Chile – Emergencies

What are Chile’s emergency phone numbers — and are there separate numbers for police, fire, and ambulance?

Unlike countries that funnel all emergencies through a single number — such as 911 in the United States or 999 in the United Kingdom — Chile assigns a distinct three-digit number to each of its main emergency services. Ambulances are reached by dialling 131, the fire service by dialling 132, and the police by dialling 133. A useful way to commit these to memory is the “ABC 123” pattern: A for Ambulance (131), B for Bomberos/fire (132), and C for Carabineros/police (133).

All three numbers follow the same three-digit format, are completely free to call, and require no area code prefix. They function on both landlines and mobile phones anywhere in the country and are staffed around the clock every day of the year, providing immediate access to medical, fire, police, and rescue services as needed.

A number of specialist lines supplement the three core numbers. Dialling 130 connects to CONAF, the national forestry body, for forest fire emergencies. Maritime incidents can be reported by calling 137. Further specialist services include 135 for drug-related concerns, 147 for child violence cases, and 149 for domestic violence incidents. Always confirm that these numbers remain current by checking official sources, as they may be updated over time.

How do you call for emergency medical assistance in Chile, and what should you expect?

To request an ambulance anywhere in Chile, dial 131. The prehospital service is professionally trained and nationally coordinated. When connected to an operator, remain as calm as possible and give your exact location — including the street address, the nearest cross street, and the name of the municipality (commune) you are in. The nearest available unit will be dispatched to you. All calls are handled in Spanish, so it is worth preparing a handful of key phrases in advance.

The vast majority of hospitals across Chile maintain full emergency capabilities, including ambulances and dedicated emergency rooms. In more remote or rural parts of the country, round-the-clock service may not always be guaranteed; however, for serious emergencies, medical air evacuations can be arranged. These are typically very expensive, which is why many expats choose international health insurance plans that explicitly include air evacuation coverage.

The emergency department in a Chilean hospital or clinic is known as the urgencia. When the situation is not immediately life-threatening and you are able to travel independently, going directly to the nearest hospital urgencia or private clinic (clínica) can in many cases be quicker than waiting for an ambulance, especially in cities. Upon arrival, you may be asked to complete a pagaré — a document in which you guarantee payment of any charges that arise — and you will be asked for your health insurance details.

What should you do in a mental health crisis in Chile?

Chile does not currently operate a single nationally promoted dedicated mental health emergency line comparable to, for example, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. When someone is in immediate danger, the most appropriate steps are to call the general ambulance number 131 or to go straight to the emergency department (urgencia) of the nearest hospital. Emergency departments are obligated to attend to all acute presentations, and this obligation extends to mental health crises.

Both the public and private healthcare sectors maintain emergency facilities and are equipped to respond to urgent situations. A pagaré guaranteeing payment may be requested upon admission, along with insurance information. Crucially, a public hospital emergency department cannot refuse to see someone in a mental health crisis on the grounds of inability to pay. The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud, MINSAL) is responsible for mental health policy at the national level, and certain hospitals operate dedicated psychiatric emergency units — the official MINSAL website or the 131 line can help identify the most appropriate nearby facility.

Some organisations throughout Chile offer telephone-based counselling and crisis support, though availability differs across regions and is subject to demand. Spanish speakers can ask their general practitioner or local health centre (consultorio) for mental health referrals — doing this before a crisis occurs is the most practical approach. Expats who require support in a language other than Spanish may find it more accessible to use international employee assistance programmes (EAPs) through their employer, or to engage with telehealth providers operating across borders.

Where can you go for emergency medical treatment in Chile?

Chile has 425 hospitals in total, split almost evenly between public and private institutions — approximately 46% public and 54% private. In Chilean usage, the word “hospital” generally refers to a public facility, while “clínica” is used for private ones. Both operate emergency departments (urgencias) and are equipped to treat acute medical conditions.

Medical facilities in Chile rank among the best on the South American continent, particularly in Santiago, where the standard of care is very high. The World Health Organization placed Chile’s health system 33rd out of 190 countries globally — a standing comparable to nations such as Australia and Denmark.

It is worth noting that while healthcare in major urban centres is of world-class quality, treatment options become more limited in rural and remote regions, where equipment and specialist services may be considerably less comprehensive. Small towns typically have Postas Rurales — rural health posts staffed by paramedics capable of managing minor injuries and some chronic conditions. In such areas, Carabineros can use their radio communications to coordinate a specialist rescue team (GOPE), a helicopter, or an ambulance when needed.

To find the nearest public hospital, visit the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) website or call 131 for guidance. In Santiago, private clinics with strong reputations for serving international patients include Clínica Alemana, Clínica Las Condes, and Clínica Santa María. Both Clínica Universidad de los Andes and Clínica Alemana operate departments specifically dedicated to assisting international patients.

Is emergency medical treatment free in Chile, or is there a charge?

The answer depends substantially on your residency status and insurance arrangements. Government-run public hospitals are required by law to deliver free, quality healthcare to all members of the public, including those who are uninsured. Chilean citizens and foreign residents in formal employment contribute 7% of their monthly income to FONASA, the public health programme, which funds their access to the system.

Expats who have not obtained residency or who are not contributing taxes do not qualify for access to the FONASA system. Emergency treatment for tourists is available at all hospitals, but payment from personal funds is expected. In practical terms, this means that while no public hospital will turn someone away during a genuine emergency, a bill will follow once you have been treated.

Costs at private clinics are considerably higher. As a general guide (as of 2025, based on published cost data — always confirm current figures directly with the facility): a routine emergency visit at a private clinic may fall in the range of 15,000 to 40,000 CLP, while more complex emergency episodes can cost anywhere from 400,000 to 2,000,000 CLP depending on the procedures involved. These are indicative figures only; verify up-to-date costs with the relevant facility and your insurer before treatment where possible.

Do expats need travel or health insurance to access emergency care in Chile?

Insurance is not a legal prerequisite for receiving emergency treatment in Chile, but having it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Chile is an option when required, but the cost is typically very high. Expats are advised to secure international health insurance policies that cover the full range of medical expenses — including severe injury and emergency hospitalisation — before arriving in the country.

Tourists can access emergency care, and may reclaim costs later if they hold adequate travel insurance. Arriving at a private clinic without insurance will not necessarily result in refusal of treatment, but a pagaré payment guarantee form is sometimes required at the outset, and insurance details will be requested. At public hospitals, the process works similarly: treatment is provided first, and billing follows.

For those residing in Chile on a longer-term basis, the private health sector operates through insurance providers known as ISAPREs (Instituciones de Salud Previsional). Newly arrived residents can register directly with a private ISAPRE, which is able to issue a provisional membership number to activate coverage while formal registration is completed. Access to the public FONASA system generally requires residency and a Chilean tax identification number (RUT).

Are there bilateral health agreements between Chile and other countries?

Chile is not part of any broad multilateral reciprocal healthcare arrangement comparable to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme that operates across EU and EEA member states, nor does it participate in the reciprocal agreements found between certain countries in other parts of the world. There is no mechanism equivalent to the arrangements that allow EU residents, for instance, to access state-funded emergency care in other member states at little or no cost.

A number of bilateral social security agreements do exist between Chile and individual countries — including Spain, Germany, Argentina, and Brazil, among others — and some of these contain provisions relating to healthcare contributions and pensions for workers. However, the primary purpose of such agreements is to regulate social security contributions for people working between the two countries, rather than to grant tourists or short-stay visitors emergency healthcare entitlements. The scope and practical implications of any specific agreement depend heavily on the terms of that particular treaty and the individual’s circumstances.

If you are planning to relocate to or travel through Chile and want to determine whether any agreement applies to your situation, the most reliable approach is to consult your home country’s social security authority and the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (minrel.gob.cl). Never assume that a reciprocal healthcare entitlement from your home region automatically extends to Chile. For the great majority of visitors and short-stay expats, travel insurance with explicit emergency medical and evacuation coverage remains the safest and most practical solution.

How does Chile’s emergency healthcare system compare to systems expats may be familiar with?

Chile’s healthcare system combines public and private components operating in parallel. The public arm is administered through FONASA, while private coverage is delivered through Instituciones de Salud Previsional (ISAPRE). Overall regulation and national health policy sit with the Ministry of Health. The system is funded through a combination of payroll contributions, supplementary government spending, and direct patient payments.

This structure broadly resembles the mixed public-private models found in countries such as France, Germany, and Australia, where a publicly funded safety net exists alongside a flourishing private insurance market. It differs markedly from a fully integrated national health system such as the NHS in the United Kingdom, where the vast majority of emergency treatment is delivered free of charge at the point of use for all residents irrespective of insurance status. In Chile, unlike the NHS model, the quality and speed of emergency care can vary considerably between the public and private sectors.

In practice, Chile’s healthcare operates on a two-tier basis. Public hospitals tend to involve longer waiting times, and many expats gravitate towards private facilities as a result. Private hospitals and clinics are generally well-equipped, often incorporating the latest medical technology, and the country’s medical professionals are highly qualified — many having undertaken part of their training abroad. For emergency situations specifically, those holding private insurance or sufficient funds to pay directly will typically find shorter waiting times and more modern facilities at private clinics, while the public system remains an essential safety net for those who cannot access or afford private care.

What emergency services exist beyond medical — how do police and fire services work in Chile?

Chile has two distinct police bodies: the Carabineros, who handle the majority of everyday policing, and the Policía de Investigaciones (PDI), who specialise in criminal investigations, frequently involving fraud and financial crime. Most expats will have very little direct contact with the PDI. The Carabineros are the force to approach for street crime, road accidents, domestic incidents, or any situation in which you feel personally at risk. Dial 133 to reach them.

The Carabineros are known for a high degree of institutional integrity. Officers are generally honest, efficient, and willing to help members of the public. Under no circumstances should you attempt to offer a bribe. If you become the victim of a crime, you will need to file a formal complaint — known as a denuncia — at a Carabineros station. This step is essential if you intend to make any subsequent insurance claim. For investigative matters handled by the PDI, dial 134.

Chile’s fire service, the Bomberos de Chile, is a remarkable institution: it operates predominantly as a volunteer organisation, making it one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Latin America, and it commands enormous public respect. Call 132 in the event of a fire emergency. For forest fires specifically, dial 130 to reach CONAF, the national forestry service. Unlike many countries where fire brigades also function as first medical responders, in Chile the ambulance and fire services operate as entirely separate entities.

Expats accustomed to dialling a single emergency number — such as 112 across much of Europe or 111 in New Zealand — will need to adjust to Chile’s separate numbering system. The simplest and most effective precaution is to save all relevant numbers in your phone’s contacts well before any situation arises that requires you to use them.

What country-specific emergency risks exist in Chile, and what alert systems are in place?

Chile is among the most seismically active nations on the planet, positioned at the boundary of two major tectonic plates and forming part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Since 2010, the country has endured three earthquakes exceeding magnitude 8 on the Richter scale — measuring 8.8 in 2010, 8.2 in 2014, and 8.3 in 2015 — with more recent significant seismic events including an M6.6 earthquake near Atacama in October 2023 and an M6.3 off the coast of Aisén in November 2024.

Beyond earthquakes, Chile faces exposure to volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, wildfires, floods, landslides, and droughts. Flooding and fires occur with considerable frequency, while earthquakes account for a significant share of disaster-related deaths and economic losses. Approximately 53% of Chile’s territory is classified as being at high risk of drought, and the central regions have been gripped by an almost uninterrupted megadrought since 2010.

Chile’s national disaster management authority is SENAPRED (Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres), a public body responsible for advising, coordinating, organising, planning, and overseeing all activities related to disaster risk management. On 1 January 2023, the former ONEMI was formally dissolved and superseded by SENAPRED, as provided for under Law No. 21,364.

Chile’s disaster warning infrastructure is highly developed and has been substantially improved following the lessons of the 2010 earthquake. SENAPRED works in conjunction with geological and oceanographic services, and most alert systems provide sufficient lead time for safe evacuation. A national text message alert system and a network of coastal sirens are in place specifically for tsunami warnings. The senapred.cl website provides detailed information, preparedness guidance, and real-time updates on tsunamis and other natural hazards.

The SENAPRED Alert app is available for download on smartphones, and SMS alerts can be activated by registering at senapred.cl. All alerts are issued in Spanish, making a basic working knowledge of the language an important safety asset. If you are on or near the coast and experience a significant earthquake, do not wait for an official warning: move inland and uphill without delay. If you observe the sea level dropping or the ocean receding unexpectedly, leave the area immediately — the window before a tsunami arrives may be only minutes.

What should expats do to prepare for emergencies before they arise in Chile?

Preparing thoroughly in advance is the single most effective means of limiting the harm an emergency can cause. The following steps are strongly recommended for all expats living in or visiting Chile:

1. Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate. Most embassies and consulates run registration schemes — such as the FCDO’s LOCATE service for British nationals or the US State Department’s STEP programme — enabling authorities to contact you and provide consular assistance during an emergency. Find your nearest embassy through your government’s official foreign affairs portal.
2. Save all emergency numbers in your phone. Enter 131 (ambulance), 132 (fire), 133 (police), and 134 (PDI investigative police) into your contacts before you need them. Add the number of the nearest public hospital and a private clinic if you have a preference.
3. Obtain comprehensive travel or international health insurance. Medical evacuation within or from Chile is available but tends to be very costly. Verify that your policy explicitly includes emergency medical treatment and evacuation coverage before you travel or take up residence.
4. Sign up for SENAPRED alerts. Install the SENAPRED Alert app or register for SMS notifications at senapred.cl. If you live near the coast, identify and familiarise yourself with the tsunami evacuation routes in your local area.
5. Learn essential Spanish emergency phrases. Chile’s emergency call handlers work in Spanish. Being able to state your location clearly, describe the nature of the emergency, and confirm whether a person is conscious and breathing could prove critical when every second matters.
6. Know your earthquake safety protocol. Practise the “drop, cover, and hold on” approach. Identify the safest spots in your home and workplace, and find out where your building’s designated assembly point is located.
7. Complete your healthcare registration promptly. If you hold residency and are employed, register with FONASA or an ISAPRE as soon as your RUT is issued. If you have only recently arrived, a private ISAPRE can provide a temporary membership number to activate your cover while formal processes are completed.

Where can expats get official and up-to-date emergency information for Chile?

Anyone living in or planning a move to Chile should bookmark the following official sources, which are the most authoritative and current references for emergency-related information:

• SENAPRED (senapred.cl) — Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service publishes emergency alerts, preparedness guides, and live information during disaster events.
• Ministry of Health / MINSAL (minsal.cl) — The authoritative source for public hospital locations, healthcare regulations, and health emergency guidance.
• Carabineros de Chile (carabineros.cl) — The official police website, with information on reporting crimes and locating local stations.
• Ministry of the Interior (interior.gob.cl) — Responsible for overseeing national public safety coordination.
• Your home country’s embassy in Chile — For country-specific travel advisories, consular emergency contacts, and citizen registration services. Key examples include the UK FCDO Chile travel advice and the US Embassy in Santiago.
• SHOA (shoa.cl) — Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, which issues tsunami warnings and provides coastal safety information.

Always cross-reference any information you find against current official government sources before acting on it, particularly where emergency phone numbers, fees, and procedures are concerned — all of these are subject to change without prior notice.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a single emergency number in Chile like 911 or 112?

No. Chile uses separate three-digit numbers for each emergency service: 131 for ambulance, 132 for fire (Bomberos), and 133 for police (Carabineros). All three are toll-free and reachable from any phone, around the clock, without an area code (as of 2025). Confirm that these numbers remain current with official sources before you travel.

Will I be treated at a Chilean hospital if I have no insurance?

Yes — public hospitals are legally required to provide emergency treatment to everyone who needs it, including people without insurance or residency status. That said, you will be issued a bill for the care you receive. Without insurance, the costs must be met from your own funds. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended to avoid potentially significant out-of-pocket costs.

Can I access Chile’s public health system (FONASA) as an expat?

FONASA is open to Chilean citizens and to foreign residents who hold a valid Chilean tax identification number (RUT) and are paying taxes or contributing through formal employment. Tourists and recent arrivals who have not yet obtained residency are not eligible to enrol in FONASA. Anyone without FONASA access can register with a private ISAPRE insurer, which can issue a provisional membership number to activate cover in the interim.

What should I do immediately after an earthquake in Chile?

Drop to the ground, take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking ceases. Once it has stopped, assess yourself and those around you for injuries before attempting to move. If you are anywhere near the coast, head immediately inland and to higher ground — do not wait for an official tsunami warning to be issued. Monitor SENAPRED alerts through the app or senapred.cl and follow all instructions from local authorities.

Does Chile have a mental health crisis hotline?

Chile does not currently operate a single, nationally publicised dedicated mental health crisis line comparable to those available in some other countries. In the event of a mental health emergency, dial 131 (ambulance) or go directly to the emergency department (urgencia) of any hospital or clinic. The Ministry of Health (MINSAL) offers guidance on mental health services — visit minsal.cl or call 131 for a referral to the most appropriate local facility.

Are emergency calls in Chile answered in Spanish only?

Chile’s emergency services operate primarily in Spanish. Operators outside major urban centres are unlikely to be fluent in other languages. It is advisable to prepare a few essential Spanish phrases — including how to give your address, describe the emergency, and indicate whether a person is conscious — before you ever need to make such a call. Some private clinics in Santiago have staff capable of assisting in languages other than Spanish.

Is there a reciprocal healthcare agreement between Chile and European countries?

Chile does not participate in any multilateral reciprocal healthcare scheme comparable to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) system. While bilateral social security agreements between Chile and certain individual countries — including Spain and Germany — do exist, these primarily govern social security contributions for workers rather than extending emergency healthcare entitlements to tourists or short-stay visitors. Consult your home country’s social security authority and the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the current position as it applies to your situation. For the majority of visitors, travel insurance remains indispensable.

What is the SENAPRED alert system, and how do I sign up?

SENAPRED is Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, which took over from the former ONEMI agency in January 2023. It coordinates and issues real-time warnings for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and other emergencies across the country. To receive alerts, download the SENAPRED Alert app on your smartphone or register for SMS notifications through senapred.cl. Bear in mind that all alerts are issued in Spanish, so a functional understanding of the language is important for interpreting and acting on warnings promptly.