City in Coquimbo, Chile
Healthcare in La Serena: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in La Serena
Care is adequate for routine cases; serious ones are flown to Santiago. Insurance with evacuation is advised for Elqui Valley excursions.
Hospitals for foreigners in La Serena
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Hospital San Juan de Dios de La Serena | Main public hospital with 24 h emergency room |
| Clínica RedSalud Elqui | Private clinic with emergency care, Avenida El Santo |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: $30,000–60,000 ($31–61) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Chile: Private clinics in Santiago are among the region's best but expensive; public hospitals are stretched. Get travel insurance, especially for Patagonia and Atacama trips.
- Pharmacies: Cruz Verde, Salcobrand and Farmacias Ahumada are everywhere; many medicines need a prescription.
- Health spending: US$1,760 per person a year (2024); 3.3 doctors per 1,000 people (2023), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Chile, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in La Serena for foreigners?
Hospital San Juan de Dios de La Serena: Main public hospital with 24 h emergency room
How much does a doctor's visit cost in La Serena?
About $30,000–60,000 ($31–61) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Chile?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Chile expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about La Serena
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Chile
- La Florida Airport (DGAC Chile)
- Sernatur Chile
- Municipalidad de La Serena
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