Quito - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The altitude is REAL! It will take some time to get used to the thinner air, but you will feel like a rockstar when you exercise back at sea level. People with pulmonary/cardio issues may want to avoid this post. The biggest altitude issue for me is sleep disruption and headaches when returning from sea level. - Jul 2023
The biggest concern is that the city is extremely high altitude. Most people were able to adjust but some people can get really sick. The medical care is very good at the private hospitals. - Jul 2023
We are at high altitude (9,000 feet) and people have a variety of reactions to that from sleep disturbance to high blood pressure. Others don't really feel it. Medical care is pretty good but for something serious I would ask to be medevaced because they do not have state-of-the-art technologies and resources here. One positive though is that the doctors do not rush you in and out, they are extremely personable and available; it is normal to have your doctor's phone number and text them whenever you need/want. - Jul 2019
With altitude, most people adjust in a few days to a week. Make sure to wash your produce. Medical care is good with many English speaking practitioners in every sector. The Embassy has a medical unit for check-ups, shots, routine care, etc. - Jul 2018
Fewer than most posts. Zika, dengue, chikunganya, etc are at lower elevations. Food poisoning mostly. Colds and flu do seem to linger here longer than normal. No poisonous bugs. Medical care is OK, the health unit knows English speaking and U.S. trained personnel if that's a concern. Anything requiring major surgery would probably require medevac. - Mar 2017
The effect of the altitude is real and it will take some time to adjust to it. However the climate makes for a fairly clear air (off the main roads and outside traffic). One of our kids experiences allergies but because the seasons do not really change we have yet to figure out the culprit. There are two very nice hospitals and so far we have experienced super health care. However, I have heard horror stories related to surgeries so many go back to the U.S. for major surgeries. - Sep 2016
There are two decent hospitals: Hospital de los Valles and Hospital Metropolitano. You can find many Western-educated physicians that graduated from top-tier schools such as Johns Hopkins. We found dental care to be very affordable and of pretty good quality. Our pediatric dentist, Natalie Jarrin, was particularly good. Many providers speak English. Health care costs are much lower than in the U.S. For example, a sonogram is about $40 compared to $350+ in the States. - Aug 2015
Heart disease, obesity, respiratory issues should be watched due to the altitude. Medical care is good, first world in most cases. If you wear contacts, consider surgery here or wearing glasses more... Your eyes dry out and itch due to the altitude. I had surgery, couldn't be happier! - Aug 2014
There were a couple of good international hospitals/clinics. - Jul 2012
Medical care is cheap and there is a pretty good hospital here. - Jan 2011
There are a several good hospitals and many excellent doctors here. But definitely ask the Embassy Health Unit who they recommend for doctors, dentists, etc. as they have vetted many and will know the best. Costs for office visits, labs, and surgery are much lower than in the U.S. It's still best to return to the U.S. for treatment of more complex health issues. There are many pharmacies; you can get narcotics over the counter, but have to have a prescription for cold remedies. There are some natural-health stores, but they often sell unfamiliar brands of vitamins and herbs, so its probably best to bring/order these items from the U.S. - May 2010
Good medical care, and excellent dental and orthodonture. Braces are $1,900. - Oct 2009
Medical care is reasonable, with two hospitals in the area recommended, one in the city (Hospital Metropolitano). Anything requiring more complicated surgery or modern treatment procedures should be done in the U.S. - Jan 2009
