Since their 1993 health reform, Colombia’s healthcare system prides itself as being one of the best in South America—and even North America—combining universality, efficiency, and high-quality healthcare in both the public and private sectors. Health international insurance is key to a stress-free relocation to Colombia: it offers optimal medical coverage to cope with the high costs of top-tier private healthcare facilities and to manage against health risks. Foyer Global Health has prepared a guide to help you better understand what is on offer in healthcare in South America.

How does Colombia’s healthcare system work?

Today, more than 90% of the population residing in Colombia is covered by an efficient, mandatory, and universal healthcare system in which the public and private sectors work closely together. It is a mixed system based on both a contributory scheme (régimen contributivo), funded by employee and employer contributions, and a state-subsidized scheme (régimen subsidiado) for low-income individuals.

In Colombia, EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud), both public or private insurance organizations accredited by the state, manage the access and funding of healthcare services. On the other hand, IPS (Instituciones Prestadoras de Salud) are the healthcare institutions providing healthcare to patients.

Once enrolled with an EPS, the insured person can choose a healthcare provider among the members of the network contracted with the EPS. Doctors and hospitals within the network may be either public or private.

Who can join the Colombian healthcare coverage system?

All individuals who legally reside in Colombia and hold a cédula (identity card for foreigners) can enroll into the system and register with the EPS of their choice. Expatriates who are working and living in the country are required to enroll with an EPS and contribute to the healthcare system. Most expats, however, opt for international health insurance, offering them peace of mind and efficiency.

The Colombian healthcare system: strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• High performance in the private sector and in major cities: The Colombian healthcare system is one of the most efficient in Latin America, particularly in big cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, which are home to excellent private facilities, highly qualified staff, and cutting-edge medical equipment. This level of excellence has made Colombia a popular destination for medical tourism.
• Universal access to public healthcare; efficient care in the private sector
• Medical infrastructure among the best in South America
• Rapidly growing medical tourism sector, especially for dental and cosmetic treatments and transplant surgery
• For nearly equivalent quality of care, healthcare costs in Colombia are moderate compared to the United States or Europe
• Multilingual staff and excellent private facilities in major cities

Weaknesses

• Long waiting times in the public sector
• Regional inequalities in access to healthcare, especially between major cities and rural areas
• Disparities between private and public sectors: private hospitals and clinics are often better equipped, better staffed, and more efficient
• Outdated medical equipment in some public facilities
• Administrative complexity within the EPS system

What is the cost of healthcare services?

Healthcare costs vary depending on your health coverage. An EPS member will not  face the same charges as an expatriate covered by international health insurance or a resident without any health coverage.

In the public system managed by the EPS, there is a three-tier co-payment system based on the patient’s income. As an indication, without coverage, a consultation with a general practitioner costs between €15 and €50, a specialist visit can cost up to €80, and a day of hospitalization in a private facility ranges from €80 to €200.

What are the best healthcare facilities in Colombia?

The best medical facilities—both private and public—are located in major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

• In Bogotá: Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (a highly reputed private university hospital, recognized as one of the best in the country), Clínica del Country (a private clinic offering personalised care), Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (excellent public university hospital)
• In Medellín: Clínica Las Américas (a private and modern clinic renowned for its advanced specialized medical services), Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Clínica del Rosario (a non-profit private hospital that efficiently treats patients from diverse socio-economic backgrounds)
• In Cali: Fundación Valle del Lili (one of the most renowned university hospitals in the country)

 What you should know

• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, especially the ones against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, and hepatitis, and be sure to get vaccinated against yellow fever
• Be vigilant about food hygiene and protect yourself against mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season (malaria and dengue are present in the country)
• 123: medical emergencies
•  Relocation to high-altitude cities such as Bogotá may require a significant adjustment period
• Subscribing to a health insurance policy is one of the conditions for obtaining a visa

Why choose international health insurance?

• You are free to choose your healthcare provider: if you rely solely on EPS, you are obliged to be treated by a health practitioner from your insurance network
• Shorter waiting times and faster access to care in private medical facilities
• International coverage beyond Colombia’s borders
• You can add the option for medical evacuation services, which are very costly without insurance and are not included in local insurance plans
• You get a better coverage from the very first euro spent

Why choose Global Health for your relocation to Colombia?

• Worldwide coverage: Global Health protects your health wherever you go, whenever you need it
• We offer health solutions tailored to your profile and your plans
• You benefit from comprehensive coverage, including emergency, dental, eye and maternity care.
• Global Health insurance policies are effective from the first euro spent
• Access at all times to multilingual medical assistance 24/7

Would you like to learn more about our international health insurance solutions? Our experts are here to help you find the ideal health policy for your relocation to Colombia!