Dentists
Private dental care, like health care, is excellent quality in Ecuador. This is to the extent where many North Americans will visit Ecuador just to receive treatment, lured by costs which are a fraction of those at home. Insurance companies will offer dental treatment as an option, and if you go with a local insurer it won’t cost you much extra. Large towns and cities have a large array of dental clinics, so make sure you shop around as prices can vary greatly.
Pharmacies
Over-the-counter medicine for both minor and serious ailments is available at farmacias and is generally cheap. You will rarely need a prescription from a doctor and many products you’d need a prescription for at home are available over the counter.
Pharmacies are located practically everywhere, even in the smallest towns and villages. In Quito and Guayaquil, there are a few 24-hour pharmacies, but these operate on a rotation basis. Look out for flashing signs saying ‘turno’.
Emergencies
If you find yourself with a serious medical emergency in Ecuador, the last thing you should worry about is insurance. Head directly to the nearest hospital.
If you don’t have transport, don’t know the way, or are not in a condition to drive or take a taxi, phone 911 (in Quito and Guayaquil) and ask for an ambulancia. In Cuenca and Loja, the number is 112. Elsewhere, dial 101 for police or 102 for fire and ambulance. Operators don’t usually speak English, so make sure you know how to pronounce your address clearly and correctly.