Uruguay’s Top-of-the-line, English-speaking Hospital
Date: 12/23/2007
As well as excellent health care, the British Hospital in Montevideo is known for its colonial architecture and beautiful gardens.
Monday, Dec. 24, 2007
Montevideo, Uruguay
Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards--your daily escape
Two months ago I spent a lot of time visiting a young South African rugby player who had been severely injured in a match while on tour in Uruguay. It was feared he would be permanently paralyzed. He spent several days in intensive care, then a couple of weeks more in the hospital.
Happily, the young man is now walking again, and is well on his way to making a full recovery.
His father traveled from South Africa and was able to stay in his room at the hospital. Both the patient and his father spoke highly of the service they received from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and specialists…and were impressed with the support of the Uruguayans and expats who rallied around.
We’re lucky to have the excellent health facility that is the 150-year-old British Hospital.
This hospital is well known for its top-quality care, personalized attention, comfortable rooms, and good catering. Many of the 680 staff members speak English, and most of the 250 doctors working at the hospital (including 70 full-time doctors) trained in the U.S., Europe, or Canada. The hospital has 85 rooms (most of them private), four birthing rooms, two intensive care units, five operating rooms, and outpatient care for a wide range of medical conditions.
The hospital functions on a membership scheme, although non-members are welcome. Anyone who wishes to join must undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they are not suffering from any dangerous or chronic conditions. Membership entitles you to free hospitalization, whereas a non-member would have to pay a $2,500 deposit for hospitalization, and about $430 per day for the room.
Medical analysis and visits to a GP or specialist for members cost between $5 and $14; non-members pay between $70 and $100 for the same service. The hospital is linked to most international insurance schemes.
Generally, you can get an appointment to see a GP within a day, and you will rarely have to wait more than a week to see a specialist. The British Hospital is by far the best option for medical care in Montevideo, so it is worth checking that your insurance company has links to it.
The membership scheme works on a sliding scale according to your age. If you are between 30 and 39, the membership fee will cost about $75 a month; if you’re between 55 and 60, the fee is about $115. For members between the ages of 60 and 65, there is an additional joining fee of $240. The hospital does not accept new members aged over 65.
I have undergone two minor operations at the British Hospital and was extremely satisfied with both the medical and the personal treatment I received during these visits.
Paola Fornari
For International Living
Editor’s Note: It’s not just quality health care that makes Uruguay a top expat destination. You can get all the benefits of a First-world quality of life, yet still enjoy one of the world’s lowest costs of living. If you are interested in learning more about affordable health care, excellent infrastructure, the highest rental returns we’ve ever seen, and the best property deals Uruguay has to offer, then order your copy of Uruguay: The Owner’s Manual now--15% off for a limited time.
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