Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Chile
- Chile has MANDATORY health contributions—7% of your salary goes to either FONASA (public) or an ISAPRE (private insurer). This is not optional for employed residents.
- ISAPREs (private insurers like Consalud, Banmédica, Colmena) offer better service than FONASA but can be expensive—especially for women of childbearing age and older adults.
- Santiago has Latin America's best private hospitals: Clínica Alemana, Clínica Las Condes, Clínica Santa María—world-class care at 30-50% of US prices.
- The Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of health insurance covering your stay—international plans work, but you can switch to ISAPRE after establishing residency.
- Outside Santiago, healthcare quality drops significantly. Patagonia and remote regions have limited facilities—evacuation coverage is important.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Chile?
Chile's Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos) requires proof of health insurance for the duration of your stay. For employed residents, health contributions are MANDATORY—7% of your income goes to FONASA or an ISAPRE. Self-employed workers must also contribute. International insurance satisfies the visa requirement, but once you have residency and income, you'll need to choose between FONASA and ISAPRE.
Insurance is required for:
- Digital Nomad Visa applicants—insurance proof is required for the visa application
- Expats wanting access to Santiago's top private clinics without ISAPRE limitations
- Anyone living outside Santiago where healthcare options are limited
- Older adults—ISAPREs can be expensive or restrictive for 60+
- Frequent international travelers—FONASA and ISAPREs have limited overseas coverage
Public vs Private Healthcare in Chile
Public Healthcare
FONASA (Fondo Nacional de Salud)
- Access: All contributing residents (7% of income). Four tiers (A-D) based on income level.
- Cost: 7% of salary (mandatory). Tier A (no income): Free. Tiers B-D: Copays of 10-20% at FONASA facilities.
FONASA provides decent basic care but with long wait times, crowded facilities, and limited choice of doctors. Quality varies significantly by region—Santiago hospitals are better than rural areas. FONASA's main advantage: no exclusions for pre-existing conditions and no premium increases with age. The system struggles with specialist access and elective procedures.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: ISAPREs: 7%+ of salary (mandatory minimum, most pay more for better plans). International plans: $100-250/month.
Chile's private healthcare is excellent in Santiago. Clínica Alemana is considered Latin America's best hospital. Clínica Las Condes and Clínica Santa María are also world-class. ISAPREs give you access to these facilities with lower copays than paying cash. However, ISAPREs can refuse coverage or charge higher premiums based on age, gender, and health status—unlike FONASA. English is widely available at top Santiago clinics.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Chile. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Digital Nomad Visa compliance plus worldwide coverage for frequent travelers
Not ideal for: Employed residents—you still must pay 7% to FONASA/ISAPRE regardless
Allianz Care
Best for: Patagonia and remote area residents needing strong evacuation coverage to Santiago
Not ideal for: Santiago-only expats—ISAPREs provide Clínica Alemana access at lower cost
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions—ISAPREs can exclude or overcharge for health history
Not ideal for: Healthy young expats—ISAPRE plans are cheaper with excellent Santiago clinic access
IMG Global
Best for: Digital nomads needing affordable visa-compliant coverage before establishing residency
Not ideal for: Long-term residents—once earning income, ISAPRE/FONASA is mandatory anyway
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Chile
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Digital Nomad Visa compliance | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Patagonia and remote area | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions—ISAPREs can exclude | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Digital nomads needing affordable | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Chile
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- ISAPREs can legally discriminate by age and gender. Women 20-45 pay significantly higher premiums (maternity risk). Premiums increase sharply after 60.
- ISAPRE plans have coverage limits (topes) for specific procedures. Even with insurance, you may face high out-of-pocket costs for expensive treatments.
- Pre-existing conditions: ISAPREs can exclude or limit coverage. FONASA accepts everyone but has worse service.
- Healthcare outside Santiago is a different world. Patagonia, Atacama, and small cities have limited specialists and hospitals.
- The 7% contribution is mandatory—you cannot opt out of Chilean health coverage while earning income in Chile.
- Switching from ISAPRE to FONASA is easy. Switching back to ISAPRE requires medical underwriting and can be denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between FONASA and ISAPRE?
FONASA is Chile's public health system—everyone pays 7% of income and gets access to public hospitals. No exclusions, no age discrimination, but long waits and crowded facilities. ISAPREs are private insurers—you pay at least 7% (usually more) and get access to private clinics with shorter waits and better service. ISAPREs can deny coverage or charge more based on health, age, and gender.
Which ISAPRE is best for expats?
The major ISAPREs are Consalud, Banmédica, Colmena, Cruz Blanca, and Vida Tres. Banmédica owns Clínica Las Condes and Clínica Santa María, so their plans often have better rates at those hospitals. Consalud has wide hospital networks. The 'best' depends on which clinics you want access to and your health profile. Compare plans carefully—premiums and coverage vary significantly.
Can I use international insurance instead of FONASA/ISAPRE?
For visa purposes, yes—international insurance satisfies the Digital Nomad Visa requirement. However, if you're employed in Chile or have Chilean-source income, the 7% health contribution is mandatory. You can't opt out by having international insurance. Many expats pay into FONASA (cheapest option) and use international insurance for actual care.
How good is healthcare in Patagonia and remote areas?
Limited. Patagonia (Torres del Paine area), the Atacama, Easter Island, and small towns have basic clinics only. Serious conditions require evacuation to Santiago. If you're living outside major cities, medical evacuation coverage is essential. Some ISAPREs have weak networks outside Santiago—verify coverage for your specific location.
Is Chile good for medical tourism?
Yes. Santiago's top clinics offer procedures at 30-50% of US prices with comparable quality. Clínica Alemana is JCI-accredited and ranked among Latin America's best. Dental work, cosmetic surgery, and orthopedic procedures are popular. However, Chile is more expensive than other Latin American countries like Mexico or Colombia for medical tourism.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.