Healthcare System in Bolivia: everything you need to know

How does the Bolivian health system work?

Bolivia has a Unified Health System (SUS) which offers universal and free coverage to its citizens. Since Bolivia is a pluri-national state, they have implemented this model to increase public spending for health and to guarantee coverage to the majority of the country. Within the system there are three sectors: public, private and social security.

Each sector has three levels. At the first level are the health centers for basic and frequent care, where about 80% of the diseases are treated. At the second level are hospitals that provide pediatrics, internal medicine, gynecology, surgery, as well as rehabilitation and physiotherapy services. Finally, the third level are hospitals that treat medical specialties and complex treatments. This is where cancer treatments, CT scans, blood banks and others are performed.

About 10% of the population is treated in the private system, which is financed by direct payments from the affiliates.

How does the system work for foreigners?

Some time ago, the Ministry of Health included foreigners living in Bolivia in the Unified Health System. This allows foreign residents to receive free medical care in the public network at all levels.

It is a requirement to have a health insurance to enter Bolivia. This will allow you to be treated in health centers throughout the country. If you are traveling for tourism, you will have to pay for medical treatment since the free public system is available only to foreign residents. If you wish to be treated in the private system, you will have to pay directly out of pocket.

It is important to consider that most of Bolivia's tourist centers are located in rural areas. Here it is more difficult to access quality health services that could help you quickly. Therefore, apart from taking the corresponding precautions during your trip, it is important that you have health insurance. Ideally this should include expatriation, and also cover you for lost valuables and flights.

To find the best health insurance with coverage in Bolivia, visit InternationalHealth.com and compare, quote and hire the right insurance for your trip. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in Bolivia?

If you have an emergency during your trip, you can call 165 0 160 to ask for an ambulance nationwide. For firefighters dial 119 and for police dial 120.

If you need an ambulance transfer, you will have to pay for the service.

There have been reports of discrimination against foreigners in the local health system. Some people have alleged that they are not attended when they realize they are foreigners. Recently, according to the Clarin newspaper in Argentina, a tourist suffered a stroke in Bolivia and they did not want to treat him "because he was Argentinean.  That is why it is very important to take all precautions during your trip to avoid any kind of accidents. 

How do pharmacies operate in Bolivia?

The use of traditional medicine is very popular in Bolivia, especially because of the high percentage of indigenous people in the population. Modern medicine has come a long way in recent years, accelerated by the implementation of the Unified Health System.

There are about 1,000 pharmacies authorized to sell medicines throughout the country. Pharmaceuticals are also sold in clinics, hospitals and specialized centers.

For SUS affiliates, many medicines are free and included in their coverage. If you go as a tourist, you will have to pay for the medicines you want to buy.

To enter the country with medicines you must carry only the dosage necessary for the duration of your trip. You will also need to show your doctor's prescription with details of the remedy and quantity. If you need to buy prescription medication during your stay, you must take your prescription with the information to a Bolivian doctor who will write you a new prescription so that you can buy the medication locally.

Entry Requirements

In order to enter Bolivia as a tourist you must have be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. There are no other entry restrictions at this time.