General information only, not insurance, medical or legal advice. This article does not recommend specific insurers. Policies, prices and exclusions differ, so read the full terms. Last reviewed October 2026. This article was written with AI assistance, as explained in how we create our content.
Expats in Colombia generally choose between the public-private system (EPS), local prepaid plans and international health insurance, and many combine them. This guide explains the differences and what to check before you buy.
The Main Options
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EPS (mandatory system) | Contribution-based enrollment with an authorized insurer. Requires a cédula de extranjería. | Residents who work or are otherwise eligible |
| Local prepaid plan (medicina prepagada) | Paid plan with access to private clinics and shorter waits, usually bought alongside an EPS | People who want faster specialist access |
| Local private health insurance | Policies from Colombian insurers with a network of hospitals | People staying long term who want local pricing |
| International health insurance | Policies with broader geographic coverage, often in dollars or euros | Frequent travelers, short stays and visa requirements |
| Travel insurance | Short-term cover for trips | Tourists and short stays |
For how the EPS works, see healthcare in Colombia.
Insurance and Your Visa
Some visas require proof of health insurance for the length of your stay, and the mandatory EPS does not usually count toward that requirement. Check the requirement for your subtype in Colombia visa types. For some visa categories, such as pensioner, you may be excluded from the EPS and need private coverage.
What to Compare
- Coverage area: only Colombia, or other regions too.
- Hospital network: whether the clinics near you are included.
- Annual limits and deductibles: the maximum payout and what you pay first.
- Pre-existing conditions: whether they are covered, excluded or subject to waiting periods.
- Maternity, dental, vision and mental health: often optional or limited.
- Evacuation and repatriation: important for serious emergencies and some visa types.
- Language and claims process: whether claims and support are available in English, and whether you pay upfront and claim back.
- Renewal and age pricing: how premiums change over time, and whether the insurer can cancel.
Buying Tips
- Decide whether you need visa-compliant cover, a supplement to EPS or both.
- Get quotes from at least three providers or an independent broker.
- Answer health questions honestly, since errors can void claims.
- Read the exclusions list and the cancellation terms before paying.
- Keep digital copies of your policy and insurer contact details.
Dental and Routine Care
Many people pay out of pocket for routine dental and vision care, which is generally affordable by international standards. See finding doctors and specialists.
Related Guides
FAQ
Q: Is travel insurance enough for a long stay?
A: Usually not. Check whether it covers the visa period and your needs.
Q: Can I buy insurance after I arrive?
A: Often yes for local plans, but waiting periods can apply.
Q: Which is cheaper, local or international?
A: Local plans are often cheaper, while international plans offer broader coverage. Compare quotes.
I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Bogotá, Colombia, and yes, I know exactly what it’s like to be a solo female traveler in a country the world still misunderstands.
I’ve been travelling independently for 10 years, completing 50+ solo trips across Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Argentina, Peru and the United States. I write in both English and Spanish, and I also contribute to allaboutcolombia.com where I cover my home country in depth — from the coffee region to the Caribbean coast to the Andes.
My speciality is Latin America: the neighbourhoods the guidebooks skip, the buses that are actually fine to take, the hostels that feel like home, and the restaurants where locals actually eat. I’ve hitchhiked across Patagonia, navigated Medellín’s metro system at rush hour, and camped solo in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. I know this region the way you only can when it’s yours.
I also cover the US for solo travelers, having spent time road-tripping through the Southwest, the Pacific Coast and the Deep South.
