Last updated on 21/06/2026

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ISAPREs (Instituciones de Salud Previsional) are Chile's private health insurance companies. They give you access to private clinics ("clínicas"), shorter wait times, more choice of doctors, and generally a higher standard of comfort than the public system, Fonasa. Most expats with decent incomes choose an ISAPRE. This guide is part of our healthcare in Chile section.

How it works

When you start working in Chile, 7% of your salary is allocated to health insurance. You can direct this to FONASA (public) or to an ISAPRE (private). If you choose an ISAPRE, the 7% goes toward your premium. Most ISAPRE plans cost more than 7% of an average salary, so you top up the difference from your own pocket.

Each ISAPRE offers multiple plan levels with different coverage percentages, clinic networks, and prices. You choose a plan that matches your needs and budget. The ISAPRE then reimburses a percentage of your medical costs at their partner clinics, typically 60-90% depending on the plan level and the type of service.

Which ISAPREs are available?

There are seven "open" ISAPREs that anyone can join:

Banmédica: One of the largest, with a strong network including Clínica Santa María and Clínica Dávila
Colmena Golden Cross: Solid coverage, mid-range pricing
Más Vida: Smaller, competitive pricing
Vida Tres: Part of the Banmédica group, premium positioning
Cruz Blanca: Large network, part of the Bupa group
Consalud: Good value, wide network
Ferrosalud: Originally for railway workers, now open to all

Several "closed" ISAPREs exist but only serve specific companies (mainly in mining). The open Chile Isapres compete on plan design rather than headline price, which is why two plans with identical premiums can reimburse very differently at the same clinic. Always compare the coverage table (plan de salud), not just the monthly cost.

The ISAPRE you choose determines which clinics give you the best coverage. Banmédica plans, for example, give better rates at Clínica Santa María, while Cruz Blanca has strong coverage at Clínica Las Condes. Check which clinics are near your home and workplace before choosing.

Plan types

Plans generally fall into three tiers:

Basic plans cover 50-60% of costs at partner clinics. Monthly premiums are close to the mandatory 7% contribution, so your out-of-pocket top-up is minimal. Good if you are young, healthy, and mainly want coverage for emergencies and major events.

Mid-range plans cover 70-80% and offer a wider network of clinics. This is where most expats land. You pay a noticeable monthly top-up but get reasonable copayments for regular visits.

Premium plans cover 80-90%+ and include access to the best clinics with minimal copayments. Monthly premiums can exceed CLP 300,000 for a family. Worth it if you have specific health needs or want maximum peace of mind.

What to watch out for

Pre-existing conditions: ISAPREs can exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage for a period (typically 18 months) or charge higher premiums. This is a key difference from FONASA, which covers everyone equally.

Age-based pricing: Premiums increase as you get older. Some expats find that their ISAPRE becomes unaffordable in their 50s and 60s, at which point switching to FONASA or international insurance may make more sense.

Maternity coverage: If you are planning to have children, check the maternity provisions carefully. Some plans have waiting periods of 12-24 months before maternity coverage kicks in.

CAEC: The Cobertura Adicional para Enfermedades Catastróficas is an add-on that covers catastrophic illnesses and hospitalizations at 100% above a deductible. It is optional but strongly recommended: without it, a serious health event can be financially ruinous.

Do not choose based on a friend's recommendation alone. Your situation (age, family size, health history, preferred clinics, income) determines which ISAPRE and plan is best for you. What works for a healthy 30-year-old single person is completely different from what a family of four needs.

How to enroll in an Isapre as a foreigner

You need three things before any Isapre will sign you up:

A Chilean RUT/RUN: your Chilean ID number. Isapres cannot enroll you on a passport alone.
Demonstrable income: a Chilean work contract, or documented foreign income for retirees and rentistas (some Isapres are stricter than others on foreign-source income).
A health declaration: you disclose pre-existing conditions, which the Isapre uses to set exclusions or surcharges.

The process itself is simple: a sales agent (ejecutivo) prepares plan options, you sign, and coverage typically starts the first day of the following month. If you arrive mid-visa-process, consider international health insurance as a bridge until your RUT is issued.

Isapre vs Fonasa: which should you choose?

The short version of the comparison is this. An Isapre makes sense if you have a solid income, want private clinics, short wait times, and English-speaking doctors, and you are young enough that premiums are reasonable. Fonasa is the better fit if you are on a tight budget, have pre-existing conditions an Isapre would exclude, or are older and facing steep age-rated premiums. Many retirees split the difference, combining Fonasa as a base with international or complementary private insurance.

Both routes satisfy the health-coverage expectation attached to Chilean residence permits. For the full public-system picture, read our Fonasa guide for expats.

For help choosing the right plan, see our health insurance guide, contact us, or book a consultation: insurance setup is part of our settling-in service.

Frequently Asked Questions about ISAPREs

Choosing an ISAPRE

Which ISAPRE is best for expats?

There is no single best ISAPRE: it depends on your situation (single, couple, family), your health needs, and which clinics you want access to. Do not rely on a friend's recommendation without checking if their situation matches yours.

Can I change ISAPREs?

Yes, once per year. You can also switch to FONASA at any time. Switching ISAPREs is straightforward but compare plans carefully: pre-existing conditions may affect coverage under a new provider.

What is CAEC and do I need it?

CAEC (Cobertura Adicional para Enfermedades Catastróficas) is catastrophic illness insurance that covers 100% of hospitalization costs above a deductible. It is an optional add-on and highly recommended: a serious illness or accident without CAEC can be financially devastating.

Costs

How much does an ISAPRE cost?

The mandatory 7% health contribution from your salary is your base. Most ISAPRE plans cost more than 7%, so you pay the difference out of pocket. Total monthly premiums typically range from CLP 80,000 to 300,000+ depending on the plan, your age, and number of dependents.

What are copayments like?

Copayments vary by plan. A typical mid-range plan covers 70-80% of costs at partner clinics. A GP visit might cost you CLP 8,000-15,000 out of pocket, and a specialist CLP 15,000-30,000. Hospitalizations are where ISAPRE coverage matters most.