SpanishSpeakingPractice🇨🇱 Chile guide

Going to the doctor in Chile

Symptoms, prescriptions and Isapre in Spanish.

Chile has one of the best private healthcare systems in LATAM. Most expats end up on an isapre (private insurer like Banmédica, Colmena, Cruz Blanca) and visit clínicas like Las Condes, Alemana or Santa María.

Doctors in private clínicas often speak some English — but the receptionist, nurse and pharmacy almost never do. Master the symptom and check-in phrases below.

Vocabulary

SpanishEnglish
me duele…my … hurts
tengo fiebre / tos / resfríoI have a fever / cough / cold
estoy resfriadoI have a cold
me siento malI feel sick
tengo náuseasI'm nauseous
alergiaallergy
recetaprescription
IsapreChilean private health insurer
FonasaChilean public health system
bonoinsurance pre-payment voucher
hora médicadoctor's appointment
cada ocho horasevery 8 hours

Real dialogues

Practice both sides out loud.

Checking in at the clínica

Reception desk, Clínica Las Condes, with insurance.

  • You

    Buenos días, tengo hora médica a las once con el doctor Pérez.

    Good morning, I have an 11 AM appointment with Dr Pérez.

  • Recepción

    ¿Tiene Isapre o paga particular?

    Do you have Isapre or are you paying out of pocket?

  • You

    Tengo Colmena. Aquí está mi carnet.

    I have Colmena. Here's my ID.

  • Recepción

    Perfecto, ya emitimos el bono. Tome asiento, lo llaman al box 4.

    Perfect, we've issued the bono. Have a seat, you'll be called to box 4.

Describing symptoms

In the consult with a GP.

  • Doctor

    Cuénteme, ¿qué le pasa?

    Tell me, what's going on?

  • You

    Tengo dolor de garganta y fiebre desde hace dos días.

    I've had a sore throat and fever for two days.

  • Doctor

    ¿Alguna alergia a medicamentos?

    Any medication allergies?

  • You

    Soy alérgico a la penicilina.

    I'm allergic to penicillin.

  • Doctor

    Le voy a dar una receta para un antibiótico distinto. Tómelo cada ocho horas por siete días.

    I'll prescribe a different antibiotic. Take it every 8 hours for 7 days.

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Chile local tips

Always ask for the 'bono' before the consult

The bono is your insurer-issued voucher that drops the price from ~$60,000 CLP to ~$15,000. Reception handles it if you show your Isapre card.

Farmacias Cruz Verde and Salcobrand are everywhere

Generic ('genérico') versions are required by law to be equivalent, and often 50%+ cheaper. Always ask.

For emergencies dial 131

Ambulance number in Chile. For private ambulance with your insurer, check the Isapre app.

Practice prompts

  1. 01Check in at reception with your insurance and appointment time.
  2. 02Describe 3 symptoms with timing.
  3. 03State a drug allergy and ask for an alternative.

FAQs

Do I need Chilean residency to use Isapre?

Most isapres require a RUT (Chilean tax ID) which comes with temporary residency. Without RUT, you can pay particular or use travel insurance.

More Chile scenarios

Renting an apartment in Chile

Departamentos in Santiago — the Spanish you actually need.

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Uber, Metro and colectivos in Chile

Get around Santiago without freezing when the driver speaks fast.

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Uber and taxis in Chile

Get around Santiago without getting taken for a ride.

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Opening a bank account in Chile

Survive Banco Chile, Santander or BancoEstado in Santiago.

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Visa and immigration appointments in Chile

Handle SERMIG and Registro Civil without freezing up.

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Getting a SIM Card in Chile

The chip is easy. Your phone is the paperwork.

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