Uurguay universal health care
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Hello, so how does a foreigner become eligible for the universal healthcare program you speak of? Can you tell me other countries that offer that if you know by chance?
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