Overview of Colombia’s Healthcare System
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, 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’s healthcare system operates a public health insurance plan called Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS).
EPS, Entidades Promotoras de Salud, is administered by various insurance companies, 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.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
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 insurance 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 health insurance. As well, the standards of healthcare are excellent.
But in rural areas, health coverage is more limited. Furthermore, the standards of care are minimal, and clinics may be basic. For those who can afford it or have insurance, 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, healthcare in Colombia is very affordable. 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 insurance, 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, new residents 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 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.
Best Health Plans for Expats in Colombia
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Challenges and Changes
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.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
View
Full Bio
