A Comprehensive Guide to Health Insurance in Colombia

Regardless of where you live in the world, having a solid health insurance plan is a must. After all, that’s what’s going to keep you protected in the event of an emergency! 

This is particularly true for Colombia, especially if you’re a foreigner. Proper health coverage ensures you can access necessary medications and medical treatments without having to return to your home country.

Whether you’re an expat living in Colombia or just visiting for a few weeks, this guide will provide you with essential information about health insurance in the country.

Why Health Insurance is Crucial in Colombia

In Colombia, you can generally receive medical treatment at urgent care centers even without health insurance. However, this can be expensive, and it’s rare to find English-speaking medical providers, which can be challenging for expats and tourists.

Moreover, most Colombian visas now require health insurance coverage for entry into the country. This requirement stems from Resolution 5477, which was enacted in October 2022 and modified previous visa regulations.

Under this new resolution, visas such as Student, Digital Nomad, and Retiree visas require a health insurance policy that meets the following criteria:

– Valid within Colombian territory

– Covers your entire stay in Colombia

– Includes coverage for all emergencies, including repatriation and death

Many international insurance plans don’t meet these requirements, making it advisable to obtain a health insurance plan in Colombia.

Cost of Medical Insurance in Colombia

Medical insurance in Colombia is notably affordable, with annual costs ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The price varies based on the coverage scope of your health insurance plan. Plans offering more extensive coverage, including international surgeries outside Colombia, tend to be more expensive.

However, basic plans covering only local services are often significantly less expensive than comparable plans in Europe or the United States.

Can Foreigners Purchase Health Insurance in Colombia?

Yes, foreigners can obtain health insurance in Colombia, regardless of their residency status. This is possible through private healthcare plans, which can be acquired using just a passport.

While the process is straightforward, navigating it in Spanish can be challenging. Therefore, many foreigners find it easier to work with an insurance agent when taking out a policy.

Is Health Insurance Free in Colombia?

Contrary to a common misconception among foreigners, health insurance is not entirely free in Colombia. The Colombian government offers a basic health insurance system called EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud), which provides basic healthcare. However, this system is only available to Colombian nationals or legal residents, excluding certain visa holders.

Additionally, while services under EPS are very low-cost, they often involve copays. These copays vary depending on the type of doctor you’re seeing, though they’re generally quite affordable.

It’s also important to note that to be eligible for EPS, you must pay social security to the Colombian government. So, while you’re not paying for a policy directly, you’re still contributing financially to receive these benefits.

How Angela Berrio Seguros Can Assist with Health Insurance for Foreigners

For foreigners seeking health insurance in Colombia, working with an insurance agent is often the easiest route. Angela Berrio, an insurance agent backed by SURA (Colombia’s leading health insurance provider), specializes in helping both foreigners and Colombians find the best insurance plans for their needs.

With over a decade of experience in the insurance market, Angela offers bilingual services and even provides concierge support to help foreigners book appointments without language barriers.

Angela Berrio’s services include:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Travel insurance and ASSIST card
• Homeowners and Renter’s insurance

For more information on Angela’s services and how she can assist you in making Colombia your new home, visit her website.

Conclusion

Securing health insurance should be a top priority when planning a trip to Colombia. It not only ensures you receive necessary care in emergencies but also helps you meet visa requirements for entering the country.

Navigating the Colombian health insurance landscape can be challenging, especially for non-Spanish speakers. Working with a bilingual insurance agent who understands the best policies for foreigners can be invaluable.

Angela Berrio Seguros offers insurance policies for various situations and provides bilingual support. Contact her today to learn more about available options and how to enroll in a plan in Colom