Hi Randy,
There are different healthcare options in Uruguay. All workers in Uruguay get comprehensive healthcare coverage as a social security benefit. The default plan is the public healthcare system. However, workers can move their social security covered healthcare plan to a private plan, called a mutulista, during open enrollments without paying any more. A foreigner who becomes a legal resident and does not work in Uruguay can buy coverage with a private mutualista for about $85 per month. However, they are private companies and can deny membership based on age and preexisting conditions. And each company's guidelines may be a little different. Another option is Uruguay's public healthcare system, which does not have any restrictions for age or preexisting conditions. The way you qualify for it is by becoming a legal resident. The cost for the public plan is also about $85 per month, and I understand it's free for people who make less than $2,000 per month. Here is a link to an article I wrote with more detailed information about your healthcare option in Uruguay: https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/health-care/
In regard to other countries, I was recently in Argentina, and they also have private and public healthcare systems. Their public healthcare system is free to all legal residents of Argentina.
Best regards,
David