Chile’s healthcare system is advanced, and the standards of care in Santiago are high. The government has implemented a national healthcare system that covers its entire population, though expats tend to prefer the service of private healthcare clinics. Doctors are professional and hospitals tend to be run like businesses to keep the standard of treatment as high as possible.

Private clinics are relatively expensive, and expats should ensure they are covered by comprehensive medical insurance. Nevertheless, private healthcare in Chile still costs less than in the US and some European countries, a fact that attracts some people for medical tourism.

There are several 24-hour pharmacies in Santiago, most with English-speaking staff available. Expats can generally find an array of over-the-counter and non-prescription medication at pharmacies, although the medication expats use in their home countries may not always be available.

Prescription medical supplies can be brought into the country, but this typically requires a certificate and prescription signed by a doctor and for the medicine to be clearly labelled and in the original packaging where possible.

Numerous top private clinics are internationally recognised for their quality and have medical professionals who speak English, though their websites are mainly in Spanish. Some of Santiago’s hospitals are listed below.

Hospitals in Santiago

Clinica Alemana

Website: www.clinicaalemana.cl  
Address: Av Vitacura 5951

Clinica Las Condes

Website: www.clinicalascondes.cl  
Address: Estoril 450, Las Condes

Clinica Redsalud, Providencia

Website: www.redsalud.cl 
Address: Av. Salvador 100, Providencia

Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile

Website: www.redclinica.cl  
Address: Dr. Carlos Lorca Tobar 999, Independencia

Hospital del Salvador, Providencia

Website: www.hsalvador.cl 
Address: Av. Salvador 364, Providencia, Región Metropolitana

Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna

Website: www.calvomackenna.cl 
Address: Avenida Antonio Varas 360, Providencia, Santiago

Hospital Roberto del Río Independencia

Website: www.hrrio.cl 
Address: Domingo Sta. María Altura 1179, Independencia, Región Metropolitana

Military Hospital of Santiago

Website: www.hms.cl  
Address: Alcalde Fernando Castillo Velasco 9100, La Reina

What is the quality of healthcare for expats in Santiago?

"Healthcare is pretty good here, in my experience. The doctors are not overly prescription crazy as in the US, and I have found it quite affordable – including medications." Read our interview with Jenny for more on medical care in Chile.

"All expats I know have private health insurance. Private health insurance is expensive and so are the clinics, but they are generally of excellent quality." For more on health insurance, check out our interview with Nina.

Further reading

►Read more about the country's healthcare system in Healthcare in Chile

Are you an expat living in Santiago?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Santiago. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.