How is the quality of hospitals in El Salvador?

El Salvador has a two-tier healthcare system. Private hospitals in San Salvador offer high-quality, modern care at a fraction of US prices. Hospital de Diagnostico, Hospital de la Mujer, and Hospital Centro Medico are well-regarded private facilities with English-speaking doctors, modern equipment, and short wait times. Many doctors trained in the US, Mexico, or Europe. The public healthcare system (hospitals nacionales) is free for residents but often overcrowded with longer waits and more basic facilities. For tourists and expats, private healthcare is the way to go. A doctor's visit costs $30-60, specialist consultations $50-100, and even surgical procedures are 50-70% cheaper than in the US. On the coast and in smaller towns, basic clinics (clinicas) handle minor issues, but anything serious will require a trip to San Salvador (1-2 hours from most beach areas). Always carry your insurance card and have emergency contacts handy.