Here in Canada, health care services is also fast deterioting, while it's "free" it will take months to get a doctor's appointment, if you go to a walk-in clinic or emergency room, you will wait for long hours and the doctor will spend a minute with you. Also, only one case per visit. It's really underfunded and services are getting bad to worst.
You don’t even have to know what you need, you can go to a pharmacy and tell them what you feel and they’ll give you something for it. Obviously I’m talking about basic stuff; sore throat, headache, rash, stomach pain, etc. For anything more serious you should definitely see a doctor. As far as private hospitals these are the best in order imo; Militar -> Bautista -> Vivian (most expensive as well).
I was referred to a doctor while in san juan last march for an ultrasound to determine extent of kidney stones. I messaged the doctor one evening and visited the morning of the next. He was very thorough, and did speak some english. Provided the results and a recommendation for a local herbal treatment all for $40 US From March 2023 now to end of January 2024 here in Canada and I am still on a waiting list for treatment. We pay for health care both through taxes for basic services and through payroll deduction for extended medical. Hundreds of dollars a month. It can take a week to a month to see a family doctor, months to years for treatment, and hours at emergency after hours or now during the day because we no longer have local walk-in clinics. Ive been told now that our local hospital is actually out of money so reducing services to critical only. Our medical system generally is in dire condition. Thanks for the breakdown and information.
I have been to several countries, my child received medical assistance without problems in Mexico, Nicaragua, Europe. But the first time I took him to a hospital in the US, I was shocked that before the doctor saw him, I had to go through the cashier first.
They are open to the public. I've not interacted with them. I know a lot of people say that they are great. I've not seen them on any regional rankings. BUt they are supposed to be very good.
Yup, it's a fully functional medical system. Even chemotherapy medications and complex things are available. We have a huge selection of medication. Not AS big as the US or Canada, but pretty extensive.
This I really don't know. You aren't the only one to ask me about this this week, in fact. I've not heard of anyone getting access to narcotics here. That's actually uncommon outside of the US and its sphere of influence. Narcotics as a pain killer is something that really sprung from British culture and outside of England and its former colonies like the US, Canada and Australia, most of the world doesn't turn to morphine, heroine, fentanyl as medical drugs but sees them only as street drugs. The idea that they are useful in "healthcare" is, almost entirely, a "UK and colonies" artefact.
They speak English far more often than the general public. If you are dealing with an ER they will normally find someone. If you are getting regular non emergency care, you'll need to look for an english speaking doctor. Most of my doctors speak english, including my dentist, but my primary doctor does not. it'll be a little challenge but rarely a major one.
Wife and I are planning moving to Nica within the next 2 years. Wondering what would be average cost for acquiring a health care plan through Vivian Pellas or similar Healthcare institutions. Thanks
VP offers two tiers, a $30/mo plan and a $60/mo plan. You have to be a member for six months before receiving full benefits. I'll do a video on this soon I think as my wife just researched it.
I appreciate you answering my question in this video. Do they have scammer doctors, like is there accreditation we should look for when it comes to private doctors?
In some countries in Latin America hospitals will not provide care to expats without a credit card or even cash! And they won't release you until you've paid in full!
I've been on Medicare with a supplemental high deduc tion plan. I also pay Vivian Pellas annually for their health club (not insurance). Love my local doctors here but want to feel covered when we travel to USA on vacations, etc. Here, medical technology is far behind. So I go to Cleveland Clinic in Florida, only half day away, for comprehensive work ups like MRI's, stress tests, etc. Usually 3 or 4 times a year and pick up Ex you cannot get here affordably (ozempic, for example). I'm 85 going for 100!
Hi Alan, you're absolutely right.... I went to visit Nicaragua once and I was amazed to see a doctor who actually came home to do a follow-up on somebody and was not 46:35 expected to get paid, I was like WOW 😅. Thanks for the Great Video!
Does the Vivian Pelles offer a cash discount system for people not using the public healthcare system? Do you mean that you feel obliged to resort to travel to Florida for many procedures?? Medicare offers 80% coverage anywhere in the US if you're over 65?
How insane is that; when a third world country has better health care system then the most developed country in the world. This is the most important video for me personally because it was a big worry.
Here in Canada, health care services is also fast deterioting, while it's "free" it will take months to get a doctor's appointment, if you go to a walk-in clinic or emergency room, you will wait for long hours and the doctor will spend a minute with you. Also, only one case per visit. It's really underfunded and services are getting bad to worst.
Many come to Nicaragua for plastic surgery and dental! Great air
Great info, Scott.
You don’t even have to know what you need, you can go to a pharmacy and tell them what you feel and they’ll give you something for it. Obviously I’m talking about basic stuff; sore throat, headache, rash, stomach pain, etc. For anything more serious you should definitely see a doctor. As far as private hospitals these are the best in order imo; Militar -> Bautista -> Vivian (most expensive as well).
I was referred to a doctor while in san juan last march for an ultrasound to determine extent of kidney stones.
I messaged the doctor one evening and visited the morning of the next. He was very thorough, and did speak some english. Provided the results and a recommendation for a local herbal treatment all for $40 US
From March 2023 now to end of January 2024 here in Canada and I am still on a waiting list for treatment. We pay for health care both through taxes for basic services and through payroll deduction for extended medical. Hundreds of dollars a month.
It can take a week to a month to see a family doctor, months to years for treatment, and hours at emergency after hours or now during the day because we no longer have local walk-in clinics.
Ive been told now that our local hospital is actually out of money so reducing services to critical only.
Our medical system generally is in dire condition.
Thanks for the breakdown and information.
That's some terrible news about care in Canada. A quit trip to Nicaragua for quality care might be needed!
Super Info!
I have been to several countries, my child received medical assistance without problems in Mexico, Nicaragua, Europe. But the first time I took him to a hospital in the US, I was shocked that before the doctor saw him, I had to go through the cashier first.
The US is truly unique in how horrible the healthcare is. I've used it all over the world and nothing compares.
How do you rate the military hospital? I understand that they are a teaching hospitals and are open to the public.
They are open to the public. I've not interacted with them. I know a lot of people say that they are great. I've not seen them on any regional rankings. BUt they are supposed to be very good.
TYVM
Are the common medications used for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes found in the US and Canada not easily available in Nicaragua?
Yup, it's a fully functional medical system. Even chemotherapy medications and complex things are available. We have a huge selection of medication. Not AS big as the US or Canada, but pretty extensive.
Hi Scoot how about pain management the use of narcotics for pain.
This I really don't know. You aren't the only one to ask me about this this week, in fact. I've not heard of anyone getting access to narcotics here. That's actually uncommon outside of the US and its sphere of influence. Narcotics as a pain killer is something that really sprung from British culture and outside of England and its former colonies like the US, Canada and Australia, most of the world doesn't turn to morphine, heroine, fentanyl as medical drugs but sees them only as street drugs. The idea that they are useful in "healthcare" is, almost entirely, a "UK and colonies" artefact.
Is there a language barrier with medical professionals or are they able to speak English?
They speak English far more often than the general public. If you are dealing with an ER they will normally find someone. If you are getting regular non emergency care, you'll need to look for an english speaking doctor. Most of my doctors speak english, including my dentist, but my primary doctor does not. it'll be a little challenge but rarely a major one.
Wife and I are planning moving to Nica within the next 2 years. Wondering what would be average cost for acquiring a health care plan through Vivian Pellas or similar Healthcare institutions. Thanks
VP offers two tiers, a $30/mo plan and a $60/mo plan. You have to be a member for six months before receiving full benefits. I'll do a video on this soon I think as my wife just researched it.
I appreciate you answering my question in this video. Do they have scammer doctors, like is there accreditation we should look for when it comes to private doctors?
I've heard that they do, but never encountered someone. For most things we just get recommended doctors from other trusted doctors.
Good to know! Thanks!
In some countries in Latin America hospitals will not provide care to expats without a credit card or even cash! And they won't release you until you've paid in full!
I've been on Medicare with a supplemental high deduc tion plan. I also pay Vivian Pellas annually for their health club (not insurance). Love my local doctors here but want to feel covered when we travel to USA on vacations, etc. Here, medical technology is far behind. So I go to Cleveland Clinic in Florida, only half day away, for comprehensive work ups like MRI's, stress tests, etc. Usually 3 or 4 times a year and pick up Ex you cannot get here affordably (ozempic, for example). I'm 85 going for 100!
Hi Alan, you're absolutely right.... I went to visit Nicaragua once and I was amazed to see a doctor who actually came home to do a follow-up on somebody and was not 46:35 expected to get paid, I was like WOW 😅. Thanks for the Great Video!
Does the Vivian Pelles offer a cash discount system for people not using the public healthcare system? Do you mean that you feel obliged to resort to travel to Florida for many procedures?? Medicare offers 80% coverage anywhere in the US if you're over 65?
Are Ozempic and Mounjaro etc. unavailable even by special order?
they only take cash so the starting price is cash. they are private so they have no interest in the public health system.
there's no condition that i'd go to the US for a procedure! my panic would be to get TO Nicaragua to get care. not to leave it.
How insane is that; when a third world country has better health care system then the most developed country in the world.
This is the most important video for me personally because it was a big worry.