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 Peru
- Peru's Digital Nomad Visa requires health insurance for the full stay—international plans satisfy this requirement.
- Private healthcare in Lima is excellent and affordable—Clínica Anglo Americana and Clínica Ricardo Palma rival US facilities at 20-30% of the cost.
- Outside Lima, healthcare quality drops dramatically. Cusco has decent private options, but smaller cities and rural Peru have very limited facilities.
- Altitude matters: Cusco sits at 3,400m (11,150ft). Some insurers exclude altitude-related conditions or have coverage limitations above certain elevations.
- Local private insurance (EPS like Rímac, Pacífico) costs S/150-400/month ($40-110) and provides excellent Lima clinic access.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Peru?
Peru's Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Residencia para Trabajador Remoto) requires proof of health insurance valid for your intended stay. Coverage must include COVID-19. For employed residents, EsSalud enrollment is mandatory—9% of salary paid by employer. Self-employed expats can voluntarily join EsSalud or use private insurance (EPS). International insurance satisfies visa requirements.
Insurance is required for:
- Digital Nomad Visa applicants—insurance proof is mandatory for the visa
- Expats living outside Lima where healthcare options are limited
- Anyone spending significant time at high altitude (Cusco, Arequipa, Puno)
- Retirees wanting access to Lima's excellent private clinics
- Adventure travelers doing trekking, mountaineering, or jungle expeditions
Public vs Private Healthcare in Peru
Public Healthcare
EsSalud (Seguro Social de Salud)
- Access: Employed workers (mandatory). Self-employed can join voluntarily.
- Cost: Employed: 9% of salary (paid by employer). Voluntary: S/55-100/month (~$15-27) based on income tier.
EsSalud provides basic coverage but facilities are overcrowded with long wait times—sometimes months for specialists. Quality varies dramatically: Lima hospitals are acceptable, but provincial EsSalud facilities can be basic. Most expats who can afford it use private healthcare and treat EsSalud as emergency backup only. EsSalud Hospitals: Rebagliati, Almenara (Lima).
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local EPS (Rímac, Pacífico, Mapfre): S/150-400/month ($40-110). International plans: $80-180/month.
Lima has Latin America's most underrated private healthcare. Clínica Anglo Americana is a US-standard hospital founded by the British-American community. Clínica Ricardo Palma, Clínica Internacional, and Clínica San Pablo are also excellent. Costs are remarkably low: specialist consultations S/150-250 ($40-70), MRIs S/400-800 ($110-220). English is widely available at top Lima clinics. Cusco has decent private options (Clínica Pardo); smaller cities have very limited private care.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Peru. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Digital Nomad Visa compliance plus medical evacuation from Cusco/highlands to Lima
Not ideal for: Lima-only expats—local EPS (Rímac, Pacífico) offers top clinic access at 1/3 the cost
Allianz Care
Best for: High-altitude trekkers and Cusco residents needing robust evacuation coverage
Not ideal for: Budget Lima expats—local plans have better Clínica Anglo Americana rates
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and older expats who may be denied local EPS coverage
Not ideal for: Healthy young expats—Lima private healthcare is affordable even out-of-pocket
IMG Global
Best for: Budget Digital Nomad Visa coverage and adventure travelers with altitude coverage
Not ideal for: Long-term Lima residents—local EPS provides better clinic networks
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Peru
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 | High-altitude trekkers and Cusco | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and older | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget Digital Nomad Visa | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Peru
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Altitude coverage: Cusco (3,400m), Lake Titicaca (3,800m), and trekking routes go to extreme elevations. Some insurers exclude altitude sickness or have elevation caps. Verify coverage if living or traveling in highlands.
- Lima vs everywhere else: 80% of Peru's good healthcare is in Lima. Cusco and Arequipa have acceptable private options. Smaller cities have basic care only. Jungle regions (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado) have very limited facilities.
- Medical evacuation is essential outside Lima. Serious conditions in Cusco or rural areas require air evacuation to Lima or sometimes Miami.
- Local EPS plans (Rímac, Pacífico) have excellent Lima clinic networks but limited coverage outside the capital. Check provincial network before choosing.
- Adventure activities: Standard policies often exclude mountaineering above certain elevations, extreme sports, and remote area coverage. Get specific adventure coverage if needed.
- The sol (PEN) fluctuates. Healthcare costs in soles can become cheaper or more expensive relative to USD over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do I need for Peru's Digital Nomad Visa?
Peru's Digital Nomad Visa requires health insurance valid for your intended stay, including COVID-19 coverage. International plans from major providers satisfy this requirement. You'll need to show proof during the visa application. Minimum coverage amounts aren't strictly specified, but comprehensive coverage is recommended given Peru's healthcare landscape outside Lima.
How does healthcare in Cusco compare to Lima?
Lima has world-class private hospitals; Cusco has decent but limited options. Clínica Pardo is Cusco's best private facility—good for routine care and minor emergencies. Serious conditions require evacuation to Lima (1-hour flight). Cusco also presents altitude challenges: visitors need acclimatization time, and altitude sickness is common. If living in Cusco, ensure your insurance covers altitude-related conditions and evacuation to Lima.
Should I get local EPS or international insurance?
For Lima-based expats planning to stay long-term, local EPS (Rímac, Pacífico) offers excellent value: S/150-400/month gets you access to top Lima clinics. The downside: limited provincial coverage and no international coverage. For expats who travel frequently, live outside Lima, or may relocate, international insurance provides more flexibility. Many expats use local EPS for Lima care and add travel insurance for trips.
Is Peru good for medical tourism?
Yes, particularly for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and general procedures. Lima clinics offer US-quality care at 20-30% of US prices. Dental implants cost $600-1,200 (vs $3,000-5,000 in US). Popular procedures: dental work, plastic surgery, LASIK, and health checkups. Clínica Anglo Americana and Clínica Ricardo Palma have international patient departments with English-speaking staff.
What about healthcare for Amazon jungle regions?
Very limited. Iquitos (the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon) has basic hospitals but nothing approaching Lima standards. Serious conditions require evacuation. Jungle regions also present unique health risks: tropical diseases, limited emergency response, and remote access challenges. If living in or frequently visiting the Amazon, medical evacuation coverage is essential, and you should verify your policy covers remote jungle areas.
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.