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 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Uruguay
- Mutualistas are private non-profit health cooperatives—you choose one and pay monthly fees.
- FONASA contributions (4.5-8% of income) fund your mutualista membership if employed.
- Hospital Británico and Médica Uruguaya are top mutualistas—good care, affordable costs.
- Montevideo has excellent healthcare; outside the capital, options are more limited.
- Residency is straightforward—popular with retirees seeking stable, safe, healthcare-accessible country.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Uruguay?
Uruguay doesn't require health insurance for visas, but the system strongly encourages coverage. Employed residents contribute to FONASA (4.5-8% of income) which funds mutualista membership. Self-employed and retirees can join mutualistas directly ($60-120/month). ASSE provides free public healthcare but quality is lower. Most expats use mutualistas—private non-profit cooperatives that are the backbone of Uruguayan healthcare.
You likely need private insurance if:
- All residents—mutualista membership is effectively expected for quality care
- Retirees—excellent mutualista options, straightforward residency process
- US/Canadian citizens—Medicare doesn't cover Uruguay, need local or international coverage
- Those wanting complex specialist care—Buenos Aires evacuation option valuable
- Expats outside Montevideo—more limited local options, may need travel for specialists
Public vs Private Healthcare in Uruguay
Public Healthcare
ASSE (Administración de los Servicios de Salud del Estado)
- Access: All residents (free), but most choose mutualistas
- Cost: Free (tax-funded)
ASSE is the public safety net—free but overcrowded, longer waits, and facilities less modern than mutualistas. Hospital de Clínicas (university hospital) is best public facility. Used mainly by lower-income Uruguayans. Most expats skip ASSE entirely and use mutualistas or private options.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $60-120/month mutualista, $100-250/month international
Mutualistas are the heart of Uruguayan healthcare—private non-profits with hospitals, clinics, and doctors. Top options: Hospital Británico (highest-end), Médica Uruguaya, Casa de Galicia, Asociación Española, Blue Cross. Quality is good for most conditions. For cutting-edge treatment or complex cases, Buenos Aires (2-hour ferry/flight) is the backup plan.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Uruguay. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Uruguay
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Uruguay
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 | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Uruguay
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Mutualistas have age limits for new members—some won't accept over 65 without health assessment.
- Spanish language essential—English-speaking doctors exist but are not guaranteed.
- Complex cases may require Buenos Aires—include Argentina in your coverage area.
- Outside Montevideo, healthcare is more basic—Punta del Este has good private options, rural areas less so.
- US Medicare does NOT work in Uruguay—need local mutualista or international coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mutualista and how do I join?
Mutualistas are private non-profit health cooperatives unique to Uruguay. You pay monthly fees ($60-120) and get access to their hospitals, clinics, doctors, and medications at reduced costs. Popular options: Hospital Británico (best facilities), Médica Uruguaya (good network), Casa de Galicia, Asociación Española. To join: visit their offices with your cédula (ID), fill out forms, sometimes health questionnaire. Employed? FONASA contributions may cover your mutualista fees.
How does FONASA work for expats?
FONASA (National Health Fund) collects ~4.5-8% of your salary if employed. These contributions pay for your mutualista membership and dependents. Self-employed can contribute voluntarily or pay mutualista directly. If not working, you pay mutualista fees out-of-pocket ($60-120/month). FONASA doesn't cover international insurance—that's separate.
Is Uruguay good for retiree healthcare?
Very good. Stable democracy, safe, affordable, and mutualistas accept retirees (though some have age limits/assessments). Hospital Británico has excellent cardiology and oncology. Costs are 50-70% lower than US. Challenges: Spanish needed for most medical interactions, cutting-edge treatments may require Buenos Aires, and getting to Uruguay initially requires some planning for residency.
Should I use a mutualista or international insurance?
For Uruguay-based care, mutualistas are affordable and sufficient. International insurance adds: worldwide coverage if you travel, English-speaking assistance, evacuation to Buenos Aires or beyond for complex cases, and no age restrictions for enrollment. Many expats have both—mutualista for daily use, international for travel and catastrophic coverage.
What's healthcare like in Punta del Este?
Good for a resort town. Hospital Cantegril and Sanatorio Mautone provide solid care. Summer season brings additional medical staff. For routine care, you're covered. For complex conditions, you'll likely travel to Montevideo (90 minutes) or use your mutualista's main facilities there. Year-round residents should have Montevideo access in their plan.
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.