The Uruguayan health system is based on the notion of health as a universal human right, a public good and the responsability of the State.
To get health services in Uruguay, you can use the public system, ASSE (Administration of State Health Services), which provides universal, free-at-point-of-use coverage for all legal residents, or choose a private system by paying a monthly fee to a private mutualista or hospital, often with coverage from your mandatory Fonasa contributions.
For urgent issues, go to the nearest ASSE center or private hospital; for non-urgent issues, contact the provider of your choice to book an appointment.
1. How to Get Care
For Residents:
° Public: Go to the nearest ASSE health center.
°Private: Sign up with a mutualista.
For Visitors/Non-Residents:You can use the public system or pay directly for services at private providers.
2. The Public System (ASSE)
- Eligibility: All legal residents and citizens are entitled to use ASSE.
- Cost: Services are generally free at the point of use, funded by general taxation.
- Access: You can access healthcare through ASSE’s network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers across the country.
- Considerations: You may experience longer wait times for specialists compared to the private system.
3. The Private System (Mutualistas)
To join Uruguay’s private health system, you typically become a member (“socio”) of a Mutualista by paying a monthly fee, granting access to its network of providers. Requirements vary, but generally involve a monthly membership fee, with some providers requiring a physical exam and potentially having restrictions on pre-existing conditions or age, though some have no age caps. Expats and locals can also access the system as it’s open to anyone for an affordable fee, often through their employer or as individuals.
1. Select a Mutualista: Choose from the many private healthcare cooperatives or plans, such as the well-known British Hospital or La Asistencial.
2. Pay Monthly Fees: You’ll pay a monthly membership fee (“cuota”) to become a “socio” (member). They vary significantly based on your age, the chosen Mutualista, and the specific plan level. Expect fees to range from approximately $100 to $250+ USD per person per month for a comprehensive plan. Premiums generally increase with age.
3. Meet Specific Requirements:
- Physical Exam: Many plans require a physical, though some may not.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Be aware that some Mutualistas have age caps or restrictions on covering pre-existing conditions.
- Age Restrictions: Some providers may not accept certain age groups, so it’s important to check their specific policies.
4. Access Services:As a member, you’ll gain access to the institution’s network of clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centers, and affiliated doctors.
Considerations: Even with a Mutualista, you will usually pay small co-payments (“órdenes”) for doctor’s visits, certain tests, or prescription medications. These “tickets” might range from $5 to $20 USD per service.
4. Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Situations
- Emergency:Go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) service of a private hospital or a public health center.
- Non-Emergency:Contact the provider of your choice (public or private) to schedule an appointment.
5. Useful Resources
List of Medical Facilities in Uruguay
| Name of medical facility | Telephone | Address | English speaking staff | Main specialisation | Public/Private facility | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASOCIACION ESPAÑOLA | usuarios@asesp.com.uy | +598 1920 7000 | Bvar Artigas 1515 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff speaks English | Private facility | |
| THE BRITISH HOSPITAL | info@hospitalbritanico.org.uy | +598 2487 1020 | Avda Italia 2420 MONTEVIDEO | Most staff speaks English | General | Private facility |
| CASA DE GALICIA | info@casadegalicia.org.uy | +598 2358 1234 | Millán 4480 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| CASMU I | atencionalusuario@casmu.com | +598 2400 1184 | Colonia & Arenal Grande MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| CASMU II | atencionalusuario@casmu.com | +598 2487 0421 | Avda 8 de Octubre & Abreu MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| CASMU III | atencionalusuario@casmu.com | +598 2487 2125 | Avda Garibaldi MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | Maternity & Gynaecology | Private facility |
| CASMU IV | atencionalusuario@casmu.com | +598 2487 0822 | Avda Luis A Larrañaga MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | Cardiology & ICU | Private facility |
| CIRCULO CATOLICO | atencionalusuariocentral@circulocatolico.com.uy | +598 1870 | Minas 1250 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| CIRCULO CATOLICO | atencionalusuariocentral@circulocatolico.com.uy | +598 1870 | Bvar Artigas 2120 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | Cardiology & ICU | Private facility |
| SANATORIO AMERICANO | secretaria@americano.com.uy | +598 2708 6041 | Dr Isabelino Bosch 2466 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| HOSPITAL EVANGELICO | datus@hospitalevangelico.com | +598 2487 2319 | Bvar Batlle y Ordoñez 2759 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| SERVICIO MEDICO INTEGRAL (SMI) | atencionalusuario@smi.com.uy | +598 2487 1016 | Avda Luis A de Herrera 2275 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| CENTRO HOSPITALARIO PEREIRA ROSSELL | atencionalusuario.pereirarossell@asse.com.uy | +598 27087741 | Brvar Artigas 1550 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | Children | Public facility |
| HOSPITAL DE CLÍNICAS | atencionalusuario@hc.edu.uy | +598 2487 1515 | Avda Italia & Las Heras MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Public facility |
| HOSPITAL MACIEL | direccion.maciel@asse.com.uy | +598 2915 3000 | 25 de Mayo 174 MONTEVIDEO | Some staff may speak English | General | Public facility |
| SANATORIO CANTEGRIL / LA ASISTENCIAL | comunicaciones@asistencial.com.uy | +598 4222 3833 | Avda Roosvelt & Parada 13 – MALDONADO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| SANATORIO MAUTONE | atencion.usuarios@semm-mautone.com.uy | +598 4222 5353 | Avda Roosvelt & Honduras MALDONADO | Some staff may speak English | General | Private facility |
| HOSPITAL DE MALDONADO | direccion.maldonado@asse.com.uy | +598 4223 2339 | Continuación Ventura Alegre s/n, Barrio Alto Pinar MALDONADO | Some staff may speak English | General | Public facility |
| HOSPITAL DE ROCHA | direccion.rocha@asse.com.uy | +598 4472 2608 | Avda Dr Martinez Rodriguez s/n, ROCHA | Some staff may speak English | General | Public facility |
| HOSPITAL DE COLONIA | direccion.colonia@asse.com.uy | +598 4523 6819 | Avda battle & Ordoñez 596, COLONIA | Some staff may speak English | General | Public facility |
