The Health System in Uruguay

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	Email	Telephone	Address	English speaking staff	Main specialisation	Public/Private facility
ASOCIACION ESPAÑOLA	usuarios@asesp.com.uy	+598 1920 7000	Bvar Artigas 1515	Some staff speaks English		Private facility
THE BRITISH HOSPITAL	info@hospitalbritanico.org.uy	+598 2487 1020	Avda Italia 2420	Most staff speaks English	General	Private facility
CASA DE GALICIA	info@casadegalicia.org.uy	+598 2358 1234	Millán 4480	Some staff may speak English	General	Private facility
CASMU I	atencionalusuario@casmu.com	+598 2400 1184	Colonia & Arenal Grande	Some staff may speak English	General	Private facility
CASMU II	atencionalusuario@casmu.com	+598 2487 0421	Avda 8 de Octubre & Abreu	Some staff may speak English	General	Private facility
CASMU III	atencionalusuario@casmu.com	+598 2487 2125	Avda Garibaldi	Some staff may speak English	Maternity & Gynaecology	Private facility
CASMU IV	atencionalusuario@casmu.com	+598 2487 0822	Avda Luis A Larrañaga	Some staff may speak English	Cardiology & ICU	Private facility
CIRCULO CATOLICO	atencionalusuariocentral@circulocatolico.com.uy	+598 1870	Minas 1250	Some staff may speak English	General	Private facility
CIRCULO CATOLICO	atencionalusuariocentral@circulocatolico.com.uy	+598 1870	Bvar Artigas 2120	Some staff may speak English	Cardiology & ICU	Private facility
SANATORIO AMERICANO	secretaria@americano.com.uy	+598 2708 6041	Dr Isabelino Bosch 2466	Some staff may speak English	General	Private facility
HOSPITAL EVANGELICO	datus@hospitalevangelico.com	+598 2487 2319	Bvar Batlle y Ordoñez 2759	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	Some staff may speak English	General	Private facility
CENTRO HOSPITALARIO PEREIRA ROSSELL	atencionalusuario.pereirarossell@asse.com.uy	+598 27087741	Brvar Artigas 1550	Some staff may speak English	Children	Public facility
HOSPITAL DE CLÍNICAS	atencionalusuario@hc.edu.uy	+598 2487 1515	Avda Italia & Las Heras	Some staff may speak English	General	Public facility
HOSPITAL MACIEL	direccion.maciel@asse.com.uy	+598 2915 3000	25 de Mayo 174	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	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	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