Chile
Healthcare quality & costs · 2023
Good — 65.3/100 Mixed systemHealthcare index trend
Americas comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 78.6 | 82.2 yrs | Free | 2.40 | 100.0% |
| United States | 68.2 | 77.5 yrs | $250 | 2.60 | 92.0% |
| Chile | 65.3 | 79.9 yrs | $38 | 2.50 | 80.0% |
| Colombia | 59.0 | 77.2 yrs | $17 | 2.20 | 95.0% |
| Argentina | 57.3 | 76.5 yrs | $24 | 3.20 | 70.0% |
| Brazil | 55.0 | 75.6 yrs | $38 | 2.30 | 76.0% |
| Mexico | 51.6 | 74.9 yrs | $29 | 2.40 | 52.0% |
| Peru | 48.6 | 73.8 yrs | $19 | 1.40 | 60.0% |
Healthcare in Chile — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Chile in 2023?
Chile scores 65.3 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2023, rated as "Good". Life expectancy is 79.9 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 9.60% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Chile?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Chile costs approximately $38 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $192 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Chile?
80.0% of the Chile population is covered by public healthcare. The remainder typically relies on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. The government spends 9.60% of GDP on healthcare.
How much is private health insurance in Chile?
Average private health insurance in Chile costs approximately $82 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Chile have?
Chile has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 80.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Chile?
Chile has 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 2.10 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Chile?
Life expectancy in Chile is 79.9 years in 2023, compared to the Americas average of 77.2 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Chile?
The infant mortality rate in Chile is 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a moderate rate reflecting ongoing improvements in maternal and newborn care.
How does Chile compare to other Americas countries?
Chile ranks 3 out of 8 Americas countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 65.3/100 is +4.8pp above the Americas average of 60.5/100. Life expectancy is +2.7 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Chile?
Foreign nationals and expats in Chile typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.
Is Chile a good destination for medical tourism?
Chile is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Chile?
A hospital stay in Chile costs approximately $192 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Chile's healthcare improving?
Chile's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 64.0/100 to 66.5/100. Life expectancy also rose from 79.5 to 80.2 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Chile?
Chile has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 2.10 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.