Government-funded hospitals and clinics offer good medical services. However, government hospitals are often crowded because they are free. Waiting times can be long and the facilities may not be as good as those found in private hospitals (such as air-conditioning or certain items of medical equipment). This is especially true in rural areas. Around 70 per cent of Brazilian residents use public hospitals, while the rest opt for private hospital visits, which they either pay for themselves or which are covered by private medical insurance. Foreigners may use private hospitals but will be charged for the visit.