I’ve been told by many friends and business colleagues that I should explore medical tourism for Medellin.co. At first, I dismissed the idea because we’re not a medical tourism platform—our team consists of writers and marketing professionals. However, over the past few months, we started receiving inquiries from readers about medical procedures and healthcare options in Medellín. Clearly, there was significant interest in the topic. So, I decided to take a deeper look into the medical tourism industry and quickly realized that many people are traveling to Medellín for medical treatments.
I, myself, am considering a LipoSculpture procedure with J-Plasma, and a good friend of mine, along with his wife, comes here for dental work. I remember back in 2017, I had a deep cleaning done in Florida, and the dentist charged me $1,500 for a procedure I didn’t actually need. In contrast, my dentist at International Smiles in Medellín charges just $50 for a cleaning.
So, why is Medellín becoming one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism in the world? Let’s dive in.
More Americans Are Coming to Medellin for Medical Tourism
In recent years, Medellin has become a top destination for medical tourism, attracting thousands of U.S. patients seeking high-quality healthcare without the breaking the bank. Known for its year-round spring-like climate, Medellín is internationally recognized as an excellent place to visit. However, what many potential patients don’t realize is that Colombia’s healthcare system is ranked 36th in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 2023—a significant advantage compared to the U.S., which ranks 66th. Personally, I feel more comfortable with the healthcare system here than I ever did in Florida.
Significant Cost Savings
Perhaps the most compelling reason U.S. patients choose Medellín is the drastic cost savings. Medical procedures in Medellín are typically 60-80% less expensive than equivalent treatments in the U.S, without compromising quality. In many cases, the quality of care is even better. These savings are possible due to Colombia’s lower cost of living and government policies that encourage medical tourism through tax incentives for medical facilities.
Shorter Wait Times & Personalized VIP Care
Unlike healthcare systems in many developed countries, where patients may wait months for procedures, Medellín clinics and hospitals offer quick scheduling with minimal wait times. Many medical professionals also speak English, ensuring a comfortable experience from consultation to recovery. If you happen to find a clinic where the staff doesn’t speak English, Medellin.co offers trusted personal assistants who can help.
In 2022, I was hospitalized for a week. After being discharged, I wanted to be extra cautious, so I hired a registered nurse (RN) for 24/7 post-care monitoring—for just $70 per day. That level of personalized care would have cost thousands in the U.S.
Medical Visas and Tourist Stays
Most medical procedures don’t require long-term stays. As a U.S. tourist, you can stay in Colombia for up to 180 days per year (90 days initially, with an option to extend for another 90 days). For longer treatments, such as cancer care, you may qualify for a medical treatment visa, which lasts from six months to one year, depending on your needs. If you need help with visa let us know and we’ll help you with the process.
Cancer Treatments in Medellin
Cancer treatment is a significant area of medical tourism in Medellín, drawing patients due to its affordability and high-quality care. I know several people who have received cancer treatment here with excellent results.
Why Patients Choose Medellín for Cancer Treatment:
- Cost Savings: Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy cost 50-70% less than in the U.S.
- World-Class Facilities: Top hospitals like Clínica del Rosario, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, and Fundación Valle del Lili offer advanced oncology treatments.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Colombian hospitals use the latest medical technologies, such as proton therapy and robotic-assisted surgeries.
- Expert Oncologists: Many specialists trained in the U.S. and Europe, ensuring international standards of care.
- Shorter Wait Times: While U.S. and Canadian patients often wait months for treatment, Medellín clinics can begin treatment within weeks.
Dental Procedures
As mentioned earlier, my dentist in the U.S. doesn’t compare to my experience at International Smiles in Medellin. The service, honesty, and affordability here are unbeatable. Dental work in Medellin can cost up to 90% less than in the U.S.
Cost Comparison
| Procedure | United States | Colombia | Cost Savings (%) |
| Basic Cleaning | $ 200 | $50 | 75% |
| Deep Cleaning | $1,500+ | $100-$200 | 87-93% |
| Root Canal | $2,500+ | $300-$500 | 67-80% |
| Dental Implants | $3,000-$6,000 | $800-$1,500 | 75%+ |
| Full Mouth Restoration | $30,000+ | $ 5,000 | 83% |
For example:
- Basic Cleaning: $50 in Medellín vs. $200 in the U.S.
- Deep Cleaning (if actually needed): $100-$200 in Medellín vs. $1,500+ in the U.S.
- Full Mouth Restoration: $5,000 in Medellín vs. $30,000+ in the U.S.
Hair Transplants or Restoration
I used to work with a hair restoration clinic in Florida, handling their digital marketing and SEO. They charged clients up to $30,000 for hair transplants, depending on the complexity of the procedure. When I discovered that Medellín has one of the top hair restoration facilities in Latin America, I was shocked—especially since I had always heard that Hungary was the go-to destination for hair transplants.
But choosing Medellín over Hungary is a no-brainer. The quality of care rivals top European clinics, yet the travel is significantly easier and the cost is much lower. Instead of taking a 15-hour flight across the world, Americans can reach Medellín in just 3.5 hours from Florida and pay a fraction of the price.
So whether you’re considering a hair transplant, restoration, or follicular unit extraction (FUE), Medellín should be your top choice.
Benefits of Getting a Hair Transplant in Medellín:
- Cost Savings – Procedures are 75-85% cheaper than in the U.S. and 30-50% less than Hungary.
- Advanced Techniques – Clinics specialize in FUE, FUT, and DHI, ensuring natural results with minimal downtime.
- Expert Specialists – Highly trained doctors with years of experience in hair restoration.
- Personalized Care – One-on-one consultations, customized treatment plans, and English-speaking staff.
- Ideal Recovery Environment – Medellín’s mild climate makes post-procedure healing comfortable and stress-free.
If you’re considering hair restoration, Medellín offers world-class results at unbeatable prices—all without the long-haul flight to Europe.
Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery is huge in Medellin and there’s also a huge market for it in California and Florida, however; in Medellin Cosmetic or Plastic Surgery is highly affordable compared to the states. Medellin is home to board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in various cosmetic enhancements, from facial surgeries to body contouring. A clinic in Envigado called Clinica ISIS has over 25 specialists that specifically specializes in 1 procedure making them the premiere clinic to go to for Cosmetic surgery from Breast Augmentation to LipoSculpture etc.. You’re assured grade A customer service and results.
Why Choose Medellín for Cosmetic Surgery?
- Board-certified surgeons with international training.
- World-class facilities with state-of-the-art technology.
- Significant cost savings compared to the U.S.
- Comprehensive surgery packages that include aftercare and accommodations.
Private Health Insurance in Colombia
Private healthcare insurance in Colombia offers enhanced medical coverage beyond the basic EPS system. I have a private plan with AXA Colpatria, which costs about $90 per month and provides excellent service. Private insurance allows you to choose your own doctors and specialists, access private hospital rooms, and avoid EPS copays.
To enroll in a private plan, you must have an EPS policy as a foundation. Most insurers set the maximum initial enrollment age at 60 and consider medical history when determining eligibility and premiums. Choosing the same provider for both EPS and private coverage is often recommended.
EMI, another private healthcare option, offers 24/7 house calls from doctors and nurses, reducing the need for hospital visits. Many expats pay around $25 per month for EMI’s supplemental services. Private insurance provides flexibility and convenience, making it a valuable investment for quality healthcare in Colombia.
If you’re interested in getting Private Health Insurance in Colombia you can talked with Diana, our Health Insurance agent at Medellin.co, she can help you get set up with Axa or SURA which is Colombia’s largest health insurance provider.
Is Traveling to Medellín for Medical Care Worth It?
Absolutely! Let me share a real-life example. While waiting at Wells Fargo for my business rep, I struck up a conversation with another entrepreneur who noticed my Medellin.co shirt. He told me he had recently traveled to Medellín for dental work—specifically, a root canal. He explained that the cost of flying to Medellín and getting the procedure done was significantly cheaper than having it done in Florida.
If you’re based in the U.S., particularly in cities from Chicago to the East Coast, traveling to Medellín for medical procedures can make a lot of financial sense. Flights typically range from $285 to $900, depending on deals.
Here’s a quick breakdown of costs if you’re flying from Florida:
- Round-trip flight (JetBlue): $565
- Two nights in an Airbnb or hotel: $200
- Food: $50
- Miscellaneous expenses (transportation, snacks, etc.): $100
- Total trip cost: Under $1,000
Now, compare that to the cost of a root canal in the U.S. ($1,500+)—by choosing Medellín, you could save at least $500, even after factoring in travel expenses.
For many, the combination of high-quality care, significant savings, and a chance to explore a beautiful city makes Medellín a compelling option for medical tourism.
With its top-tier medical professionals, cutting-edge technology, and significant cost savings, Medellín is a premier destination for medical tourism. Whether you need dental work, cosmetic surgery, or specialized treatment, the city offers world-class care at a fraction of U.S. prices.
