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Ecuador Doctors, Hospitals and Healthcare
Finding a reliable doctor can be a challenge in a foreign country. In case of illness, try to get to a major city (Quito, Cuenca, Manta or Guayaquil) for the best care. Most of the doctors listed below speak English and all have been recommended by foreign visitors and expats. In addition to the lists below, you can find a comprehensive list of practitioners in Quito through the American Embassy in Quito, at: http://ecuador.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/medical-assistance.html/list-of-physicians-and-facilities.pdf. A similar list for Guayaquil can be found at: http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov/media/pdf/specialists--facilities-2008-guayaquil.pdf
Is important to know that hospitals and doctors that speak English are not usually a cheap option, so be prepared for the bill.
Payment for Private Healthcare, Hospitals and Clinics in Ecuador
Always try travel to Ecuador with travel insurance that provides coverage in case of accident or illness.
Many companies can offer travel insurance in your home country, and travel operators can also sell you it before you travel. Under Ecuadorian law, the private and public healthcare system must receive any patient in case of an emergency. However, in reality this does not always happen with the private hospitals, so you may need a credit card to get treatment (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX). Alternatively you can try to get cash before treatment. If you are unable to access money in case of an emergency, contact your embassy or tour operator for support.
A night in a normal room in a private hospital ranges from $250 to $1000, depending on the illness and type of treatment required.
Is important to know that hospitals and doctors that speak English are not usually a cheap option...
Public Healthcare Hospitals in Ecuador
Since 2007, Ecuador has been working on turning around its public healthcare system. In the 20 years prior to that, public healthcare was not good. Over the past few years there have been improvements in the facilities, medical equipment and professionals available, increasing the quality of service and the skills to fight diseases and deal with emergencies.
Because there has been an improvement in facilities and medical professional training, demand for healthcare has also increased. However, public healthcare might be an option for the first stages of an emergency. There are a few medics who speak English in these public hospitals and clinics in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Once the initial emergency is over, you might request a transfer to a private hospital. If the situation gets worse, an air ambulance service is available around the country,
AIR AMBULANCE RS is the only company that has 24 hour service.
Air med contact data
Av. Amazonas N46-102 y Oyacachi , 1er Hangar Sur "Mariscal Sucre " International AirportQuito-Ecuador S.A. Fixed line (593-2) 2468-216 (593-2) 2469-902 Mobile (593-9) 9442-780 (593-9) 9738-900 Fax: (593-2) 2469-413 E-mail: airmed@airambulance.com.ec
