Like a lot of countries in South America, Chile has started to develop its medical facilities in order to attract rising numbers of tourists looking to avail of high level health services at much reduced costs compared to North America and Europe. Those taking full advantage of medical services in Chile can also benefit from the excellent tourism infrastructure and some spectacular locations at which to reflect and relax.

For American tourists, travel to Chile is easy. No visa is required, making having medical treatment carried out in Chile a viable option for US citizens. Citizens of countries outside the US should find the visa application process for Chile straightforward and reasonably inexpensive, although stipulations vary from country to country.
Santiago, the capital city, is a hub for international affairs and also the location for many of the country’s top hospitals. The most popular treatments and surgeries being offered to medical tourists are plastic surgery, with treatments such as breast augmentation, face and body lifts, and tummy tucks drawing the largest amount of customers.

Chilean medical staff are trained to international standards. Locals are known for their friendly and caring temperaments, and these characteristics can be seen among doctors and nurses throughout the health system. International standards for medical practitioners ensure that both doctors and nurses are working to global requirements. Many of the treatments on offer are available at up to half the cost of those in developed countries.

An often overlooked advantage to medical tourism in South America is the shared time zone with the eastern U.S., allowing easy communication with family and friends, which is much more difficult when traveling to Asia.  There is no visa required for Americans to travel to Chile, which also makes it easier to undergo surgery there. In addition, Chile is much closer to the U.S. than the major medical tourism spots in Asia, allowing for a much shorter and more comfortable flight. Finally, there are myriad attractive tourist destinations in Chile, which can enhance the experience for the patient and anyone who accompanies them on their trip.  La Chascona (home of Pablo Neruda), the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista, and the Cerro San Cristobal cable car are just a few of the most popular tourist attractions in the Santiago area. The combination of world-class medical care and breathtaking tourist attractions make Chile an ideal medical tourism destination.