Healthcare Costs in Chile: What to Budget

• Home
• Expat Guide
• Healthcare in Chile
• Healthcare Costs

Healthcare in Chile is affordable by North American and European standards, but it is not cheap by South American standards. Private healthcare in particular can add up quickly if you do not have adequate insurance. Here is what things actually cost.

Insurance premiums

FONASA (public): 7% of your taxable income, deducted from your salary. That is your total cost for the public system, though you will pay copayments for some services.

ISAPRE (private): The mandatory 7% goes toward your premium, but most plans cost more. A single person typically pays CLP 80,000-150,000 per month total. A couple, CLP 150,000-250,000. A family of four, CLP 200,000-350,000. Premium plans with top clinics can exceed CLP 400,000.

International insurance: USD 200-800+ per month per person, depending on coverage level and age. More expensive but covers you globally, which matters if you travel frequently or might need medical evacuation.

Common medical costs (2025 prices, private clinics)

These are approximate out-of-pocket costs without insurance. With ISAPRE coverage, you typically pay 20-40% of these amounts.

• GP consultation: CLP 40,000-80,000 (USD 40-80)
• Specialist consultation: CLP 60,000-120,000 (USD 60-120)
• Emergency room visit: CLP 100,000-300,000 (USD 100-300), more if tests or procedures are needed
• Blood tests (standard panel): CLP 30,000-60,000 (USD 30-60)
• X-ray: CLP 25,000-50,000 (USD 25-50)
• MRI: CLP 300,000-500,000 (USD 300-500)
• Ultrasound: CLP 40,000-80,000 (USD 40-80)

Procedures and hospitalizations

• Childbirth (natural, private clinic): CLP 3,500,000-5,000,000 (USD 3,500-5,000)
• Childbirth (C-section): CLP 5,000,000-7,000,000 (USD 5,000-7,000)
• Appendectomy: CLP 3,000,000-5,000,000 (USD 3,000-5,000)
• Hospital stay per night: CLP 200,000-500,000 (USD 200-500) depending on room type
• Ambulatory surgery (minor): CLP 1,500,000-3,000,000 (USD 1,500-3,000)

These are the costs that make CAEC (catastrophic illness coverage) worth having if you are on an ISAPRE plan. A week-long hospitalization without adequate coverage can easily exceed CLP 10,000,000.

Dental care

Dental care is not covered by FONASA or most ISAPRE plans (some offer limited dental benefits as add-ons). Budget for dental expenses separately.

• Dental checkup and cleaning: CLP 30,000-60,000 (USD 30-60)
• Filling: CLP 40,000-80,000 (USD 40-80)
• Root canal: CLP 150,000-300,000 (USD 150-300)
• Dental crown: CLP 200,000-400,000 (USD 200-400)

Medications

Prescription medications are generally cheaper in Chile than in the US but more expensive than in some European countries. Generic options are widely available and significantly cheaper than brand names. For common medications:

• Antibiotics (course): CLP 5,000-15,000 (USD 5-15)
• Blood pressure medication (monthly): CLP 8,000-25,000 (USD 8-25)
• Birth control (monthly): CLP 5,000-15,000 (USD 5-15)

For tips on finding the best prices, see our pharmacies guide.

Budgeting advice

For a single expat with ISAPRE coverage, budget CLP 100,000-200,000 per month for health insurance plus CLP 30,000-50,000 per month for copayments, medications, and dental. That is roughly USD 130-250 per month total for healthcare.

For a family of four, double to triple those numbers. If you have young children or are planning a pregnancy, budget higher — pediatric visits, vaccinations, and maternity care add up.

The most important thing is not to skip CAEC coverage on your ISAPRE plan. The monthly cost is small (CLP 5,000-15,000) compared to the financial protection it provides.

Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare Costs in Chile

Do you want to go more in detail?

I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2025

DOWNLOAD TODAY