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Best expat health insurance for Colombia
Health insurance in Colombia ensures peace of mind during your stay by covering medical emergencies. Let us help you choose the right plan!
Has the aroma of coffee, the beauty of beaches or Colombia’s vibrant cities caught your attention? Imagine living there for months and working as a digital nomad. Or move permanently and see what the experience brings. In any case, prepare well before living in a new country, no matter how long you stay. Among everything you must plan, an expat health insurance in Colombia should be at the top of your priorities. Why’s that? You’ll discover it throughout this article.
Although Colombia has one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America, accessing medical services without insurance can be costly and difficult. That’s why having health insurance is a necessity for every foreigner, since it brings peace of mind against unexpected health issues.
There are several health insurance options in Colombia designed for foreigners. They range from international plans with global coverage to local ones covering services only in Colombia. With so many offers, you should compare coverage, prices and limitations of each type. Don’t worry, because we’ve prepared this guide to the best health insurance for foreigners in Colombia. Will you join us?
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Which types of foreigners need health insurance in Colombia?
In Colombia, the General Social Security Health System provides universal healthcare to all Colombian citizens. But what about foreigners? Do they need health insurance? Although it’s not strictly mandatory, anyone planning a long stay will benefit from having a health insurance policy.
For foreigners, private insurance is a common choice. These private policies provide access to a wider range of services, from medical consultations to hospitalisation and specialised treatments. They help you get proper care without long waiting times or relying only on the public system.
Here are some of the most common groups who need medical coverage during their time in Colombia:
1. Digital nomads
Colombia is one of the best destinations for digital nomads, with Medellín standing out across the country. By the way, if you haven’t read our digital nomads’ guide to Medellín, we recommend it. You’ll find all the information you need to work from the “city of eternal spring”.
While many digital nomads hold international insurance, some prefer a local plan to complement coverage and access quality healthcare. Moreover, health insurance in Colombia may include routine consultations and emergency care, offering essential protection during their stay.
2. International students
Many foreigners come to Colombia for university programmes, exchanges or Spanish courses. Most educational institutions in the country require international students to have health insurance to guarantee access to healthcare in case of accidents or illness. Insurance also protects them from high medical costs, letting them focus on their studies without extra worries.
3. Expatriates and temporary workers
This group includes all foreigners working in Colombia for extended periods, whether with temporary contracts or long-term roles. Sometimes employers include health insurance in benefits, but not always. For those without employer coverage, getting health insurance is essential to ensure medical access, especially for illnesses, accidents or routine check-ups.
4. Long-stay tourists
If you travel as a tourist for a long stay, you won’t need health insurance to enter the country. But it’s not wise to spend months without coverage. Imagine hiking in Tayrona Park and suffering an accident, or an insect bite causing sickness. With health insurance, you’ll be covered for any unexpected events during your travels. Keep in mind that medical expenses can be high without insurance.
5. Retirees and pensioners
The climate, affordable cost of living and lifestyle have made Colombia increasingly popular among foreign retirees. After all, retiring to a seaside cabin sounds tempting, doesn’t it? Remember though, with age the chance of needing healthcare rises. Retirees benefit from insurance covering everything from routine check-ups to specialised treatments. Having health insurance in Colombia also ensures access to quality hospitals and clinics, which is crucial for anyone planning retirement here.
Health insurance in Colombia: Which type should foreigners choose?
In Colombia, foreigners can access different health insurance types adapted to each need and residency situation in the country. The choice depends on the length of stay and personal medical requirements.
For instance, international insurance suits those who want global coverage and top-quality services, while local or complementary plans provide reliable, affordable coverage for long-term residents. Students or people needing basic coverage can choose specific policies or join the EPS for affordable care.
Let’s now look at the main types of health insurance available for foreigners in Colombia:
1. International health insurance
This type of plan is ideal for expats, digital nomads and foreigners living in Colombia but travelling often abroad. It provides healthcare in multiple countries and offers wide benefits, such as hospitalisation, specialist consultations, medical evacuation and repatriation. Companies like Cigna Global, Allianz Care and Assist Card are safe options for those seeking worldwide coverage. The main drawback is that their plans are usually more expensive than local insurance.
2. Local private health insurance
Colombian private health insurance is practical for people planning to stay long-term. Companies like Sura, Colsanitas and AXA Colpatria provide health coverage with many different benefits. These include access to specialist doctors and diagnostic tests at local health centres. These plans are more affordable and tailored for needs inside Colombia. The main disadvantage is that they don’t cover services outside the country.
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3. Complementary health plans
These plans are offered by private insurance companies in collaboration with the Colombian public health system. They’re an affordable option for foreigners already using the public system and wanting extra coverage. They include treatments and services not covered publicly, such as some medicines, specialised consultations or private hospital rooms. Keep in mind, to buy this type of insurance you must be affiliated with the public system (EPS).
4. Health insurance for international students
These apply to international students living in Colombia for exchange or study programmes. They usually include general medical care, specialist consultations, emergency hospitalisation and sometimes repatriation. Educational institutions in Colombia, or even in your home country, may have agreements with insurance providers.
5. Public Health System
The EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud) is Colombia’s public health system, which foreigners can access if they meet residency and enrolment requirements. It covers basic care such as general consultations, emergency treatments and hospitalisation. Foreigners working in Colombia can enrol through their employers or independently, gaining affordable care in public hospitals and clinics. However, coverage is more limited than private companies offer. Waiting times are longer and emergencies abroad aren’t covered.
How much does healthcare cost in Colombia?
Colombia’s healthcare system offers a wide range of medical services for both residents and foreigners. Costs vary depending on the type of care and the institution providing it. While prices are usually lower than in many developed countries, having proper health insurance is essential to cover expenses and ensure access to quality care.
Below is a table with approximate prices (in US dollars) for common medical services in Colombia.
| Medical service | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| General medical consultation | $30 – $50 |
| Consultation with a specialist | $50 – $100 |
| Hospitalisation (per day) | $200 – $500 |
| Basic lab test | $10 – $30 |
| Simple X-ray | $20 – $40 |
| MRI scan | $200 – $400 |
| Minor outpatient surgery | $500 – $1.000 |
| Emergency care | $50 – $150 |
| Physical therapy (per session) | $20 – $40 |
| Basic dental consultation | $20 – $50 |
Healthcare service costs in Colombia
The five best health insurance options in Colombia for foreigners
Now it’s time to review five health insurance options in Colombia, perfect for foreigners staying temporarily or permanently in the country. The type of coverage is similar, but each differs in benefits, plan costs and unique features. Take note of them, evaluate your needs and then decide which suits you best.
1. Seguros Bolívar
Seguros Bolívar, in partnership with Bupa, offers international health plans covering both Colombia and abroad. They target people seeking top-level medical care and access to a wide global provider network.
Seguros Bolívar plans:
- Essential Plan: Basic coverage with access to essential medical services.
- Intermediate Plan: Adds coverage such as hospitalisation and specialist consultations.
- Premium Plan: The broadest coverage, including specialised treatments and care at world-class medical centres.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to a network of over 1,200,000 healthcare providers worldwide. Unlimited coverage duration abroad. – Programmes insuring people with pre-existing conditions, subject to evaluation. | – Costs may be high, especially for comprehensive plans. – Some coverages require prior authorisations. |
Advantages and disadvantages of Seguros Bolívar
2. MSH International
MSH International offers international health insurance for expats in Colombia, providing access to a wide network of quality healthcare locally and abroad.
MSH International plans:
- Basic Plan: Covers medical emergencies and hospitalisation.
- Complete Plan: Includes consultations, specialised treatments and dental care.
- Premium Plan: Comprehensive cover with extras like medical evacuation and repatriation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Coverage in over 190 countries. – Access to highly qualified doctors, many trained abroad. – Flexible plans for different budgets and needs. | – Some policies include exclusions or maximum payment limits. |
Advantages and disadvantages of MSH International
3. Assist Card
Assist Card is a renowned company offering exclusive health insurance for non-residents in Colombia, providing medical support during their stay. Most plans include basic care, hospitalisation, prescribed medicines, medical transfers, dental emergencies, prostheses and more. However, always check each plan’s details before choosing one.
Assist Card is ideal for tourists, international students and expats seeking full coverage while in Colombia. Their plans suit different traveller profiles, offering peace of mind and support against medical issues.
Plans: Prices vary depending on stay length and coverage. For example, an Assist Card for someone under 69 with $35,000 coverage for 5 days costs $40 (€38).
- Standard Plan: Covers emergencies and hospitalisation.
- Plus Plan: Includes consultations, medicines and urgent dental care.
- Total Plan: Full coverage with extras such as repatriation and legal assistance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – 24/7 phone support in your language. – Covers emergencies, hospitalisation and prescribed medication. – Flexible plans for different budgets and needs. | – Some policies include exclusions or maximum payment limits. |
Advantages and disadvantages of Assist Card insurance
4. Colsanitas International
Colsanitas is one of Colombia’s leading health insurers, well-known for prepaid medical plans giving access to a wide network of professionals and top-quality centres. Their plans adapt to different user profiles, including resident foreigners.
Colsanitas is perfect for foreigners wanting comprehensive healthcare and willing to invest in high-quality service. It’s especially recommended for families and people valuing broad access to specialists and first-class facilities.
Colsanitas International plans:
- Basic Plan: Access to general and specialist consultations, lab tests and some outpatient procedures.
- Plus Plan: Adds hospitalisation, surgery and emergency coverage to the Basic Plan.
- Preferential Plan: Full coverage including maternity, preventive check-ups, private rooms and home care. It also includes private room hospitalisation and home care.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Owns a wide network of clinics and hospitals, plus agreements with prestigious institutions nationwide. – Customer service in Spanish. – Competitive prices. – Some plans include emergency cover abroad, useful for frequent travellers. | Limited international coverage compared with global insurers. Some exclusions apply to complex treatments. |
Advantages and disadvantages of Colsanitas International insurance
5. SURA
SURA is a Colombian insurer offering both local and international health plans for resident foreigners. Each focuses on quality medical support and access to a wide network of professionals and hospitals.
SURA suits foreigners planning long stays in Colombia who want comprehensive local coverage. It’s particularly good for those preferring customer service in Spanish and easy access to clinics and hospitals nationwide.
Plans: SURA offers different international health plans adapted to various budgets and needs:
- Essential Plan: Covers hospitalisation and outpatient care.
- Advanced Plan: Includes Essential Plan benefits plus dental care and medical evacuation.
- Total Plan: Full coverage including maternity and preventive check-ups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide medical provider network in Colombia. Customer service in Spanish. – Plans adaptable to different needs and budgets. | – Limited international coverage compared with global insurers like Allianz or Cigna. – Some complex treatments may not be fully covered, depending on the plan. |
Advantages and disadvantages of SURA International
Which is the best health insurance in Colombia for foreigners?
Choosing the best health insurance for foreigners in Colombia depends on each person’s needs, length of stay, budget and required coverage. However, Assist Card stands out as a solid option for many foreigners for several reasons.
First, Assist Card plans include medical assistance for emergencies, hospitalisation, consultations, medical repatriation and even pre-existing conditions. So whichever plan you choose, you’ll have solid coverage for your stay in Colombia. On top of that, the company enjoys global prestige and recognition, which inspires confidence when purchasing their services. With presence in over 190 countries, Assist Card offers a wide provider network, making healthcare easier to access in Colombia and abroad.
Like most insurers, Assist Card offers different plans to suit every profile. Whether you’re a tourist, student, digital nomad, expat or remote worker, you’ll find coverage adapted to your needs and stay length.
Finally, and importantly, it provides customer service and medical assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That guarantees immediate support for emergencies or consultations.
Although we recommend Assist Card, every experience is unique. A plan that’s excellent for you may not suit someone else. That’s why we suggest seeking advice and carefully evaluating your needs before making a decision.
Health insurance in Colombia: Frequently asked questions
It’s not mandatory in all cases, but it’s highly recommended. Especially for those applying for temporary residence or study visas, since some categories require proof of medical coverage.
The choice depends on individual needs. Local insurers like Sura or Colsanitas offer good cover at competitive prices, while international ones like Assist Card or Cigna may include extra benefits and coverage abroad.
Not all of them. Only some insurers provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. Always check each plan’s terms, since policies vary widely.
Costs vary depending on coverage and plan. Basic policies may start from $50 (€47) to $100 (€95) monthly, while more complete plans with international cover can exceed $200 (€190) per month.
Some companies, especially international ones like Assist Card, offer multilingual support, including English. This helps foreigners who don’t speak Spanish fluently.
