Town in Manabí, Ecuador
Healthcare in Puerto López: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Puerto López
Only basic care in town. Serious cases go to Manta or Guayaquil; medical evacuation insurance is wise during whale and island trips.
Hospitals for foreigners in Puerto López
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Hospital Básico Puerto López | Small public hospital for minor problems |
| Hospital General Rodríguez Zambrano (Manta) | Larger public hospital, about 1.5–2 hours away |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: $20–50 ($20–50) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Ecuador: Good private hospitals in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca at moderate prices, but they want a card guarantee. Public care is free yet stretched; Galápagos has only basic facilities.
- Pharmacies: Fybeca and Cruz Azul pharmacies are everywhere; antibiotics need a prescription, many other drugs don't.
- Health spending: US$509 per person a year (2023); 2.3 doctors per 1,000 people (2020), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Travel and health insurance
Required for entry: Travel health insurance is mandatory for Galápagos visitors and for the digital nomad visa.
| 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 Puerto López for foreigners?
Hospital Básico Puerto López: Small public hospital for minor problems
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Puerto López?
About $20–50 ($20–50) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Ecuador?
Travel health insurance is mandatory for Galápagos visitors and for the digital nomad visa.
More about Puerto López
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Ecuador
- Ministry of Environment (Machalilla National Park)
- Primicias: whale season and tour prices 2026
- El Universo: bus fare increase 2026
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.