childbirth is $2,000-$4,000, with $1,500 additional for a C-Section out-of-pocket
- Broken ankle X-Ray and initial appointment is $100 out-of-pocket
- $1,000 worth of blood testing done in the United States costs about $100 out-of-pocket in Santiago, and is likely to be as low as $10 with insurance
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- 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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