Health Care Crisis in Ecuador

In my opinion, the public health care system in Ecuador is a disaster. I have a personal friend that is being kicked out of ICU and sent home and most likely, he will die there at the age of 72.
Also in my humble opinion, had he gone to North America for this surgery, he would be up walking marathons by now.
Please watch this video with a open mind and don't shoot me, I'm just a messenger with an opinion.
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Remember this folks.
A country might look good on paper, or on a KZbin video, but what about the “Chemistry” between you, the individual and the country and culture as a whole?
This is something we can’t know in advance. We can only make our move, dive in and test the waters…….and see how it goes.
If you can't walk on water, freeze it
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The views expressed in this video are in no way intended to be taken as advice on retirement, migrating to Ecuador, investing, buying insurance, or getting your immigration documentation.
I am not responsible for any decision you make after watching my videos.
I don't give advice and I don't recommend anything unless it is based on my own personal, verifiable experience.
I want to be sure that the information I provide is accurate information and I don't want people to make a poor choice based on anything I say.
If one person comes here based on my influence and doesn't like it at all, then has to return to start all over again, I have failed.

[@RoseyFuture]

Private health insurance will declare anything they don’t want to cover a precondition and magically they are off the hook. Buyer Beware‼️😉

[@tomtaylor3523]

Poor people in the US also get bad medical treatment, especially in the poorer states. Especially older people.

[@Boston-1776]

No matter where you are or the best hospital in the world. Poor health care begins with yourself. I worked for Massachusetts General Hospital for 20 yrs I had one of the best PCP there is my health care was excellent my life was saved. Now I have a arrogant PCP from another country working at the same hospital his demeanor is disgusting he never there and his nurse practitioner handles everything for the past 3 yrs it’s a battle to have them fill out my prescriptions most of the staff are none white not that should be different it there a strange hatred for white people . I’m not a slave owner and never was my family suffered under the Soviet block and were slaves . It angers me things have changed so much that something going to break soon .

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

Ecuador is a developing nation. Relying 100 percent on their public health system is a fool's errand.

[@johnjanota7724]

I've always said you have to be healthy to get sick. It sounds like your friend was somewhat unhealthy to begin with. That's a rough journey. Doctors arent miracle workers. I wish him the best.

[@DonShader]

Unfortunately he was.

[@Hi-bt1ef]

I agree. People don't take care of themselves then this happens

[@terryashley4674]

Thanks for the heads-up, Don. It sounds a lot like the healthcare system in the Philippines. The water shortage really is depressing though. I can understand why the hospital operates the way it does. They receive little money in premiums and have to keep costs low. A handful of patients like your friend will bankrupt the entire system quickly. The hospitals have to do everything possible to keep afloat. Cases such as your friend have to be weighed against the many other people who could be helped. It's a sad thing for those in your friend's situation, but the system can't afford to do everything for everyone regardless of cost. 🙏🏼

[@comrade916]

When it's time to pull the plug, it's time ..Not throwing endless amounts of money for a few months to live...

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

Thank you for your honesty, Don. Those who I've listened to online say the best healthcare outcome is to utilize both options. The public heathcare works fine for some things and is not as good for others, but it can't do everything. Don, I am so very sorry for your friend, for his girlfriend, and for you. Something maybe could have been done, even if just to lessen the pain and discomfort, but it wasn't. And that's what really cuts your heart to the quick. I pray for his recovery. Or, at the very least, a peaceful resolution. For you, too. Wishing all peace and love.

[@GMAceM]

Always tell it like it is brother, honesty is the best policy. It’s very sad to hear what’s happening and what might happen if your friend goes home but I hope things get better with the healthcare system and with your friend.

[@a.alexandrajimenez8437]

Don, I am Ecuadorian, and I don't live there; my cousin does, and she tells me exactly what you said. It's unfortunate, but it's the reality of the healthcare system. I pray it’ll change.

[@comrade916]

I don't think anyone should expect gold standard public medical care in a developing country.. We need to be realistic!

[@a.alexandrajimenez8437]

@@comrade916 I don't think nobody is talking about a "Gold Standard," but decent health care like "Free Tylenol or Free water!". I am not criticizing my country; I am stating an unfortunate fact.

[@lisaca323]

Thanks for telling this story. I hope it helps people make informed decisions of what to do if they choose Ecuador to live. It’s important. And I love Ecuador. I’m one that does not have the funds to pay for private insurance or out of pocket for a major illness. Appreciate this Don

[@anotherabeer4341]

I am skeptical of socialized healthcare. I was injured while in Bulgaria so the ambulance took me to the main public hospital. My care was incompetent. After I switched to the private hospital it was a huge improvement - the difference was like night vs day. The doctors at the private hospital were definitely more intelligent. BUT…in contrast to America the fees for private care were modest in comparison. One hour with a physical therapist for my post-care was $20 and she was really good. I went to her almost daily for one month.

[@hoochiecoochie571]

I appreciate the advice on healthcare. I’ve seen many videos about the health system in Ecuador and a lot of people in these videos recommend having both public and private healthcare in order to cover all your bases as they say. Probably not a bad idea. I’m very sorry for your friend. I hope he can continue to heal at home. Best wishes to him and you.

[@robertsimmons5575]

this video is why i watch you. you always tell both sides of life. thank you for your total honesty. I hope your friend is ok

[@tony-ce7qp]

bed sores every 2 hours from side to side with a bed wedge,i will pray for him and this is nuts to go out like that!

[@michaelbrown641]

Thanks Don. I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. Getting old sucks. Your vids are full of useful info. I got my Private insurance within the first week here. Thanks again. MB

[@DonShader]

This is true. I can but but many cannot.

[@kathyandthedogs626]

Don, I’ve been thinking about your friend all day, wondering how he is. So ironic that you posted the video this afternoon/tonight. I’m just so sorry. It does suck. I’m planning to buy the private insurance and have been in touch with your insurance agent. He’s been awesome. No negative feedback from here. I’m just so sad for your friend, his beautiful family and for you. Thank you for letting us know.

[@DonShader]

Thanks Kathy, I appreciate you. Do as Carlos advises and you'll be okay.

[@tiabiamama]

I had my hip replaced in Chile 8 months ago which went smoothly, thank God. They had me up and walking the same day. Your friend's heart attack must have been severe.

[@DonShader]

It was and he had siezures as well.

[@paulstein916]

The healthcare systems in both countries have their faults, although they are very different. People don’t really know how their health care system is until they need it for a major illness. It’s an eye opener.

[@michellemanion7031]

I'm so sorry, Don.

[@docjackie3140]

Sometimes going home heals faster than a depressing hospital room. Luckily he has someone who loves him and is caring for him the best she can. Praying for all.

[@jessiesheldon-huffey1824]

I have heard worse stories coming out of the American Healthcare system, specifically how low income medicaid patients are treated ( or euthanized)

[@staciarn1]

Thanks for the updates Don. God Bless you. Sorry to hear about your friend.

[@cecilialemire2]

U.S.A charged me $500. for the light they use in a surgery 35 years ago, Now probably will double that amount. Ecuador is not a rich country to give you the best health care in the world. They do what they can. I am sorry for your friend that could not afford to pay a private insurance. Healthcare is extremely expensive here, in USA! Exorbitant prices. Your friend in USA would have to pay close $200,000 or more for the care he received in SOLCA. We are hearth broken to hear your friend had to go through so much pain. Blessings and strength for him.

[@susan5272]

Healthcare is no better in the United States. My friend couldn’t stand up they sent him home and I couldn’t get him out of the car had to call the fire department to take him back to the hospital he died.

[@DonShader]

I have a feeling that's what will happen in this case.

[@koffeegirl]

Thank you for sharing. Prayers for your friend. 😢

[@MattSmith-pf5di]

I watch enough prior videos to know you did a lot for this man. You bought him some time, that’s awesome. Don I have to pay for my mother’s Iron treatments in USA. My parents are 80 plus. It’s difficult as people in my opinion are always trying to cheat them. They don’t have any money so that a waist of time. I Don’t know? One throws the dice and hope for the best.

[@sandraraghu1777]

Don, I am so sorry about your friend and I could hear the hurt and suffering in your voice. However, that's how it is with public healthcare in most universal public systems. For additional coverage ,😅should the need arise, one should supplement coverage with private insurance so services from private hospitals and private Drs. are available. 😅 I grew up in South America and the situation you described about family members providing in hospital care, bringing water etc., and you buying bandages, all normal acts for folks who utilize public hospitals. If you want your loved one to survive...families must bring food, bed linen, towels, bed clothing, do laundry, feed and care for their loved ones. It still happens today in my South American country. I'll suggest that folks, sacrifice and purchase private medical insurance to supplement the government free coverage. Do enjoy your Arizona getaway. Good to mix the bitter with the sweet sometimes. Thank you.

[@JB-uw5yh]

My wife is from Acapulco MX, she only uses the private medical, she says the public medical will be poor quality and take for ever. Shes used the private medical there her whole life and has good reviews. Im sure it is similar in SA.

[@exportrus1]

I am very sorry to hear about your friend Don. Thank you for sharing.

[@kilo2bravo007]

Tough situation there, Don. I hope your friend gets the care he needs.....

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

Thank yu for the information and praying for your friend

[@curtismandrake1843]

Thanks for addressing the cold facts. The public health system seems like a basic safety net or something useful if you have an inconvenient injury like a broken bone or needing a couple of stitches. As I weigh my relocation to Ecuador, I certainly will be purchasing supplemental insurance.

[@Resmith18SR]

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota is generally recognized as the best hospital in the world. Johns Hopkins in Baltimore MD is also very close. Brasil and Argentina do have some of the best hospitals in South America.

[@christinemavis4302]

Thanks for telling it like it is!

[@oswaldC2243]

Thanks for sharing information/video, Don. Sorry to hear about your friend. The Ecuadorian government has NO money to pay IESS ‘ employees on a regular basis, let alone pay Sorca’s ( which is a private medical institution) medical bills. I truly hope and God willing, your friend will recovered. Take care.

[@bartleydalfonso2853]

Here in Cuenca at the IESS Hospital Oncology dept., the radiation-treatment machine has been broken over 3 weeks (since May 6, 2024) and the oncologists don't know when (or if?) the government will repair or replace it. So, cancer patients have to pay $10,000 cash to the private SOLCA cancer center to use their machine(s); or go to IESS in Guayaquil or Quito for radiation treatment, at 5 days weekly for 8 weeks.

[@DonShader]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to go to the US or Canada and get the treatments?

[@osgaver]

Also, very sorry for your friend. Hope he finds a solution. Solca is an external provider of the IESS, and will cover all the costs once IESS approves.

[@margaretgoodhartr6778]

IESS has not paid SOLCA so they are OFF the IESS list becuase they have chosen to be. Many outside providers have not been paid.

[@MattSmith-pf5di]

Don Shader, internet DAD, Adult influencer!

[@kenswindle4860]

My wife is Colombian. She went back last year for an elective procedure. The treatment was amazingly good and attentive at a low price. While I was there, I had a problem that sent me to the ER. It was intense, but it was still a minor problem. In the U.S., I probably would have been in and out in 2 hours maximum. I was there for 14 hours and my wife kept having to leave to buy the medical supplies at the phrarmacy that they were giving me. Finally, we just checked out on our own. I paid $350 for basically no treatment over 14 hours, but I was returning in two days days. I saw a doctor when I was back in the U.S. So that treatment in the ER there was shockingly bad. So, yes. A person can get really good healthcare down there, but you need to pay for it ahead of time to get it. I feel bad for the people down there who cannot afford standard medical care.

[@user-ik6vc5en2y]

Thank you for this it's important for seniors to know this. Like you I use the VA as a medical emergency and healthcare backstop.

[@andresgiz9666]

Hi Don I'm very sorry for your friend. My wife and I have considered in the past about moving abroad.,but the health care is very important. Today your well and maybe tomorrow your not.we are 71 years old. Health care is very important .love your video. Maybe you can take a motorcycle ride down to Florida. From andy and Barbara.

[@DJarry394]

Thanks for keeping it real. So many, even now, have way too sunny an outlook on South America. It has made me cross SA off of my list for an escape plan

[@DonShader]

You are so welcome! I'm slowly but surely crossing it off my list as well.

[@TampaVW]

In Ecuador just like in the US if you can’t afford to get good health insurance you’re stuck with public insurance. We have medical insurance coverage for two adults for under $250 a month including major medical coverage up to $500K in private hospitals throughout the country. I’m sorry for what happened to your friend, but don’t you think he would have been in a similar situation in the US with only SS coverage? If health care in the US is better why did he come to Ecuador in the first place?

[@RJMincey]

After having done much research, I plan to get both IESS and private health care insurance in Ecuador. This is especially important in my first three years, as private insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions during that time but IESS does. Of course, not everyone can afford to do this, but since my youth is well behind me, health care is a high priority, and the sources I have consulted show Ecuador's health care system to be quite good on balance. Of course, the quality of any given hospital will vary. My focus is the Quito metro area - and it is reputed to have some excellent hospitals and clinics there.

[@DonShader]

I think that's the best strategy.

[@margaretgoodhartr6778]

If you wish to throw away about $85 a month on IESS, suit yourself. I would rather put that towards a good policy with BMI or Confiamed, the two health insurance companies that are recommended as the best. BUT STILL all insurance companies give you a list of places where you can go and you first pay out of pocket and then submit invoices ... they can refuse anything at all if they wish to. Not for me!

[@RJMincey]

@@margaretgoodhartr6778, I'm not sure why you recommend that I get private insurance instead of IESS since in my comment above I make a point to say that I plan to get private insurance. Also, private hospitals are not automatically good and public hospitals are not automatically bad. Public health care is offered in many European countries where the standard of care is very high indeed. And I have heard good reports from some individuals who have had personal experience with IESS. IESS will provide care even for pre-existing conditions. In contrast, private insurance carriers in Ecuador will not do so - at least not for the first two or three years. This is why I intend to get both.

[@edshipe2555]

Very sorry to hear about your friend. It's really not much better here in the US. Even with Medicare and the best supplemental plan. Here , long term care like that costs around 10k a month easy. Then there is Medicaid but you can only have about 10k of savings left before it picks up the bill. I saw most of my mother's savings drained away before she passed away. If you have the money you can get long-term care insurance. Last time I priced it cost about 100 a month for 165k of coverage for someone 60 years old. Not cheap and get more expensive as you get older. Might even be able to get it in Ecuador.

[@libuseleman3049]

Thanks for video. I have that insurance too, but now I went to US for more then 4 month and back now and was thinking pay again on that insurance but now I am afraid . I am in Cuenca, maybe it is better here, so far I never need anything from them but if I ever do need help, I want to get help!

[@jgonz260]

It is best not to rely entirely on the public healthcare system. It is indeed largely free but it just doesn't have the money and resources to provide excellent care. I suppose for acute emergencies, and relatively minor ailments such as fractures, respiratory infections, sore throats, etc., would do OK. However, dealing with major chronic diseases such as cancer, heart failure, diabetes complications, etc., it may present a big problem,

[@DavidHubbard_1]

Thanks

[@TheAvsvideo1]

My 80+ year old mother got covid on a trip to Manta. Bad. The only reason she survived besides being vaccinated with "american" vaccines was our "connections" to members of the ISS system. Otherwise, she wouldn't be here. Needless to say, she'll never be going back to our homeland. We can all agree that Healthcare in U.S. is second to none! I will always retain my expensive American health insurance. You never know!

[@Gerchi37]

Ecuador is not a rich country that could made funds easily available for the public health care system. It is a different scenery if one has the money to pay for private health care. What it makes it worse is that Ecuador does not have the authority to print US dollars. Let's us pray for a miracle recovery of your friend.

[@Gerchi37]

True, but Ecuadorian currency is the US dollar and printing is the way how the US economy still moving and growing in debt with the Federal Reserve that at the end of the day is fundamental in the printing process.

[@paulstein916]

Don, are there step down units in EC from intensive care where your friend could get medical care and physical therapy. When a person is in bed for a long time, they lose strength and ability to walk and they need to build it back. My dad was in a hospital bed for weeks and went to a rehab where he got physical therapy every day. When he came home, a physical therapist came from the VA 2-3 times a week and got his strength back.

[@DonShader]

Yes and no. Getting it funded is the problem.

[@ernestgonzales4889]

It would be best if he does not suffer with pain. If so, can we help?

[@tracywatts1459]

Don I love your voice. You should of been a narrator or do audio books.

[@DonShader]

Thanks Tracy but I never thought that. I hate the way I sound. :-)

[@frankcentofanti9317]

Switch to Panama better place all around better health care and cost of living the same

[@katana1960]

Does anyone know how old Don is? Just wondering.

[@DonShader]

I'm 72.

[@comrade916]

This will surely sound harsh.... I'm curious if anyone feels that at a certain age or illness, does it make sense to attempt to keep someone alive? Thus, if you're 80 years old with multiple serious health problems, is it economically responsible to spend huge amounts of money on this person? There are just so many years in all of us and when it's time, it's time..

[@RJMincey]

This is a personal decision which each individual should make for themselves (assuming they are of sound mind). I would oppose any policy that would leave this judgment in the hands of those with economic motives. I think Don's friend did the right thing by going to the hospital. We can't always know in advance what might be done or whether we could be returned to health.

[@comrade916]

@@RJMinceyYes, I agree.. However, if it is no longer possible to care for individuals equally, decisions have to be made.

[@RJMincey]

@@comrade916, yes, where resources are limited, decisions have to be made, and in the United States, those decisions invariably inure to the benefit of the rich over the poor - rather than to use medical criteria. I suspect it's much the same in other countries too - but this is the beauty of a public system which (in theory) makes no such distinctions and is pledged to serve everyone irrespective of their level of wealth.

[@dougdileo4727]

socialized medical is terrible in all these central and south american countries- you need a supplemental insurance or you only get band aid service, they don't care..my wife had surgeries in colombia and had to pay separately for anestesia, pain meds, water etc even after paying $14,ooo before going to colombia for surgery..very little after care or concern,,,,sux...hope your friend shows improvement...

[@danspencer4235]

I'm sorry about your friend. Can you buy private insurance if you have Diabetes and High Blood Pressure and you are Obese?

[@RJMincey]

In Ecuador, for expats, the answer is yes - but only after a waiting period of two or three years. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford private health insurance - even at the reduced costs in developing nations like Ecuador.

[@Danc571]

So, I'm getting ready to retire in Cuenca. How much, ballpark, would private insurance be for a guy who is 70+?

[@Robinsvideos2011]

Dan, I am retiring on the coast in a few weeks. I got quotes from Blue Box. They've been very responsive. I'm 60.

[@DonShader]

I pay $67/Mo and I'm 72.

[@etechconnect48]

Problem I have seen with expats. Many gringos seem to come here with little money to save themselves in the event of a serious medical issue. I am now in Cuenca and if I move to Ecuador I could live comfortably on $1500 a month. But I will not come without a sizable nest egg to rescue myself with. I would buy private insurance. The government insurance is not good enough.

[@Danc571]

@@DonShader Wow..that's amazing! From my research I think that's even less than IESS. Thanks Don. As always, great info.

[@craiggardner5525]

I would not blame the public healthcare system. It is what it is. Why did he not have private healthcare especially with his many preexisting conditions? At what point does he take responsibility for his years of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Yes stay away from IESS. If someone can’t afford private health insurance they shouldn’t come to a 3rd world country. Did he choose to live in Ecuador because he couldn’t afford to live in the USA? I did, but you really have to sit down and crunch the numbers and do your due diligence before coming. Could ge even get private insurance due to his many preexisting conditions? Many countries won’t even let you into the country without private health insurance.

[@RJMincey]

According to your logic, Americans who cannot afford private health insurance in a developing nation should remain in the United States where private insurance is vastly more expensive even yet. Be that as it may, shocking as it must be to you, two things can be true at once: (1) a person can take responsibility for their life style and (2) still want to use the resources of a hospital and health care system to become well - for himself and his family. I don't know why I continue to be amazed at the ridiculous reasoning I witness from people on the internet.

[@RetiredInEcuador]

IESS is a bargain. Nursing home? Do people in the US pay for secondary care? Yes. Why not him. I'm an RN from the US. I've had two hospitalizations and a surgery. Not as good a system as the US, but with even Medicare, I would be paying $1000/month instead of the $80 I pay here. Oh, that's right... I did have to pay for and have somebody get supplies for my surgery at a pharmacy nearby... and it cost me dearly... $9.36! Go back to frightening people about your over-inflated dangers from the cartels.

[@DonShader]

Okay smartass, in the first place to answer your first question, he CAN'T pay for it simply because he doesn't have the money. If you think my updates are over-inflated, please speak up and explain exactly why you feel that way and back it up with facts. If you can't do that, which you probably won't, then bite my ass!

[@margaretgoodhartr6778]

ha, ha, it is obvious that you do not know Ecuador and it is very obvious that you are cheap and greedy too, $9.36--- why that is 'robbery' !!! Yes, bargains are good, especially when you don't care to live anymore. Secondary care in other places does not apply to Ecuador. Siga no mas ... at least the gov. does get a little bit of money in the form of your payment, so they can steal more and you get a chance to have an anthropological experience in a 3rd world South American country!

[@margaretgoodhartr6778]

If a person has no money, then they have no business leaving their home countries where they were raised to go looking for cheap stuff in a developing and poor and corruption-laden country in South America, ha, ha. That is funny! No one here owes you or any other gringo anything, remember that!@@DonShader

[@patriciaflaherty]

​@@DonShaderdoesn't your friend have a retirement income that is more than a typical Ecuadorian lives on? I thought you had to meet some strict income requirements to get residency in Ecuador...I assumed the required amount was meant to cover medical expenses and emergencies. I imagine that here in the USA he would have been transferred to a "rehab facility" as soon as the hospital could get permission to do so, at which point they would have drained him financially. Everyone seems to think healthcare systems are great until they become seriously ill. Then we find out how lacking they are. I wonder what this experience would be like for a single person with no support network. No water for them at all? So sorry about your friend. Is there any way to get him back to the USA at this point?

[@DonShader]

@@patriciaflaherty Patricia I'm sure you've heard this before but I'm going to say it again. Do NOT think about making comparisons to the USA in terms of health care. There are no similarities at all and all expectations can be left at the border. Nobody cares about how it is done in the USA. This is Ecuador and it will be done the way Ecuador has been doing for generations and will continue for generations to come. There are income requirments for getting a permanent Visa here but I don't know that it has anything to do with Ecuadorian health care. I tried to get my friend to go to the states to get this taken care of and it turned into a heated argument and his firm response was that he didn't have the money, nor family support to allow him a return to the US for this treatment. I have to leave it at that out of respect for his privacy. My friends retirement fund is pretty poor and not substantial enough to support a trip to the US and take care of his local family.