Healthcare in Colombia
Colombia offers some of the best healthcare value in the world. Modern facilities, well-trained doctors, and affordable prices make it a medical tourism destination and a major draw for expats.
Healthcare System Overview
EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud) - Public System:
Colombia's mandatory public health insurance. Required for all residents with visas longer than 180 days. Covers most medical needs with low out-of-pocket costs.
Prepagada - Private Insurance:
Optional private coverage that supplements EPS. Provides faster access, private facilities, and more English-speaking staff.
EPS Public Healthcare
Cost: 12.5% of declared monthly income (self-employed). For a declared income of $700/month, that's about $87.50/month. Many retired expats pay $70-85/month per couple.
Coverage includes:
- Doctor visits
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Medications (many at low copays)
- Lab work and imaging
- Emergency care
Limitations:
- Longer wait times for specialists (weeks to months)
- May need to see GP first for referrals
- Less English-speaking staff
- Facilities vary in quality
Popular EPS providers: Sura, Sanitas, Compensar, Nueva EPS
Requirements: Cedula de extranjeria (foreigner ID card) required to enroll.
Prepagada Private Insurance
Cost: $180-325 USD/month depending on age and coverage level.
Benefits:
- Same-day or next-day specialist appointments
- Access to private clinics and hospitals
- English-speaking doctors more common
- No GP referral needed for specialists
- Better amenities (private rooms, etc.)
- Faster surgery approvals (48 hours vs months)
Important: Prepagada requires EPS as a base. You must have EPS first, then add prepagada on top.
Age limitations: Most plans won't accept new enrollees over 60. However, "Plan Complementario 60 Plus" options exist for older applicants.
Popular providers: Colsanitas, Sura, Allianz
Quality of Care
Colombia is a medical tourism destination for good reason:
- Modern hospitals in major cities
- Doctors often trained in US/Europe
- Advanced procedures available (cardiac surgery, transplants, etc.)
- Dental care excellent and affordable
- Cosmetic surgery industry is large (though research carefully)
Top hospitals:
- Fundacion Santa Fe (Bogota)
- Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe (Medellin)
- Centro Medico Imbanaco (Cali)
- Fundacion Cardiovascular (Bucaramanga)
Costs Without Insurance
Even without insurance, costs are affordable by US standards:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| GP visit | $20-40 USD |
| Specialist visit | $40-80 USD |
| Basic blood work | $15-30 USD |
| MRI | $150-300 USD |
| ER visit | $50-150 USD |
Medications
Many medications available over-the-counter that require prescriptions elsewhere. Pharmacies (Farmatodo, La Rebaja) are everywhere. Costs are generally 50-80% less than US prices.
Dental Care
Excellent quality at low prices. Cleanings: $20-40. Fillings: $30-60. Root canal: $100-200. Crowns: $200-400.
For Visa Applications
Important: All visa applicants must show proof of health insurance valid in Colombia. EPS enrollment or international health insurance accepted.
Pro Tips
- •EPS is mandatory for residents - factor it into your budget
- •Get prepagada if you value fast specialist access
- •Many doctors speak some English, especially in private practice
- •Dental work is excellent value - many expats do major work here
- •Keep EPS even if you have prepagada - it's required for visa renewals
Have questions about healthcare in Colombia?