Health and Safety in Chile
Many people who travel fear an emergency or illness while abroad. While unfortunate things may happen, and an occasional cold or flu is almost inevitable, Santiago is well prepared to handle your health and safety issues. You just have to know where to look. In this section, you will find safety tips, emergency numbers and a list of health professionals who speak you language.
General Safety in Santiago
Santiago has the dangers of any city of its size, but it is safer than other Latin American countries. In busy areas, beware of pickpockets. A recent government study showed that most people were robbed in Santiago during the evening rush hour. Learn about General Health and Safety in Santiago...
Emergency Numbers
Essential emergency services have individual three digit numbers. You can dial these numbers for free from any telephone in Santiago. It is best to get to know these numbers. List of Chile Emergency Numbers...
Police
There are two principal police forces in Chile, both of which are part of the national government. Chile's police forces have a solid reputation for incorruptibility and service to foreigners. Read about Police in Chile...
Lawyers
Several Santiago lawyers specialize in cases involving expatriates in Chile and international business matters. Lawyers may be helpful in obtaining visas as well as guide you in the legal framework for doing business in Chile. Browse Lawyer Listings in Chile...
General Health Information
Chile is free of most illnesses that generally require vaccination. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines, however, are recommended if you want to be on the safe side. Read Info about Health for Chile...
Health Insurance
If you have foreign medical insurance that reimburses your medical bills, tell your doctor that you have cobertura particular (individual coverage). You will have to pay for your appointment and present your receipt to your medical insurance company. Find out about Health Insurance in Chile...
Hospitals
Chile has high medical standards, well-supplied hospitals and qualified doctors. Many doctors are bilingual. Private hospitals (clínicas) tend are often better equipped and less crowded than public hospitals. A consultation (consultación) is relatively inexpensive. Hospital Listings in Chile...
Doctors and Specialists
A doctor who speaks your language will better understand your medical problems. Chile's doctors are well trained and often bilingual. The following are English speaking doctors recommended by members of Santiago’s expatriate community. Physician Listings for Chile...
Dentistry
Chilean dentists (dentistas) are well trained. Dental work in Chile is relatively inexpensive. For emergency service, clinics that employ a number of dentists provide more rapid care. The individual dentists listed below speak English and regularly service the expatriate community. Dentists Listings in Chile...
Optical Care
There are opticians and contact lens specialists throughout Santiago, so rates are competitive. Eyeglasses are fairly inexpensive, but some contact lens materials tend to be cost more than in Europe and the United States. Find out More about Optical Care...
Psychology/Psychiatry
More so than with any other health profession, it is important that the psychiatrist understand his clients. The following are psychologists, psychiatrists and child psychologists that speak fluent English. Learn More about Psychological Services in Chile...
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are easy to find in Santiago. Prices for medicines are relatively lower. Many medicines that require prescriptions elsewhere are over-the-counter drugs in Chile. Pharmaceuticals do not have directions on the box, so make sure to ask the pharmacist (químico farmacéutico) for instructions. The following pharmacies are open 24-hours or have English speaking pharmacists. Find Pharmacies in Santiago, Chile...
Health Clubs and Gyms
It is more than unpleasant to take a jog when Santiago’s smog gets thick; it is unhealthy. Gyms and Health Clubs (gimnasios) provide a place to get your exercise where you do not have to breathe the city air. Aside from the usual weights, machines and aerobics, many gyms have self-defense classes. Find out about Gyms in Chile...
Earthquakes
Santiago lies in one of the most seismically active regions in the world. You are almost certain to experience more than one tremor (temblor) while you are in the Chile. Earthquakes (terremotos) are common, but major ones only strike every decade or two. Read about Earthquake Safety in Chile...
