Last updated on 12/06/2026

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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, the public system, takes 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.

An Isapre, the private option, puts your mandatory 7% toward the premium, but most plans cost more than that. 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 runs USD 200-800+ per month per person, depending on coverage level and age. It is more expensive, but it 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

Costs

How much does a doctor visit cost in Chile?

Without insurance: CLP 40,000-80,000 (USD 40-80) for a GP, CLP 60,000-120,000 (USD 60-120) for a specialist at a private clinic. With Isapre insurance, you typically pay 20-40% of these amounts as copayment.

How much does health insurance cost per month?

Fonasa (public): 7% of your taxable income (mandatory). Isapre (private): 7% plus a top-up, totaling CLP 80,000-300,000+ per month depending on plan and family size. International insurance: USD 200-800+ per month.

Is healthcare in Chile expensive compared to the US?

Significantly cheaper. A specialist visit that costs USD 300+ in the US costs USD 60-120 in Chile. Childbirth costs USD 4,000-7,000 versus USD 10,000-30,000 in the US. Prescription drugs are also generally cheaper.

Quality

How good is healthcare in Chile?

Very good by regional standards: the World Health Organization has ranked Chile's system 33rd of 190 countries, and private clinics in Santiago meet international standards, with many doctors who trained abroad and speak English. The weak point is public-system wait times, which is why most expats with professional incomes pay for an ISAPRE or international cover. More in our healthcare overview.