Uruguay’s healthcare: how many options do I have?

Uruguay’s healthcare system services residents’ medical needs through both public and private sectors. The Administración de Los Servicios de Salud del Estado (ASSE) oversees the public healthcare system, which serves Uruguay’s citizens and long-term residents. The ASSE operates hospitals and clinics throughout the country, offering its best healthcare at the University Hospital in capital Montevideo.

While it’s paid for by monthly contributions, Uruguay’s public health system in general is somewhat underfunded. Standards of care drop off in rural parts of the country, leading many expats to rely on other providers besides the ASSE.

Its private health system is generally of higher quality, particularly for specialized care, though not everyone can afford it. Those who can pay for private healthcare experience more modern facilities and shorter wait times than the public system. Most private physicians in Uruguay speak English and Spanish.

The most popular medical plan for expats is the mutualista. Much like an HMO in the U.S, the mutualista is a subscription to a private hospital and its clinics. Membership costs about $100 USD per month and covers the bulk of your medical care: routine visits, emergencies, tests, surgeries, and more. Instead of applying a deductible, you’d pay a small copay. Médica Uruguaya is a mutualista without age restrictions, while others may hesitate to accept seniors.

Hospitals like the British Hospital in Montevideo and Punta del Este’s Semm-Mautone also offer VIP plans for premium services. Each of these systems have their own prescription programs. Some plans—public, private, and otherwise—may exclude coverage for mental health, optometry, and non-emergency dentistry, so be sure to compare your options before selecting your healthcare plan.

For more information on finding a physician, enrolling in the public option and more, click the Get Started button below or click here to download our free report on Uruguayan healthcare: