Ecuador Private Health Insurance Overview (2019)

[@bonniewillow2758]

I"m glad you found someone who speaks English and is willing to talk about insurance procedures for Expats in Ecuador. I find it to be very helpful, general information for people who are new and don't know what's expected or where to find it. I'm confident that whenever you find an IESS rep willing to be interviewed in English about IESS, that will happen.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for the introduction! We really liked Mario!

[@chrystalholley5545]

My husband and I always find your blogs interesting, but we never knew before now that you were mindreaders. We have been recently concerned with learning about the health insurance. This presentation is extremely helpful.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@scottrowe533]

This is a wonderfully informative video on public versus private health insurance for ex-pats and I cannot thank you enough for putting it together! As one gets on in years, and begins to contemplate the final three or four decades of one's life, health insurance coverage choices and costs become increasingly important. This was a great comprehensive overview of the insurance policy benefits and choices from Mario's perspective. What I think most of us considering a move to Cuenca (or Ecuador in general) would like to see at some point in the future is a second opinion from the opposite side of the insurance offerings spectrum. In health insurance, as with physicians, a second opinion can be very useful. Thanks to Mario, and to the both of you. Be well and take care.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We'll keep our ears open for an IESS rep who speaks English and is allowed to be filmed for KZbin. That might be very difficult. With that said, everything Mario said has been confirmed by gringos we know who had IESS but don't anymore. We actually cut several of the criticisms because we're afraid of getting sued for saying anything bad. Everything we kept in the video can be verified through other media outlets so we're not saying anything that hasn't already been said. Hopefully that protects us. Ecuador needs to do some work on the freedom of speech front.

[@AnImperialGod]

@@AmeliaAndJP You won’t get sued for almost anything. In Ecuador there is something we call as lack of law. We as Ecuadorians think that justice is corrupt hence everything can be get either through influence or money. I can go as far as saying that on Facebook or KZbin many people say they’ll kill the President or show some serious opposition and nothing will happen unless you do it through normal media: TV or radio. I have lived in both countries and while there is a terrible fear of the police and government in the US thorough its privacy and spy network, you don’t fear that in Ecuador. I’ll go as far as to say there is more freedom of expression in Ecuador than in the US. We don’t fear the FBI or the police spying on us, for example.

[@elcapitan7352]

What a kind and informative person. Thank you, Mario!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Sadly, Mario died of Covid a few months ago. His son has taken over his clients and doing a great job. Mario would be very proud.

[@elcapitan7352]

@@AmeliaAndJP Very sad to hear that Mario succumbed to covid. May he rest in peace and may his son continue to help and his family prosper.

[@onlyinamerica0073]

@@AmeliaAndJP omg,rip mario

[@DinoMaRenAlva]

@@AmeliaAndJP So sad to read that about Mario!

[@norviato1]

I mentioned this before but I’ll mention it again. If the government IESS hospitals can’t provide a service such as a complicated transplant or something else. They will pay a private hospital such as the Metropolitano in Quito to do it. The best hospitals in Ecuador are not in Cuenca as most gringos would like to think. Most of the best training universities are in Quito and have the staff and qualifications. Unlike the U.S. the best healthcare services are concentrated in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca in that order.

[@vegaszoom6139]

norviato1 thanks for the info. In regards to the cost in cases of hospitalization and other major procedures for major diseases, do you really think there is such thing as a big savings?

[@norviato1]

Vegas Zoom - If I understood you correctly, there would be a major savings with the government plan as opposed to private. You would walk out of the hospital without paying anything out of pocket. Only your monthly premiums based on individual or family plan would apply. From what I’ve read it includes meds, dental and other services. In other words the IESS doesn’t do piece meal like the private plans do everywhere. You pay one rate and that’s it. The frequent argument is that you won’t get the best doctors or 5 star hospital accommodations. I read from some subscribers here that they have the IESS for catastrophic situations and private for the rest. Does that sound logical to you if the IESS was substandard? I’m by no means an expert but I’m fluent in English and Spanish so I read both sides without impediment. Plus I’m Ecuadorian and stuck in the U.S. for now. lol 😬🙃🤡

[@norviato1]

The IESS doesn’t charge you based on your age or pre existing conditions either. That in itself speaks volumes about private for profit healthcare plans. Progressive politicians want the same here in the U.S. In other words no to prívate predatory health care plans for the money 💰

[@calgal7828]

Thanks....that’s good to know! 😎

[@truthexposed839]

What makes Quito’s healthcare better than America?

[@michelegill5626]

Thanks for the great info! Love that you guys talk about topics like this that people relocating to Ecuador will need to know about, and not just where to go or what to see...looking forward, as always, to what you have for us next! (and I hope your sunshine comes back!)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@olddotcom]

It's good you remind people to ring your bell JP. I forget every time.

[@dianapillasagua7466]

IESS have really good hoapitals in main cities but because of bad an unrealistic adminiatrative decitions made during the last goverment now IESS is facing finance problems and no capacity for all the patients. So if you want to come for that reason you are making a big mistake. However the private sector is really good, efficient, bilingual, and they have even better staff. It's expensive for most of ecuadorian people but is still cheaper comparing to your home countries.

[@vegaszoom6139]

$150-200 still is a reasonable premium for a quality care.... good video though coz I’ve been looking for this type of info among bloggers but this one is informative

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@norviato1]

Medicare takes out almost 140 dollars every month from social security and covers 80% excluding meds and other services in the U.S. I guess if you’re not retired $150-200 sounds good. The best deal comes from the lower cost of healthcare in Ecuador. Not from most of these American based companies giving you piece meal coverage.

[@sharimoore55]

J P I admire your willingness to do things out of your comfort zone like salsa dancing.

[@jaimesolorzano1266]

Thank you for this informative video. This is a very important topic that no one else discuss.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! Hope it's helpful!

[@ecuadorexpat8558]

THANK YOU Mario Miranda and you guys for explaining this topic

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@mec1107]

Your best most informative video yet!!! Finally my questions have been answered. Thank you🙏🙏

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you!

[@500cbfan]

Will definitely be looking into the same insurance company you have when I'm ready. I'm a lot older than you two, so I expect my cost would be more.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

But there's only one of you so it will probably still be less than ours.

[@cactustree07]

Thanks for the useful information and another well produced video.

[@chipwilliams403]

Thanks so much for the fantastic video. It answered many of my questions regarding health insurance. I just returned last week from Cuenca and fell in love with the city. I'm planning to return in early 2020 to look at housing for a possible move.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@kristybobby]

You can check out housing on Gringo Post and Craigslist Cuenca apts/housing just for fun in the meantime.

[@chipwilliams403]

very helpful. thanks for the suggestion. @@kristybobby

[@HIGHALTITUDEFOX]

Get the public insurance for more serious issues and pay as you go cash for minor medical care. Thanks for the video.

[@bradnomad1011]

Great work guys.

[@HIGHALTITUDEFOX]

Brad Nomad this is J.P. -subscriber not JP from video..... yes, great work!

[@laotze8877]

I live here with my wife. That is what we do. We have IESS but none of the doctors or dentists around Vilcabamba accept insurance. I had a bone spur surgery a couple years ago and the whole thing was $900. The clinic St Augustine in Loja where surgery was done does not accept private insurance or IESS. They take cash. For something big we will use IESS. otherwise we just pay as we go.

[@norviato1]

Lao Tze - If you want to use your IESS coverage you have to do it in a fairly big city where they have a good size hospital with proper facilities. One horse towns have a small clinic with an IESS sign on it and not much else. That clinic in Loja saw you coming and charged you 900 dollars for something that would’ve been done for nothing at the IESS in Cuenca or any large city. Pity!

[@norviato1]

The main reason why gringos don’t like the IESS is because they can’t readily find an English speaking doctor and staff. Once you enroll you have a waiting period of a month unless it’s an emergency. No pre existing conditions or something hazy like what was briefly mentioned in this video. I don’t know where that 1 or 2 year thing came from. I’m in no way promoting the government run healthcare system but just comparing from what I’ve read on their website in Spanish. If you want to be seen instantly and don’t mind caps, copays and deductibles by all means go for the private plans. I know I’m not getting any red hearts for this but topics have various sides that need to be presented. ♥️😂

[@playwithpets]

By any chance, do you know how much is the premium from IESS? From this video, $150~$200 a month from private insurance is not really cheap. Wondering if government insurance is cheaper by how much? Thanks!

[@jennysalcedo9671]

Hi Iam Ecuadorian and citizenships USA ,my husband is from Colombia,maybe I can go to work and translate I would love to be in Guayaquil ,Ecuador my beautiful country. We are think were for our retirement.We need so much information All videos information has help me too .🇺🇸🇪🇨🇨🇴 Thank you so much .🥰💕💕

[@SurfviewTV]

Great video! This is such an important topic to so many moving there. You two nailed it. The insurance guy surely knows his stuff and explained it well. You asked him some great questions. Very helpful. Thanks again! -- Looking at the empty shelf behind you, it's clear that you two either just moved into your place or you two are extreme minimalists. Where's the clutter?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! We have a video about our version of Gentle Minimalism. We don’t have any clutter 👍😊

[@StevenDLightspring]

Hey there! Just had to express my appreciation for so much helpful content you guys provide and do it with zest and "gusto"! = grin = (You're da best, JP & Amelia...so good at being "you" while you share such helpful and uplifting content! = admiring grin = ) I had seen and liked this one before, but wanted a refresher, so I went back to watch it again! (Actually, I was drawn back to it by your eye-catching thumbnail...that "stars" one of my favorite models who I've also licensed and used in dozens of my "music-infused spoken word" videos because he's always so deeee-light-fully expressive, and never fails to make me smile...and seems to be quite able to spread his naturally effervescent "beam" around so compellingly! = jolly grin = )

[@conservative-proud]

Thank you Mario !!

[@wendyowen1925]

Amelia or JP...I have a question for you. I'm not sure I understand: I'm a lifelong asthmatic. If I move to Ecuador, will my asthma medications/doctor appointments NOT be covered for the first two years? If not, that will certainly be a deal breaker. Also my psychiatric & fibromyalgia meds? I'm on disability (SSDI) for these last two ailments. I pretty much have my heart set on moving to Ecuador within a few years, but I just can't do it if I can't walk or breathe while I'm having constant flashbacks. Or are the doc visits & meds for "not covered" pre-existing conditions in Ecuador so inexpensive that an expat could afford them out-of-pocket? I really have no idea. I get over $1200/mo in disability, would be living there alone with my service dog, plan to get a small place ($300-400) somewhere like Cuenca or Olon, and am very frugal. I know about & have already factored in the $150-200/mo for IESS. I just really don't want the pre-existing thing to be what keeps me from possibly living in Ecuador. Thanks! The video was probably more informative for other folks than for me, I just wasn't clear on a coupla points.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

IESS has a 3 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions but you need your temp resident visa and cédula before you can go on that. Private insurance has a 2 year waiting period.

[@cinziaclc]

Hi, thanks for another great video. ive watched dozens of your videos so far but I can't remember seeing anything about the timeline for getting on the IESS system. Can you explain the process, please? You start your Visa from the US (and in my case from Europe), then sign up for some level of medical coverage as part of the application. Then you arrive - when can you sign up for IESS? I think it's after you get your Cedula? How long does that take to get? Is the Cedula your temporary residency or your permanent residency? I think I remember that the IESS has a 3 month waiting period before they will cover you but does not have a pre-existing condition exclusion. I remember the private insurance having a 2 year pre-existing condition exclusion, correct? I'm a bit confused about the timeline of all this. By the way, as soon as I get my new credit card, I'll join your Patreon community. The info you share is well worth it. Thanks. Cynthia

[@DoubleOld7]

Great information!

[@ronaldhandyjr6602]

I have lung cancer and I want to know what insurance and hospital is best for me in Ecuador... where is the nearest Cancer Center between Salinas and Manta... or am I just limited to big cities??

[@cob00927]

Why did you change this from being your opening?? This would be awesome to start off EVERY video with!!

[@shagwellington]

So one has to pay the bills up front and then apply for reimbursement no matter the cost?

[@8675-__]

Very helpful video, thank you! 🤗

[@norviato1]

For the most part private plans are identical to the one’s offered here in the states. The only difference is that hospitals, doctors, labs etc charge less in Ecuador. Come on guys, with companies like Humana, what do you expect? They’re gringo conceived businesses for making money and much less about your health. The Medicare system here pays 80% as most retirees already know and the rest is on you, sounds similar right? My mom had Humana for a while and it absolutely stinks, their aim is to deny as much as possible so read the fine print. In Canada the wait for MRI´s can be there unless it’s urgent but when you leave the hospital after a major operation there’re no bills to pay. How dare Americans constantly criticize and call that socialism, and have so many people underinsured or without it totally, that’s what I call gall 😈

[@theseniorthrifter9994]

The ones who are critical in American are those who get all the press. Don't be fooled into thinking that all Americans think that way. Unfortunately, we are outnumbered.

[@norviato1]

The Senior Thrifter - I’m generalizing and it’s a hot topic in the U.S. probably the most contentious, aside from lack of gun control which is tearing the U.S. apart!

[@loricharlie1590]

Very useful video on a very important topic! Please share any updates that you see fit.

[@sabrinamerrick1271]

hola, hola. Do you guys know if there are generic versions of brand name medications in Ecuador?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We've found that prescription meds are about 1/10th the cost here, but some OTC meds are a lot more expensive (e.g. ibuprofen). However, we don't have specific knowledge about generic vs brand name.

[@sabrinamerrick1271]

@@AmeliaAndJP muchas gracias!!!

[@whellockroad]

Very informative, thanks. I'll be moving to Ecuador in early 2020. I have US-based medicare covrerage with supplemental insurance which affords me $20,000 of coverage outside the USA. I'm hoping that would suffice to meet government regulations. Can you recommend an objective party (probably not a private insurance salesperson; no offense, Mario) who might answer that question. Thanks, guys.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

If you have a proof of health insurance certificate that says it will cover you outside the US, that will work. We bought travel insurance through Allianz when we visited, but no one ever asked to see the certificate.

[@whellockroad]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks! Once I get my cedula, I may opt for IESS as well.

[@davidmason1043]

I wonder about the private insurance 'cap' per incident. Is the insurance company really only covering til the cap? The purpose of insurance should be cover 'to the sky' so you're not bankrupted by a very serious condition, rather than cover the first 10k/20k/30k

[@mariobucci7683]

As a Canadian it is hard to comprehend . How much health insurance costs. All the Hospital cares about is money not the sick person.. An Emergency happens, An ambulance is called. Brings you to the hospital. Your Appendics burst. The hospital does not accept because you do not have enough insurance. Time is of essence. Now what do you do. How about the Equadorian citizen . Do they have to pay for Government health insurance also.

[@johnmartz9686]

Amelia this is helpful . But it sounds like it's not very good coverage .

[@jaycolborn8897]

A lot more needs to be said. Include charts with figures.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Our cost and coverage info is in the blog post but you’ll need to contact Mario or another agent for a quote specific to your situation.

[@ivanleon2529]

Hello French thank for yuo information.

[@Kingdom-j4q]

What is phone?

[@Traveler-PKK]

Hello guys. Do you know if I can get a Visa with health care in the US? I am retired military. Do I need to buy Ecuador Insurance or can I just show proof I have US Medical Insurance? Would I have to translate my US Proof of Insurance? If you have any information on this please let me know.

[@cylololo6401]

as far as I know, the government requires you to have coverage at least for the country (Ecuador).

[@calgal7828]

Same for me....thanks for asking this question. I’m on Medicare (which won’t apply outside US) and TriCare. 😎

[@chinnumol]

Thanks for sharing great information ,when you come back Cuenca???

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks!

[@kristybobby]

Hi Amelia and JP! Good topic to cover...thanks! So, I'm already 66 (hard to believe!) and I'd like to know how much it changes from that 60-66 age bracket. So, could you hook me up with this gentleman's info so I can ask that question. Thanks! And remember...he's an insurance salesman/broker with an agenda. I've heard positive things about the government program's health insurance. It's good to check into that independently.

[@fabianserrano9371]

Hi . As you can see in my previous comment, I am an agent too. I have a 65-year-old client with 70,000 coverage per disease?? and pay $ 204 per month. $ 50 deductible per year.. for hospitalization covers 90-10. And other benefits. for 500,000 plans with a deductible of 5,000 approx. $ 120 per month.

[@kristybobby]

@@fabianserrano9371 Hi Fabian and thanks for your response. Mario said the magic # was 66...and everything went up from there. Is he right? What else does this type of health insurance cover? Dental, vision, etc.?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We will gladly interview a rep from IESS if we can find someone who speaks English and is willing to tell the truth on KZbin. Some of our gringo friends cancelled their IESS for the reasons Mario shared, plus a few that he didn’t share. The IESS drawbacks have been featured in several news articles lately.

[@fabianserrano9371]

Kristine This year my client turned 66 and the renovation went up $ 20. more benefits: home doctor copayment $ 12. 100% second international medical opinion. in visual discounts (these days my wife bought some glasses to see far away at $ 30 and she's happy). dental no. In this case no, you can find good prices. There are additional dental plans. Ambulance. 100% intensive care. 240 days maximum hospitalization. 90% medicines. there are better plans with greater coverage but with higher premiums.

[@jerryrolen9639]

Not sure I understood this. I would only be interested in the best hospital or health care. Regardless of cost. Please don’t make it complicated

[@8675-__]

Im not really interested in traditional medical care, I would prefer using herbal Medicine or food source to cure ailments. Besides that Im in excellent condition at my age, so Insurance is a waste of money! 🤔

[@jspbipro]

If can self insure then that is good..however no guarantee that you will be immune from the unexpected. The day may come when the doctor says you need surgery. Would not probably be thinking those monthly premiums were a waste of money then.

[@deejaaay7600]

Doesn't seem to be working now.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The insurance is still working, based on what we've heard, but the healthcare system and the economy was unprepared for a pandemic.

[@norviato1]

A few days ago the democratic candidates here in the U.S. we’re discussing universal healthcare sponsored by the government as opposed to private healthcare plans. The consensus was that private is for profit and their aim is to make money for their share holders, not to give you the best of anything. The caps, deductibles and copays play into that. The government plan isn’t about making money and denying services but it has flaws like your guest points out. I also feel that he represents for profit insurance companies and his commission. It’s a tightrope to walk. 🙃

[@norviato1]

You had absolutely no one represent and explain the IESS system in order to compare the alternatives. Of course Mario Miranda is going to sell you something that puts money in his pocket, that goes without saying. See if you can get someone that at least is enrolled in the IESS system to tell us about their experience. This video was totally one sided. 🤨

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Find us an English-speaking representative of IESS and we'll interview him or her if they're willing to be on KZbin. With that said, we've heard stories from our gringo friends who no longer have IESS that corroborate what Mario said.

[@norviato1]

Amelia And JP - Then your video should be titled Private vs Private and not IESS, that side was totally missing. If I was there I’d find someone to represent the other side and translate it myself. It’s only fair regardless of what gringos say.

[@jtneira3344]

@@AmeliaAndJP Hello, I agree with norviato1 in the sense that it was one sided. I would love to point out some key points: There are no pre-existing conditions limits; there are no co-payments; there is no deductible, and, if you have the right person with you, there is no need to wait too long for an appointment. As long as you keep paying your monthly premium, you are entitled to all kinds of medical attention, without consideration about how complicated or expensive may be. And in case your condition requires of a specialist which they do not have, you will be referred to a medical facility that does. those are some of the points that were not mentioned in the interview but very important when it comes to make a comparison. I am not an IESS representative, don't even work with them, however, I am a satisfied patient because their very experienced cardiologist team, using their high technology equipment, saved my life when I had a heart attack back in 2015.

[@solitarypawn5076]

@@jtneira3344 How much would you say it would cost my wife and me who are retired and older (70-71)? We have no pre-existent medical conditions. Would IESS be good for us? We are looking for affordable private insurance.

[@jtneira3344]

@@solitarypawn5076 Hello, Normally IESS would be a good option, however; right now, due to the current crisis, going private is the better option: sort of "pay as you go" situation with private Drs. for which you can ask for referrals.

[@philhuber7493]

I can’t put my finger on it, but I just wouldn’t trust this guy.