Health Insurance in Bolivia, America

Information expatriation

Capital City: Sucre
Total area: 1,098,580 km2
Population: 9,525,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +591 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikepedia Bolivia

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Bolivia has a mixed public-private healthcare system that aims to provide universal coverage through compulsory public insurance.

·      The public system is funded through premiums paid by workers, employers and the government. It operates clinics and hospitals nationwide.

·      Private hospitals and clinics in cities provide complementary care but are costly without supplemental private insurance.

·      Healthcare access and quality varies substantially between urban and rural areas due to infrastructure challenges.

·      Primary care is administered through public network of centers and posts staffed by nurses and medical assistants.

·      Larger public hospitals in cities offer more advanced secondary and tertiary services.

·      Leading health issues involve maternal and child health, infectious diseases and non-communicable chronic conditions.

·      Reforms focus on improving medical training, strengthening primary care provision and expanding health insurance.

·      Shortages of resources, equipment and skilled professionals negatively impact service levels, especially in remote regions.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase international medical insurance that also covers costs of medical evacuation flights abroad if needed.

·      Consider supplemental private health insurance for faster access to specialists and private hospitals.

·      Register with local public clinics and hospitals for basic care, but infrastructure varies by location.

·      Bring needed prescription medications and supplies as availability ranges.

·      Ensure vaccinations are up to date, especially for travelers/tropical diseases.

·      Only consume bottled, boiled or treated water and thoroughly cook foods.

·      Rural areas have far less infrastructure - choose residence near major cities if possible.

·      Monitor potential impacts of altitude, climate or lifestyle changes on health.

·      Learn some basic Spanish medical terms for communicating healthcare needs.

·      Natural disasters like floods and landslides are rare risks - maintain basic supplies.

·      Register location with embassy in case evacuation from country becomes necessary.

·      Consider costs if advanced care requiring equipment/specialists abroad is urgently needed.