
Executive Summary
Effective immediately, foreign nationals and dependents must present proof of valid health insurance when filing several types of immigration applications, including temporary and permanent residence applications, among others. Health insurance will be required for tourists starting February 5, 2018.
The situation
Effective immediately, foreign nationals and their dependents must provide proof of valid health insurance when submitting the following immigration applications:
- Temporary or permanent residence applications;
- Visa renewals;
- Transferring a visa to a new passport; and
- Local identification card (cedula) applications.
Health insurance will be required for tourists starting February 5, 2018.
Proof of insurance
Foreign nationals and dependents can provide proof of their health insurance coverage in one of three ways:
- Public insurance policy from Ecuadorian Social Security (IESS). Foreign nationals can choose to obtain insurance from the Ecuadorian Social Security agency. Public insurance certificates must also list dependents’ names. Alternatively, dependents must provide proof of their own insurance with their supporting documents.
- Private insurance plan from Ecuadorian company. Employers can choose to cover employees under a private plan. In this case, the employer must provide a letter signed by a legal representative of the company confirming the total coverage and listing the names of those individuals covered by the policy.
- International insurance. Foreign nationals covered by an international insurance policy must present a valid certificate from tjatheir insurance company confirming international coverage (this was updated in May 2018 to remove the need to validate the certificate at an Ecuadorian consulate, which in practice has been found not be to necessary).
Looking ahead
The government is still determining the law’s implementation details. Fragomen will provide updates on the new law.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.