Healthcare
Chile — Healthcare: Public Healthcare
Health system indicators for Chile, from World Bank Open Data: current health expenditure 10.5 % of GDP (2024); government share of current health expenditure 49 % (2024); out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure 39 % (2024); physicians 3.3 per 1,000 people (2023); hospital beds 1.9 per 1,000 people (2023); life expectancy at birth 81.4 years (2024).
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceWorld Bank — World Development Indicators (World Bank Open Data)Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
Key facts
- Current health expenditure: 10.5 % of GDP (2024)
- Government share of current health expenditure: 49 % (2024)
- Out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure: 39 % (2024)
- Physicians: 3.3 per 1,000 people (2023)
- Hospital beds: 1.9 per 1,000 people (2023)
- Life expectancy at birth: 81.4 years (2024)
Steps
- Registering with FONASA — To access public healthcare, individuals must register with FONASA, which can be done at any hospital or health center.
Costs
- Registration with FONASA: free
- Consultations and procedures: free for most services, but may require copayments or contributions
Timelines
- Registration with FONASA: 1-3 days
- Access to specialist care: varies depending on wait times
Required documents
- Valid ID (e.g. RUT, passport)
- Proof of income (e.g. employment contract, tax documents)
Common mistakes
- Believing that only Chilean citizens can access public healthcare (not true for residents).
- Assuming that all medical services are free (while many are, copayments or contributions may apply).
What these figures do not cover
These are national statistics. Who is eligible for the public system, how a foreign resident enrols, what it costs and waiting times are not covered here.