Moving to Colombia
Discover everything you need to know before moving to Colombia, including how to apply for a visa, choose where to live, access healthcare, and more.
Colombia Healthcare System
Learn about healthcare in Colombia, including who is eligible for coverage, how EPS works, and what kind of costs you can expect as a patient.
With one of South America’s best healthcare systems, there’s a lot for expats to love about healthcare in Colombia. If you’re relocating to the country, it’s essential that you understand just what to expect from Colombian healthcare provision before you arrive. This article breaks down precisely what you need to know about accessing medical care in Colombia. This includes healthcare costs, the quality of hospitals in Colombia, and what expats can expect from local doctors.
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How Does Healthcare in Colombia Work?
The Colombian healthcare system is one of the world’s best. The World Health Organization ranks it as the 22nd most efficient in the world. This is above Canada, the United States, and Australia.
Colombia’s hospitals are among the best in South America. In particular, Medellin has some of the best facilities in Latin America. The city is also well known as a destination for cosmetic surgery and transplant surgery. Colombian physicians receive an excellent education, and many complete a part of their training abroad.
It’s common for physicians to be bilingual in Spanish and English. Colombia operates a public health insurance system called Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS).
EPS is administered by various insurers, including SURA, Comfenalco, and Coomeva. The EPS program is available to all residents at a low cost. For instance, the premium for retirees is 12% of the declared pension income. Additionally, there is no maximum age limit for applying for EPS coverage.
Does Colombia Have Universal Health Care?
Over the past 40 years, Colombia’s healthcare system has undergone significant growth. One of the advances was the 1993 reform, which transformed the structure of universal public healthcare funding. Since then, employees have been obligated to pay into health plans, which employers also contribute to.
As a result, public healthcare coverage was broadened from less than 21% of the population before 1993 to 65% in just 10 years.
These reforms stemmed in part from changes to the national constitution earlier in 1991. During that time, a piece of legislation known as Law 100 was implemented. It was responsible for widely extending universal health coverage to a broader part of the population.
In particular, Article 100 of the law mandated that health coverage be compulsory, that providers must have administrative autonomy, and that patients must have free choice among providers. While Law 100 presented numerous challenges, particularly financial ones, it’s widely credited with introducing essential reforms.
The Pros and Cons of Public Care
There are significant differences in the standard of care between rural and urban areas. For instance, in Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, nearly 100% of the public is covered by the EPS system. Furthermore, the standards of healthcare are excellent.
But in rural areas, health coverage is more limited. The standards of care are lower, and clinics may be basic. For those who can afford it or have health insurance in Colombia, being treated in a private facility means a more comfortable experience in a modern setting.
While many Colombian doctors speak English, at private facilities, you’re almost guaranteed to have multilingual staff. As well, wait times are considerably shorter.
Costs of the Colombian Healthcare System
In general, Colombian healthcare is very affordable, which means it doesn’t impact the cost of living in Colombia. Approximately 20% of government spending is allocated to healthcare. Additionally, approximately 5% of Colombia’s GDP is related to healthcare. This level of investment has made on-the-ground costs for patients accessible.
Under the EPS public health insurance system, a three-tiered payment system is in place. These payments cover co-payments for lab tests, diagnostic imaging, specialist visits, and medications. The copay rates are approximately $1, $4.25, and $11.15.
The applicable rate is dependent on income, and most retirees fall into the middle tier. For those without health coverage, out-of-pocket costs start at about $50 for a consultation with a physician.
Who is Eligible for Healthcare in Colombia?
All legal residents in Colombia are required to sign up with EPS. Expats can opt out, but they must provide proof of coverage through an alternative healthcare plan. Those who must opt in are required to pay 12.5% of their gross monthly income to the EPS. For those employed by a Colombian company, the amount decreases to approximately 4%, as the employer covers the remaining portion.
Each patient chooses which EPS-registered company they want to have as their insurance administrator.
Healthcare Options for Expats and Foreigners
To apply for EPS public health coverage, those moving to Colombia must:
- Obtain a visa: EPS coverage is only available to legal residents and citizens of the country. As such, you must enter the country with an appropriate visa for your situation, which allows you to work. Other common visas include options for retirees, real estate investors, business owners, and business investors. Allow for a minimum of two weeks, and sometimes much longer, for your visa to be processed.
- Get your identification card or cédula: Once you have your visa in your passport and enter the country, you must go to a Migración (immigration) office to register your visa. Here, you will apply for your cédula or identification card. You will need to complete a form, pay a fee, have digital fingerprints taken, and provide a photo. If possible, consider bringing a local friend or hiring a translator to accompany you if you don’t speak Spanish.
- Wait for processing: Next, please wait. The processing time typically ranges from two to four weeks for your application. You will pick up your card at the same immigration office.
- Sign up with EPS: With your cédula in hand, you may then sign up with EPS. First, you must select an insurance administrator and apply to them. Once you are approved, your coverage starts immediately. You won’t be issued a health insurance card. Your cédula identification is all you need to make an appointment.
In addition to the EPS basic health insurance system, there are many add-on plans that expats can buy. These act like supplemental private international health insurance. With these plans, you are entitled to faster service at more upscale facilities.
Not all add-on plans are available to all patients. For instance, not all programs accept people over the age of 60.
Challenges and Changes of Healthcare in Colombia
Despite the numerous success stories in Colombia’s healthcare system, several areas continue to struggle. Perhaps none is so severe as malaria. Waterborne diseases such as malaria thrive in the lowland and coastal areas, and nearly 85% of Colombia is vulnerable to the disease. Colombia has an estimated 250,000 cases a year, with an estimated 3 in 100,000 cases being fatal.
Malaria isn’t the only serious public health concern in Colombia. Both Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever are ongoing concerns. The government regularly has Yellow Fever vaccination campaigns.
Additionally, malnutrition, particularly childhood malnutrition, remains a significant issue. Nearly 21% of children under the age of 5 years old suffer from moderate to severe malnutrition, as well as iron deficiency anemia.
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- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Healthcare in Colombia FAQs
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Yes. If you use private healthcare, you can usually choose your own doctor or specialist. Patients in the public healthcare system, particularly in more rural areas, will have fewer options because they are often assigned to providers within their healthcare network. However, many expats in Colombia choose private health insurance for the added flexibility and shorter wait times.
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Yes. Pharmacies are widely available in cities and towns across Colombia. Many are open late or operate 24 hours a day, particularly in Colombia’s bigger cities. Some medications are sold over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor licensed to practice in Colombia. Be aware that this may differ from your home country. If you take regular medication, research its availability in Colombia ahead of time and bring enough to last until you visit a doctor.
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That depends on the hospital. Generally speaking, English is spoken at many private hospitals and clinics that serve international patients, particularly in major cities. However, public healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics in smaller cities are more likely to operate only in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, consider choosing a provider that offers bilingual staff.
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If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 123. This is Colombia’s national emergency number. Emergency departments at both public and private hospitals are open 24 hours a day. If you have health insurance, be sure to keep your insurance card and emergency contact information with you so you can receive care as quickly as possible.
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Yes. Many people choose Colombia for elective procedures because the country’s private hospitals offer modern facilities and skilled medical professionals. If you are recovering from surgery in Colombia, stay close to the hospital and make sure you have follow-up care arranged before you travel home. If you have private health insurance, your premium should also cover any unexpected complications.
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Yes, increasingly so. Many private hospitals and clinics in Colombia now offer virtual appointments for routine medical issues, follow-up visits, and prescription renewals. Telemedicine can be a convenient option if you live in a remote area and are seeking English-speaking consultations, or you need to speak with a doctor without traveling. Some international health insurance plans also offer access to virtual healthcare services, so check your premium and see if its included.
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Yes. Routine vaccines are available through both public and private healthcare providers. Certain pharmacies and travel clinics will also offer many recommended vaccinations. If you are planning to relocate to Colombia, ask your doctor whether you need any additional vaccines based on where you plan to live, work, or travel while in the country.