Healthcare

Health insurance is required for most Peruvian visa applications, including the Digital Nomad Visa and Rentista Visa. You can use a Peruvian private policy (Rímac, Pacífico) or an international health insurance plan - both are accepted as long as you can provide proof of active coverage valid in Peru.

Private health insurance from Peruvian companies like Rímac or Pacífico ranges from $100–250/month for a healthy adult under 50, covering GP visits, specialists, imaging, lab tests, and hospitalization at private clinics. International policies from SafetyWing ($45/mo) or Cigna Global are also widely accepted.

Only if you are formally employed by a Peruvian company - your employer contributes to EsSalud on your behalf. Expats on tourist entries, Digital Nomad Visas, or Rentista Visas are not entitled to EsSalud. Private insurance is essential from day one.

Private healthcare in Lima is good - Clínica Anglo Americana and Clínica Delgado meet international standards, with English-speaking doctors and modern equipment. Outside Lima, quality drops noticeably. Cusco and Arequipa have adequate private clinics for routine care, but complex procedures or emergencies often require evacuation to Lima.

Yes - Cusco sits at 3,400m (11,150ft) and altitude sickness (soroche) is common for new arrivals. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath for 1–3 days. Drink coca tea (mate de coca), stay hydrated, avoid alcohol the first 48 hours, and consider acetazolamide (available OTC in Cusco pharmacies). Most people acclimatize within 2–3 days.