Capital city in Santiago Metropolitan, Chile
Healthcare in Santiago: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Santiago
Private care is excellent and costly; insurance is essential. Public hospitals are crowded. Call 131 for an ambulance or go to a private ER.
Hospitals for foreigners in Santiago
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Clínica Alemana de Santiago | Vitacura; top private hospital with international service |
| Clínica Las Condes | Large private hospital with 24-hour emergency room |
| Clínica Santa María | Providencia; well-regarded private clinic |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: $45,000–90,000 ($46–92) 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 Santiago for foreigners?
Clínica Alemana de Santiago: Vitacura; top private hospital with international service
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Santiago?
About $45,000–90,000 ($46–92) 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 Santiago
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Chile
- Metro de Santiago
- Aeropuerto de Santiago
- Clínica Alemana
- Servicio Nacional de Turismo (Sernatur)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.