Jul 24th 2024
Updated: Nov 12, 2026
Health Insurance for Foreigners and Expats in Colombia
By Global Doctour
Health Insurance for Foreigners and Expats in Colombia
Most Colombian health plans require a Colombian ID and enrollment in the national system (EPS), so they are hard to get for tourists, digital nomads and new expats. The easiest option for most foreigners is an international health insurance that covers you in Colombia from day one.
Health insurance in Colombia: quick facts
- Local plans (EPS, prepaid)Require a Colombian ID
- Best option for foreignersInternational health insurance
- Visa applicationsRequire health insurance valid in Colombia
- Easy optionGenki: online sign-up and monthly payments
Health insurance options in Colombia
| Type | Example | How it works | For foreigners? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPS | National system | Basic public coverage through the contributory system | Requires a Colombian ID and social security registration |
| Complementary plan | Sanitas | Extension of your EPS with faster access to specialists | Requires an EPS |
| Prepaid medicine | Coomeva | Private network of doctors and clinics | Requires an EPS |
| Private insurance policy | SURA | Broad medical and hospital coverage | Requires an EPS |
| SISBEN | Government program | Subsidized care for low-income residents | Not for foreigners |
| International insurance | Genki | Coverage while you live or travel in Colombia | Yes, designed for foreigners |
An easy option: Genki
Genki is a simple alternative for foreigners and expats who need medical coverage in Colombia:
- Easy to get: you sign up online, no Colombian ID needed.
- Nationwide coverage: coverage throughout Colombia.
- Monthly payments: pay month by month.
- Broad coverage: medical treatment, hospitalization, accidents and emergencies, medical transport and repatriation.
- Flexible cancellation: you can cancel at any time.
- Visa applications: Genki says its coverage can be used for Colombian visa applications.
See plans and prices on the Genki website.
Coming to Colombia for medical treatment? We help you find the right doctor, for free.
Chat with us on WhatsAppHealth insurance for Colombian visas
When you apply for a visa in Colombia, such as the digital nomad visa, you need a health insurance policy that covers you throughout the country during your stay. It must cover accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death and repatriation. Always check the current requirements on the official website of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) before applying.
Important: insurance does not cover elective procedures
Travel and international health insurance cover emergencies and illness, but usually not elective treatments like cosmetic surgery or dental work. If you come to Colombia for a planned procedure, you pay the doctor or clinic directly.
Questions? Write to us on WhatsApp at +57 305 3377860.
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