Chile cuts fraudulent medical leave payouts, saves $586 billion

The Chilean government reported a 13% decline in issued medical leave certificates between May 2025 and May 2026, translating into fiscal savings of roughly 586 billion pesos. The reduction follows enhanced data sharing among the health insurance regulator Suseso, the health benefits agency Compin, and the public health insurer Fonasa, as well as new analytical tools that flag abnormal patterns and block irregular issuers.

Suseso’s ninth audit identified more than 15,700 workers who performed paid jobs while on medical leave. While over 30,000 public employees were investigated, only 262 have been sanctioned or dismissed. Authorities note a slow criminal process, distinguishing administrative breaches from criminal conduct, and stress the need for a preventive model that detects fraud before harm occurs.