With a population of just over 16.1 million in 2015, Ecuador ranks 68th in the world by population and 75th by total area. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. The currency is the United States dollar.
Ecuador ranks 111th in world health ranking per WHO. In 2014, the total expenditure on health per person was $1,040, which is 9.2% of the GDP. Ecuadorean males have a life expectancy at birth of 74 years, and females can expect to live 79 years. There are 1.68 physicians per 1,000 people in Ecuador as compared with 2.56 physicians per 1,000 people in the United States.
Ecuador has both public and private hospitals and clinics. In the last ten years new public hospitals have been built and older ones have been upgraded with high tech equipment and more doctors/specialists. Public facilities are available to everyone, but often have long wait times, and access varies depending upon the region. Private facilities are not free, but still cost much less than in most other countries.
Social security health care (IESS) is available to those who pay either a payroll deduction or a monthly fee; due to recent reforms, there are now no restrictions for age or pre-existing conditions. This plan covers all costs with no co-payments or deductibles. Problems with this system include lots of paperwork, long wait times, and some medicines not being on the approved list.
Private health insurance is available for those who wish to pay more for faster service and less red tape. Policies vary in terms of deductibles, covered services, and premiums. Some people choose not to pay for insurance and just pay for their medical costs as they arise since health care in Ecuador is very affordable, usually about 10-25% of the cost in the United States.
Travel, or international, health insurance provides comprehensive medical coverage when traveling outside of one’s home country. Travel health insurance is different from travel insurance, as the latter may provide only emergency coverage but not full medical coverage.
Travelers should check with their health insurance provider, as they may already have an option of international health coverage. If they do not, they can purchase travel health insurance from their home country or the destination country.
This post was last modified on July 24, 2023 10:39 am
Spider veins are a common cosmetic concern for many people, causing small, visible veins to appear just beneath the surface… Read More
Digital Signage for Hospitals: Streamlining Communication in Hospitals SEO description: The use of digital signage for hospitals transforms the way… Read More
Oxygen is the most critical element for human survival, and in scenarios where oxygen levels are compromised, having access to… Read More
In the world of competitive sports and bodybuilding, serious athletes are always on the lookout for reliable, high-quality supplements to… Read More
Car accidents can change lives, causing long-term injuries that affect physical health, finances, and emotional well-being. Recognizing these effects is… Read More
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that can result from various forms of negligence, such as car accidents,… Read More
It sucks to be on a tight budget. You have to pick and choose what you buy at the grocery… Read More
We’ve all laid in bed tossing and turning, not being able to sleep. But what if this is happening to… Read More
Addiction can profoundly impact every aspect of an individual’s life, from their physical health to their relationships, career, and spiritual… Read More
The mental health landscape for teenagers is increasingly concerning. Adolescence is a period fraught with changes—physically, emotionally, and socially—that can… Read More