Will M. Says:
I like Ecuador as my destination, but I have a medical condition. Where in the country has the best healthcare?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Will,
One of the great perks for foreign residents living in Ecuador is high-quality, low-cost healthcare. Bloomberg has frequently rated Ecuador above the U.S. for efficiency of its healthcare system.
Ecuador’s best medical services are offered in Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. It’s common practice for doctors in other parts of Ecuador to refer seriously ill patients to hospitals in one of these cities.
For example, patients in Esmeraldas, Cotacachi, and Ibarra would go to Quito, while patients in Loja and Vilcabamba would be sent to Cuenca.
Healthcare experts also report that Cuenca picks up extra patients from all parts of the country, including Quito and Guayaquil, because of lower costs. A hospital administrator in Quito estimates that costs for care in Cuenca are typically 10% to 20% less than in Quito and Guayaquil.
So, although quality healthcare is available throughout Ecuador, keep in mind that in rural areas many services may not be available and the quality of healthcare may not be as good as in larger towns or cities. If you have a condition that might require specialized services, consider locating close to Quito, Cuenca, or Guayaquil.
Even aside from the quality, low-cost healthcare, living in Ecuador can have lots of benefits for your health. Just check out expat Donna Stiteler’s article in your IL magazine, “I Moved to Ecuador and it Saved My Life.”
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