SEMM Mautone is the benchmark for private healthcare in the east, with its own hospital in Maldonado and a 24-hour mobile emergency service. Through agreements, the emergency coverage reaches localities in the area such as Garzón and José Ignacio, which is key if you spend the season far from the big medical centres. For tourists and homeowners it is the reassurance of knowing who to call in an urgent situation.

The hospital also works as a referral centre for more complex cases across the country's east, with a paediatric intensive care unit. It is worth checking in advance the conditions and any costs of extending coverage for Maldonado and Rocha. Having the mobile emergency number identified before you need it is a sensible precaution for any stay in the area.