Healthcare

Healthcare in Peru

Peru's healthcare system is a tale of two worlds - excellent private facilities in Lima versus an overstretched public system. Most expats rely on private insurance.

Healthcare System Overview

EsSalud (Public System):

Contributory public insurance covering salaried workers. Funded by 9% employer contribution on salary. Covers basic medical needs but plagued by long wait times (40+ days for consultations, 60+ days for surgeries in some facilities).

SIS (Seguro Integral de Salud):

Non-contributory public insurance for low-income Peruvians. Not available to most foreigners.

Private Healthcare:

Modern hospitals and clinics concentrated in Lima. English-speaking doctors, modern equipment, and international-standard care. This is what most expats use.

EsSalud Public Healthcare

Who can access:

• Employed by a Peruvian company (automatic enrollment)
• Retirees receiving Peruvian pensions
• Self-employed (voluntary contribution)

Limitations:

• Wait times of 40-60 days for specialists
• Facilities concentrated in Lima (50% of hospitals)
• Limited English-speaking staff
• Under-resourced in many locations
• Quality varies dramatically by facility

Private Healthcare

Cost of international health insurance: Average $4,200/year individual, $12,500/year family.

Local private insurance: $150-350/month depending on age and coverage.

Top private hospitals (Lima):

• Clinica Anglo Americana - premier expat choice, bilingual staff
• Clinica Ricardo Palma - modern facility, good specialists
• Clinica San Felipe - established reputation
• Clinica Javier Prado - growing reputation

Outside Lima:

• Arequipa and Cusco have good private clinics
• Smaller cities have limited private options
• Serious conditions may require transfer to Lima

Costs Without Insurance

Affordable by international standards:

Medications

Many medications available over-the-counter at pharmacies (InkaFarma, MiFarma are major chains). Costs are typically 50-70% less than US prices. Generic options widely available.

Altitude Health (Cusco/Highlands)

Important for highland cities:

• Altitude sickness (soroche) common above 2,500m
• Cusco at 3,400m - most people adapt in 2-3 days
• Coca tea (mate de coca) is traditional remedy
• Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol first 24-48 hours
• Serious altitude sickness requires descent

For Visa Applications

Most visa types require proof of health insurance valid in Peru or a health certificate. Private international insurance is accepted.