Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security

The Ecuadorian Constitution states that social security is an inalienable right of all people.

Social security is governed by the principles of solidarity, obligation, universality, equity, efficiency, subsidiarity, adequacy, transparency and participation.

In 1937 the Law on Mandatory Social Security Insurance Fund of Private Employees and Workers was created and the Medical Department was linked to it.

In 1988, the National Assembly amended the Constitution of the Republic and established the permanence of the IESS as the only independent institution responsible for the implementation of the General Compulsory Insurance.

Benefits and services are delivered through four specialized Insurances: health, pensions, social security and peasant work risks.