Ethan Rhodes
South America is known for its affordable healthcare services, with Brazil having the highest number of medical centers in Latin America, at over 6,500. However, there is a lack of information on medical devices and equipment in the region. Expats in South America may face challenges in accessing the same medical assistance as locals and may prefer private healthcare due to its high-quality care and shorter wait times. To assist expats and international travellers, several organizations provide lists of major hospitals and clinics in South America, categorized by country. These lists can be invaluable in navigating the healthcare landscape in South America, which consists of multiple countries with varying healthcare systems and costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals in Latin America | Over 18,000 |
| Number of hospitals in Brazil | Over 6,500 |
| Number of hospitals in Mexico | 3,587 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Argentina | 13 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Brazil | 11 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Chile | 4 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Colombia | 3 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Ecuador | 2 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Guyana | 3 |
| Number of notable hospitals in French Guiana | 2 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Paraguay | 0 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Peru | 2 |
| Number of notable hospitals in Suriname | 6 |
| Number of hospitals in smaller markets (Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Uruguay) | Not specified |
| Number of hospitals in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | 0 |
| Healthcare for expats | More accessible with international health insurance |
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What You'll Learn
Brazil has the most hospitals in South America
Brazil has the highest number of hospitals in South America, with over 6,500 medical centres in 2024. This number is even higher than the number of hospitals in the US. In fact, Brazil's healthcare system is often praised, despite the country being relatively poor. The Brazilian government spent more than 46% of its annual health expenditure on hospital and outpatient care in 2022.
Brazil's universal public healthcare system is one of the reasons for the high number of hospitals in the country. This system prioritises public healthcare, making it accessible to all citizens. While Brazil's healthcare system is a strength, other countries in Latin America, such as Argentina, offer free healthcare services to both citizens and foreigners in need of emergency treatment.
The availability of hospitals in South America varies by country and region. While Brazil boasts an extensive network of hospitals, countries like Bolivia and Paraguay have fewer options, with no notable hospitals listed. Additionally, the quality of healthcare facilities in South America can differ significantly between urban and rural areas, with larger cities typically offering the best hospitals in the region.
The cost of healthcare in South America is generally lower than in many other parts of the world. This affordability is a significant advantage for locals and expats alike. However, expats may face challenges due to language barriers and inconsistent aftercare in public healthcare facilities, leading some to opt for private healthcare options.
In summary, Brazil stands out in South America with its high number of hospitals, reflecting a commitment to accessible and well-funded healthcare. At the same time, the region as a whole presents a mixed landscape of healthcare services, with some countries offering free or affordable care and others facing challenges in providing universal coverage.
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Argentina has 13 notable hospitals
Argentina has a universal healthcare system, with a mix of public and private medical facilities. There are 5,012 hospitals in the country, 70% of which are private institutions. The remaining 30% are public hospitals, which are accessible to everyone in the country. However, patients need to apply for free care at these public hospitals, and they may be rejected. The rejection rate is usually between 30-40%.
Despite the availability of public healthcare, many Argentines opt for private insurance. The private healthcare sector in Argentina is made up of numerous small networks and fragmented entities, consisting of over 200 organisations. The private system offers benefits such as shorter queues and higher-quality care. Foreign nationals and expats may also prefer private facilities due to language barriers in public hospitals, where English-speaking doctors are not always available.
While Argentina has a large number of hospitals overall, only 13 are considered notable. Some of these notable hospitals include:
- Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos "General José de San Martín" in La Plata
- Hospital Municipal de Agudos "María Eva Duarte de Perón" in Oriente
- Hospital Nacional de Pediatría "Profesor Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" in Parque Patricios
- Hospital de Infecciosas "Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz", also in Parque Patricios
- Hospital Municipal General "Anita Ellicagaray, A. Gonzáles Cháves" in Florencio Varela
These notable hospitals in Argentina reflect the country's strong healthcare infrastructure and its commitment to providing accessible and quality medical care to its citizens.
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French Guiana has 2 notable hospitals
There are a varying number of notable hospitals in the countries of South America. Brazil, for instance, had over 6,500 medical centres in 2024, making it the Latin American country with the highest number of hospitals. In contrast, French Guiana has only two notable hospitals. These are the André-Bouron Hospital and the Andrée-Rosemon Hospital. The latter is the largest and only full-service hospital in French Guiana, with 747 beds. It is located in the Madeleine district of Cayenne and was named after the first general nurse of the Cayenne hospital centre, Andrée Rosemon. The hospital manages 18 prevention and care centres across the region and, as of 2017, had 250 doctors and a total of 2,175 employees.
The public healthcare system in Latin America can be advantageous to locals, but this is often not the case for expats. For instance, foreign nationals and expats in Latin America may struggle to communicate with medical professionals, as English-speaking doctors are not always available in public facilities. This has led many expats to seek private alternatives, which offer a higher quality of care and shorter queues. Private healthcare facilities in Latin America may also require proof of private health insurance or sufficient funds to cover treatment costs.
French Guiana is an overseas department and region of France, and as such, its healthcare system is likely similar to that of France. The Andrée-Rosemon Hospital in Cayenne, French Guiana, is a public hospital that provides physician-led care and a range of specialities, including psychiatry and geriatric care. The hospital is named after a notable figure in Cayenne's healthcare history, further emphasising its importance to the region.
While French Guiana has a small number of notable hospitals compared to other countries in South America, these hospitals appear to offer comprehensive services and play a crucial role in the region's healthcare system.
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Chile has 4 notable hospitals
Chile is well-regarded for its world-class healthcare, which is often considered the best in Latin America. In 2021, the Chilean government spent, on average, about $1,679 per person on healthcare, which was more than the combined health expenditure from government and out-of-pocket spending in Mexico. While there are 425 hospitals in Chile, with 54% being private and 46% being public, only 4 are notable. Here are some of Chile's notable hospitals:
Hospital Universidad Catolica
Located at Ave. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 340 in Santiago, Chile, this hospital can be contacted at +56 2 222 4516.
Clinica Alemana Temuco
This hospital is situated at Senador Estebanez 645 Temuco, Chile, and can be reached at +56 45 201 201.
Centro de Cancer Nuestra Senora
This cancer centre is located at Diagonal Paraguay 319 Santiago, Chile, and can be contacted at +56 2 354 6901.
Clinica Las Condes
With two locations, Clinica Las Condes can be found at Lo Fontecilla 441 Las Condes Santiago, Chile, with a contact number of +56 2 210 4000, and fax number of +56 2 217 2998. The other Clinica Las Condes location is the Medical Centre El Puente, which can be found at 2082 Lo Barnechea Santiago, Chile, and can be reached at +56 2 210 4000.
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Ecuador has 2 notable hospitals
South America is known for its affordable healthcare services. While there is no universal general practitioner (GP) system, physician-led care is available in specialist clinics and hospitals. The public healthcare system can be advantageous for locals, but this is not always the case for expats, who may struggle with the language barrier and prefer the high-quality care and shorter queues of private facilities.
Ecuador, a country with a well-rounded national health system, has two notable hospitals: Hospital Alcivar and Hospital Metropolitano. Hospital Alcivar, located in Guayaquil, is the oldest hospital in Ecuador, founded in 1937. It has grown from a small orthopaedic clinic to one of the largest and most modern facilities in the country, offering a wide range of medical treatments, including neurosurgery, cardiology, paediatrics, and obstetrics. It is also home to Ecuador's premiere medical journal, Actas Médicas.
Hospital Metropolitano, on the other hand, is a leading private hospital in Ecuador, known for its affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic and its advanced technology. Its cardiovascular and cancer units are among the most specialized in the country. Located in the scenic Cumbayá Valley, this hospital has emergency response units, surgical theatres, and a maternity wing. It is highly rated for its tranquil setting and efficient service. As a teaching hospital, it trains a significant number of Ecuador's doctors, as well as international students.
These two hospitals exemplify Ecuador's commitment to accessible and quality healthcare, with modern services and medical tourism gaining traction in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 18,000 hospitals in Latin America, with Brazil having the highest number of medical centres in the region.
Brazil had over 6,500 medical centres in 2024, making it the Latin American country with the highest number of hospitals.
Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein was ranked the leading hospital in South America by quality in 2022.
