STATEMENT ABOUT FOREIGNERS´ HEALTH INSURANCE

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Susan_in_Ecuador Serial expat

Member since 08 September 2016

Susan_in_EcuadorSerial expat01 February 2018 22:41:18

248

The Ministry of Tourism announces to the National and International industry and citizens that health insurance requirement for foreigners coming to Ecuador, according to Art. 53 of Human Mobility Law; transitional No. 4 from Regulation of the Organic Law of Human Mobility; within Executive Decree N° 111 from August 3rd 2017, applicable from February 6th 2018, has been extended for ninety (90) additional days, after the entry into force of Executive Decree No. 310 of January 31st 2018; this means that the health insurance will be mandatory from May 1st 2018.

The Ministry of Tourism considers the “health insurance for tourists” is a meaningful action for country’s tourism development due to the benefit it means when choosing Ecuador as a destination and the wellbeing of everyone visiting this wonderful country.

Early news made related to this issue by different media have caused concern within the tourist sector and the citizens. In this regard, this communication is the only official statement from this Ministry regarding this important topic.

Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, February 1st, 2018

STATEMENT ABOUT FOREIGNERS´ HEALTH INSURANCE

Cindym37 Member

Member since 29 January 2018

Cindym37Member01 February 2018 22:54:42

I do understand the law is in place, however, I wondered if it is being applied equally across Ecuador. For example, my doctor (MD) indicated that some cities have not been required to purchase health insurance. Also a friend did visit Cotacachi and many of the expat residents have not been informed of the requirement.

mugtech ViP

Member since 08 September 2012

mugtechViP01 February 2018 23:23:23

4436

Cindym37 wrote:
I do understand the law is in place, however, I wondered if it is being applied equally across Ecuador. For example, my doctor (MD) indicated that some cities have not been required to purchase health insurance. Also a friend did visit Cotacachi and many of the expat residents have not been informed of the requirement.

Expats have not been informed? Does EC have the attitude that ignorance of the law is no excuse to break the law? So now May Day, 2018, is the new starting date, as of now?

Cindym37 Member

Member since 29 January 2018

Cindym37Member01 February 2018 23:52:40

Or we could view it as ignorance is bliss until suddenly insurance is needed. I would just like to know if Cuenca is a testing ground to see how things go. Btw, my doctor has been in Cuenca for over 6 years so he has seen how the government operates. He will buy insurance eventually, however, they have no idea what they are doing at this point. He also said he spoke with professionals in Quito and they were not being pressured to purchase insurance.

Susan_in_Ecuador Serial expat

Member since 08 September 2016

Susan_in_EcuadorSerial expat02 February 2018 01:29:20

248

Please note: this applies to VISITORS, aka TOURISTS.

This is not the application of the current law to RESIDENTS... Temporary or Permanent -- who are required to have health insurance by law.

mugtech ViP

Member since 08 September 2012

mugtechViP02 February 2018 02:10:26

4436

Susan_in_Ecuador wrote:
Please note: this applies to VISITORS, aka TOURISTS.

This is not the application of the current law to RESIDENTS... Temporary or Permanent -- who are required to have health insurance by law.

Gotta wonder if the law would be applied to one group but not the other.

booannie402 New member

Member since 30 November 2017

booannie402New member02 February 2018 14:06:16

I'm still confused. Planing to move to Ecuador in later part of 2018. Is it a % of your "declared" income? If so what is the percentage? We plan to become residents. Thanks

marcomueses Active member

Member since 09 November 2015

marcomuesesActive member02 February 2018 14:27:30

Something similar happened few years back for tourists visiting CUBA, at that time the "OHIP" card (Ontario Health Insurance) for Canadians was proof enough of coverage.
Will this apply for Ecuador.?

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