Health Insurance for Foreigners and Expats in Colombia

If you are a foreigner or expat in Colombia and are considering obtaining health insurance, it is important to understand the options available and how they work in the Colombian context. Here we present a guide to the different types of health insurance in Colombia and what you should keep in mind to find the best coverage for you.

Understanding the Colombian Health System

Colombia has a diverse health system that includes several health insurance options. However, each type has specific requirements that may not be ideal for foreigners. Below, we explain the different types of health insurance in Colombia:

Private Insurance or Health Policies

Example: Poliza SURA

These private insurance policies offer comprehensive health coverage and usually include a wide range of medical and hospital services. However, to access these insurances, you must be affiliated with an EPS, which can be an obstacle for foreigners.

Prepaid Medicine

Example: Coomeva Prepagada

Prepaid medicine are similar to private insurance with the difference that you can only access a specific network of providers. As with private insurance, to purchase a prepaid medicine you need to be affiliated with an EPS.

Complementary Plans

Example: Sanitas Complementary Plan

The complementary plan acts as an extension of your EPS (therefore you must be affiliated with the EPS), providing additional advantages such as faster response times Quick appointments with specialists (although you'll still need to see a general practitioner first).

EPS

The EPS are part of the health system in Colombia and provide medical care through the contributory regime. To be affiliated with an EPS, you must have a Colombian citizenship card and be registered in the social security system, which is an obstacle for foreigners.

SISBEN (Beneficiary Selection System for Social Programs)

SISBEN is a government program to provide access to health services to low-income people. It is not applicable for foreigners.

What health insurance options are suitable for foreigners?

For foreigners and expatriates, the option of obtaining a health insurance policy that does not depend on an EPS may be more convenient. As most traditional options require having an ID to access medical insurance, it is advisable to consider international medical insurance that covers your stay in Colombia.

A Good Option: Genki

Genki It is an excellent alternative for foreigners and expatriates who need medical coverage in Colombia. This insurance offers the following advantages:

• National Coverage: Genki provides coverage throughout the Colombian territory, ensuring that you have access to a wide network of medical providers.
• Monthly Payments: You can pay your insurance monthly, which makes it easier to manage your budget.
• Good Coverage: Offers comprehensive coverage that includes medical treatment, hospitalization, accidents and emergencies, medical transportation and repatriation, etc.
• Flexible Cancellation : You can cancel your policy at any time, giving you greater flexibility.
• Visa Requirements: Genki is also valid for Colombian visa procedures, complying with the health insurance requirements required to obtain your visa.

To obtain For more information about Genki and how to hire it, you can visit its website.

Medical Insurance for Visas

When you apply for a visa in Colombia, such as the nomad visa, one of the crucial requirements is to have a health policy that offers coverage throughout the national territory. This policy must cover all risks in the event of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation, during the time planned for your stay in the country. Genki meets these requirements, offering comprehensive coverage that adjusts to the demands of the Colombian immigration authorities, thus facilitating your visa process and ensuring that you are protected during your stay in Colombia.

Conclusion

If you are a foreigner or expatriate in Colombia, it is essential to choose health insurance that suits your needs and situation. Although traditional options in the Colombian health system may have restrictions for non-residents, alternatives such as Genki offer adequate coverage to live and travel with peace of mind in Colombia, in addition to facilitating visa procedures.

Contact our agents at +57 305 3377860 or fill out the form.