Health Insurance in Peru, America
Information expatriation
Capital City: Lima
Total area: 1,285,220 km2
Population: 28,750,770 (2007)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +51 XXX
Practical Information:
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:
· Peru has a mixed public-private healthcare system aimed at universal coverage through universal health insurance.
· The public sector includes thousands of health centers and over 1,000 hospitals managed by regional health systems and the Ministry of Health.
· Services range from preventative care to complex treatments. Infrastructure is stronger in cities than rural highlands/jungle areas.
· Around 60% of Peruvians rely on public services while 40% have private or occupational health insurance plans.
· Healthcare spending is around 6% of GDP split between public, private and mandatory universal insurance contributions.
· Coverage has expanded greatly in recent decades but challenges remain around quality and access inequality between regions.
· Leading health issues include non-communicable disease, maternal/child health, tropical diseases in jungle zones.
· Both public and private providers exist but quality often varies between the sectors and across locations.
· In summary, Peru has a growing multi-payer universal system blending public network reliance with private options, pursuing expanded nationwide coverage over time.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Purchase comprehensive private health insurance as the public system has limitations in certain areas/specialties.
· Understand preventative healthcare needs like vaccines against dengue, yellow fever or other tropical diseases if traveling to jungle regions.
· Infrastructure and resources vary greatly between urban and remote rural/highlands communities. Have evacuation contingency plans.
· Carry adequate supplies of prescription medications as availability declines outside major cities.
· Mental healthcare options have more limited availability compared to physical healthcare. Develop personal support networks.
· Spanish language abilities are important for optimal interactions with providers in most areas. Consider translation assistance.
· Thoroughly understand insurance policies like coverage details, deductibles, claim processes, eligible facilities.
· Road travel safety precautions are highly recommended due to conditions and practices in some regions.
· Register with your embassy in case of healthcare emergencies, losses of insurance documents/benefits abroad.
· With appropriate insurance and contingency planning, expats can access reasonable healthcare across most of Peru.