Having international health insurance as an expat in Peru offers several key benefits beyond local coverage. It ensures access to private hospitals and clinics with shorter wait times, better facilities, and modern equipment, which are often more limited in public hospitals.

International plans also typically cover emergency evacuation, which is valuable if advanced care is needed outside Peru. Moreover, international insurance can offer continuity of care if you frequently travel, ensuring coverage both in Peru and back home.

Additional benefits may include wellness programs, mental health support, and preventive care options that might not be readily available locally.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Peru

The Healthcare System in Peru

Healthcare in Peru is managed by the Ministry of Health, with policies and strategies set by the prime minister and Congress, and implementation overseen by regional leaders.

The system is structured to provide free basic healthcare to all Peruvians, but significant resource constraints affect service quality, especially in rural areas.

Peru’s public healthcare system, EsSalud, is often under-resourced, resulting in long wait times, limited medical supplies, and inadequate staff in many facilities.

While the government has invested in expanding hospitals, issues persist, with up to 40-day waits for general consultations and up to 60 days for surgeries.

Thus, expats in Peru often opt for international health insurance to access private healthcare, which generally offers shorter wait times, higher-quality facilities, and better access to specialist care.

The Peruvian government’s new payment system divides citizens into three groups based on income, with some services fully state-subsidized, though this generally does not extend to expats.

Public Hospitals in Peru

Public hospitals in Peru are government-run institutions that provide affordable healthcare services to the general public. These facilities often face overcrowding due to high patient volumes. Some well-known public hospitals in Peru include:

• Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins
• Hospital Arzobispo Loayza
• Hospital Dos de Mayo

Private Hospitals in Peru

Private hospitals in Peru offer a higher level of service at a greater cost. They feature modern facilities, advanced medical technologies, specialized treatments, and more personalized care. Notable private hospitals in Peru include:

• Clínica Anglo Americana
• Clínica San Felipe
• Hospital de la Solidaridad
• Clínica Ricardo Palma

Private Healthcare in Peru

Private healthcare in Peru is concentrated mainly in Lima, offering higher standards with modern equipment and skilled staff. However, services are costly, typically affordable to the middle and upper classes, with prices around 20-30% higher than public options, even with insurance.

Local private insurance plans in Peru exist but can be profit-driven and may offer limited coverage. Expats and tourists are advised to secure international health insurance, as public healthcare is of lower quality than in Western nations, while private care remains expensive without adequate insurance.

International health insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for expats in Peru, as rural medical facilities are scarce. In cases of severe injury, transport can cost up to USD 100,000, so expats should ensure their plan includes evacuation for serious emergencies.

Best International Health Insurance Providers in Peru

Cigna Global

Cigna Global offers tailored international plans with options for outpatient care, mental health support, and emergency evacuation. It provides flexibility in coverage, allowing expats to choose plans based on budget and health needs, with worldwide or region-specific coverage.

Allianz Care

Allianz provides comprehensive international coverage, including inpatient and outpatient care, chronic conditions, and maternity benefits. They also offer a tiered plan system, making it easy for expats to select the level of coverage that best suits their lifestyle in Peru and abroad.

Aetna International

Aetna International is known for extensive expat support, including 24/7 access to medical help and health resources. Their plans cover preventive care, hospitalization, and medical evacuation, making it an excellent choice for expats needing flexible global healthcare options.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue’s international health plans include access to U.S.-standard healthcare services with comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and wellness coverage. Their network includes highly rated hospitals in Latin America, ensuring high-quality care in Peru with options for treatment in nearby regions.

Health and Travel-related Tips for Expats in Peru

Travelers to Peru should get vaccinated against yellow fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, tetanus-diphtheria, mumps, measles, and rubella. Malaria is common outside Lima, so carry anti-malarial medicine, use insect repellent, and sleep under bed nets.

We also recommend you bring sufficient personal prescription medications and a doctor's note for them. Additionally, it's wise to pack diarrhea medicine, as gastrointestinal issues are common among travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the challenges of healthcare in Peru?

According to public opinion, many people cannot afford good healthcare, waiting times for appointments with doctors are too long, and the healthcare system is overstretched.

Does Peru have good doctors?

Medical care is generally good in Lima and usually adequate in other major cities, but it is less so elsewhere in Peru. Urban private healthcare facilities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural ones.

What injections do I need for Peru?

For Peru, vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended. Additional vaccines to consider include Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. No Yellow Fever certificate is needed, and there are no extra vaccines recommended for high-risk individuals.

Secure the Best Peru Health Insurance Plan Today

Pacific Prime can assist you with any travel, or Peru health insurance needs if you decide to travel to Peru. We offer professional advice at no cost to you. No matter what your budget is or what your requirements are, our professional consultants can help find a policy that fits you or your group.

Our policies can cover a wide range of services including dental, maternity insurance, specialist consultation, transportation, inpatient services, and many more. Please contact us today for a free consultation.