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How does healthcare work in Nicaragua, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
How does healthcare work in Nicaragua, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
- How does the healthcare system work in Nicaragua?
- What is the quality of healthcare in Nicaragua?
- How does the public healthcare system work in Nicaragua?
- How does the private healthcare system work in Nicaragua?
- How is the general practitioner arranged in Nicaragua?
- How is the dentist arranged in Nicaragua?
- How is pregnancy care arranged in Nicaragua?
- How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Nicaragua?
- What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Nicaragua?
- What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Nicaragua if you are going to live there for a while?
How does the healthcare system work in Nicaragua?
What is the quality of healthcare in Nicaragua?
- Healthcare in Nicaragua is of fairly good quality and consists of both private and public institutions. Furthermore, healthcare is also quite cheap.
- As in most countries, healthcare is better in cities than in smaller villages and rural areas.
- Many doctors in Nicaragua have been trained in the United States, Europe, Cuba or Mexico.
- For this reason, most doctors working in cities also speak English, while doctors and healthcare workers in rural areas often do not speak English.
- There are many pharmacies in Nicaragua. The pharmacies are also used by locals as a kind of first stop for medical care, especially if they cannot afford to visit a doctor. Many medicines can be obtained without a prescription. If you bring your own medicine, make sure you bring a doctor's note in Spanish.
- In Nicaragua, you have the option of choosing private, international insurance, or you can also get insurance at some local hospitals.
How does the public healthcare system work in Nicaragua?
- The public healthcare system consists of a mix of military and public healthcare institutions. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) provides a universal system, free for everyone and consisting of clinics and hospitals.
- In addition, there is also a mandatory insurance system, Instituto Nicaragüense de Seguridad Social (INSS). People with a job are required to contribute to this. The INSS provides coverage for certain care, for both the insured and dependents.
- Every region/department in Nicaragua has a public hospital and several public clinics. Public hospitals provide free emergency medical care.
- Waiting times in public hospitals are often (very) long and the medical staff often only speak Spanish.
How does the private healthcare system work in Nicaragua?
- Private healthcare in Nicaragua consists of both profit-making and non-profit institutions. The latter include NGOs and churches, for example.
- Private hospitals often offer health insurance, which offers a discount on all care you receive in the hospital.
- Private healthcare is often unaffordable for locals, while it is often relatively cheap for foreigners.
- Certain specific treatments are not possible in Nicaragua. It is therefore wise to take out insurance that covers medical evacuation in these cases.
- Even though more people speak English in private institutions, it can still be useful to speak some Spanish to explain your medical situation properly.
How is the general practitioner arranged in Nicaragua?
- In Nicaragua you will find GPs in both the public and private facilities. In general, foreigners and wealthy locals choose private GPs.
- The easiest way to find a good GP is to look for a “médico general” at a private clinic or to ask other expats for advice.
How is the dentist arranged in Nicaragua?
- There are more dentists than general practitioners in Nicaragua. Many dentists have been trained abroad.
- Dental care is reasonably priced and it is a popular country for medical dental tourism.
How is pregnancy care arranged in Nicaragua?
- In urban areas such as Managua, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer prenatal and maternity care. The quality of care generally varies between public and private institutions. Private hospitals and clinics usually offer a higher standard of care, with more modern facilities and English-speaking staff. It can be useful to do some research of the available facilities and care providers.
- You can expect good quality prenatal - and postnatal care and testing in private institutions.
- Abortion is completely prohibited in Nicaragua, with no exceptions, even in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger. This strict legislation has been in place since 2006 and has raised concerns about the impact on women’s health and well-being. Women who undergo abortions face prison sentences of up to two years, while medical professionals who perform the procedure can face sentences of up to six years.
How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Nicaragua?
What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Nicaragua?
- While Nicaragua is generally considered safer than some of its neighbors, crime such as theft and muggings do occur, especially in urban areas. It is advisable to remain vigilant, not to carry valuables on display, and not to travel alone at night.
- Since 2018, Nicaragua has experienced political unrest and protests. Authorities have responded harshly to demonstrations, and participation in them can result in arrest or deportation. It is advisable to avoid political gatherings and protests and to stay up-to-date on local news.
- Nicaragua is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and hurricanes. It is important to be familiar with evacuation plans and follow the instructions of local authorities in case of an emergency.
- Be careful with unregistered taxis, as there have been cases of taxi kidnappings. Always choose a taxi with a red license plate. Also, do not take the bus at night.
What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Nicaragua?
- Diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, transmitted by mosquitoes, are common in Nicaragua. It is advisable to use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
- Drinking tap water is generally discouraged due to the risk of waterborne diseases. It is safer to consume bottled or filtered water and to be careful with ice cubes and raw foods.
What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Nicaragua?
- Infrastructure in Nicaragua is limited, especially outside the major cities in the Caribbean. Roads can be poorly maintained, and traffic laws are not always followed. If you plan to drive yourself, be prepared for unexpected road conditions and unpredictable behavior from other road users.
- In the cities and more developed areas, driving can be a good option.
- It is mandatory to have local insurance when entering the country with a car, or when buying a car there.
- Buses and taxis are the main forms of public transportation. Although they are affordable, they can be overcrowded and may not meet the safety standards you are used to. It is advisable to use reliable taxi services.
What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Nicaragua?
- Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.
What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Nicaragua if you are going to live there for a while?
- Although it is generally not mandatory to have insurance for a visa application for Nicaragua, most foreigners still take out their own private insurance. This guarantees good coverage for (unexpected) care and also medical evacuation or repatriation, which may be necessary in a country like Nicaragua.
- Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Nicaragua: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Nicaragua: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Content about Nicaragua shared by WorldSupporters
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