Emergency Numbers & Access
Hospital de Clínicas (public) and Hospital Británico, Sanatorio Americano (private) are main Montevideo facilities.
Response time: 10-20 minutes in Montevideo
Cost: Public free for emergencies; private $50-300+
Healthcare System
Uruguay has one of the most equitable healthcare systems in Latin America. The mutualista system provides comprehensive coverage to most residents. Montevideo has modern hospitals. The country is becoming a popular digital nomad and retiree destination with excellent quality of life.
Designed for: Residents through mutualista system. Visitors use private system.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics and mutualistas (with fee)
Typical wait: Same-day at private; 1-3 days at mutualistas
Availability: Good in Montevideo; adequate in Punta del Este; limited in rural areas
GP Visit
$30-60 private consultation
Private GP
$30-60
ER Without Insurance
$100-1,000+
Medication
Medications available at pharmacies. Prices moderate. Some medications cheaper than in US/Europe.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm; pharmacy rotation for 24h coverage
OTC: Good range available
Controlled substances: Cannabis legal for residents. Carry prescriptions for other controlled medications.
Practical Tips
- Hospital Británico and Sanatorio Americano in Montevideo for English-speaking care
- Consider joining a mutualista if staying long-term — excellent coverage at low cost
- Uruguay is very safe — one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America
- Bring sun protection — UV index is high, especially near coast
- Spanish is essential for healthcare outside Montevideo — limited English in smaller cities
Who can get care in Uruguay?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Uruguay treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics and mutualistas (with fee) Typical cost: $30-60 private consultation Typical wait: Same-day at private; 1-3 days at mutualistas
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $100-1,000+.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Return ticket
Local contacts in Uruguay
Emergency services
911
Hospital de Clínicas (public) and Hospital Británico, Sanatorio Americano (private) are main Montevideo facilities.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 9am-9pm; pharmacy rotation for 24h coverage
Good range available
What is the emergency number in Uruguay?
911 in Uruguay. Hospital de Clínicas (public) and Hospital Británico, Sanatorio Americano (private) are main Montevideo facilities.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Uruguay?
$30-60 private consultation Private consultations: $30-60.
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Sources: Uruguay Ministry of Public Health (MSP), WHO Uruguay, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare