Ecuador
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
You can get emergency assistance and register medical issues using the ECU 911 smartphone application.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Ecuador
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Ecuador, including Oropouche virus.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Ecuador. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Ultraviolet radiation is a risk in Ecuador. Read more about sun protection on TravelHealthPro.
Drinking water
To avoid getting sick, drink boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Pharmacies in Ecuador may accept some UK prescriptions. They will accept antimicrobial prescriptions up to 3 days old and narcotic or psychotropic prescriptions up to 5 days old.
Healthcare in Ecuador
The Ecuadorean public healthcare system provides the same level of care to locals and foreigners free of charge. However, it is currently facing challenges, including delays in obtaining appointments and limited access to medicines, due to funding constraints, increased demand and potential staff shortages. Private treatment can be very expensive, and private hospitals require a credit card guarantee for admission. Healthcare standards and access to specialised treatment can vary, and may be limited outside major cities.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ecuador where some staff will speak English.
See hospitalisation information pack for further details on healthcare in Ecuador, including a list of hospitals.
Healthcare in the Galapagos Islands
There are limited medical facilities in the Galapagos Islands. You should ensure that your travel insurance includes air ambulance evacuation.
If you travel to the Galapagos Islands by boat, you may be asked to supply information such as your blood group and emergency contacts when you board.
Healthcare provision varies across the islands. San Cristóbal has a relatively well-equipped public hospital, although it may face the same constraints as mainland facilities. Santa Cruz has a basic hospital that is currently undergoing refurbishment. Isabela Island only has a very small and extremely basic health centre.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro. You can find information about mental health support for British nationals in Ecuador.