You will have access to an excellent level of medical care in Ecuador. In the bigger cities, such as Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil, you will find that the hospitals are equipped with the latest innovations in medical technology and are staffed by fully trained and qualified doctors and nurses in all fields. The cost of the average visit to a doctor's office is in the region of $20, with a visit to a specialist costing a little more at around $25. This price is considered to be reasonable as Ecuadorian doctors spend on average between 30 and 45 minutes with each patient.

As a general rule, you will find that the average health care in Ecuador costs approximately between 10% and 25% of what you might be expected to pay in the U.S. To purchase health insurance in Ecuador you will pay only a fraction of the cost of similar policies in the UK or the US. The dentists are well trained and professional and treatment is much cheaper than private dental treatment in other countries.

Large numbers of medical staff in Ecuador have trained in the US or the UK and are highly skilled. Your local embassy can help you to find medical professionals who are English speaking so that if you do not speak fluent Spanish you can have peace of mind that your illnesses are not getting distorted in translation.

If you need to take medication for an existing medical condition it is a good idea to check in advance to see if the drugs you need are available in Ecuador. Some medications that are readily available in other countries, either on prescription or over the counter, may not be authorised for use in Ecuador. If this does turn out to be the case, you will need to consult with your own doctor in your country of origin before you travel to ensure that you have alternatives in place, then regular consultation with medical professionals in Ecuador will ensure that you are on the correct medications and dosage.

In emergencies call 911 and you will be directed to the ambulance service if you should need it. Those who are living outside of the larger towns and cities may find that good medical care is a short journey away, as some places are quite remote and do not have their own hospitals and clinics although there may be some mobile services occasionally.