Healthcare for Expats in Colombia

Published on October 24, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to Colombia as an expatriate can be a rewarding experience, but it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the local healthcare system to ensure your well-being and that of your family.

Colombia offers a quality healthcare system divided between public and private sectors, each with its own advantages. As an expatriate, it’s essential to know your rights and the necessary steps to access these services, while also considering cultural differences that may influence your medical experience.

This article explores the available coverage options, associated costs, and provides practical advice to help you navigate this crucial aspect of your new life in Colombia smoothly.

Healthcare in Colombia: A Prime Destination for Expatriates

The Colombian healthcare system ranks among the most effective in Latin America and stands out for its efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care, making it a prime destination for expatriates. According to the World Health Organization, Colombia ranks 22nd globally in healthcare system efficiency, ahead of Canada or the United States.

Overview of the Colombian Healthcare System

• Mixed system composed of two main regimes:
  • EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud): Public regime, mandatory for all legal residents, offering extensive coverage at low cost.
  • Private health insurance: Option preferred by many expatriates for faster access, more comfort, and the ability to choose practitioners and facilities.
• Accessibility:
  • Expatriates can enroll in EPS or a local or international private insurance.
  • EPS affiliation requires a visa and obtaining a cédula (local identity card).
• Operation:
  • Care is accessible upon presentation of the cédula.
  • Medical records are computerized and linked to this unique number, facilitating patient follow-up.

Medical Infrastructure in Major Cities

Metropolises such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have modern, well-equipped medical infrastructures, including:

• Internationally accredited hospitals.
• Private clinics with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Often bilingual medical staff, especially in private facilities.
• Collaboration with foreign institutions and international medical practice exchanges.

Quality of Care and Professional Competence

• Highly qualified doctors and medical staff, trained according to international standards.
• Many practitioners have completed internships or studies abroad.
• Manuals and training often in English in medical schools.
• Frequent use of advanced medical technologies and protocols aligned with global best practices.

Cost of Care and Value for Money

Country	General Practitioner Consultation	Hospitalization (per day)	Private Health Insurance (monthly)
Colombia	$22–44	$110–330	$44–66
United States	$110–220	$1,100–3,300	$220–440
France (excluding Social Security)	$28–55	$330–1,100	$44–88

Medical care in Colombia costs significantly less than in most Western countries, while offering a comparable level of quality.

The value for money is particularly attractive for expatriates, who benefit from quick access to specialized care and high-level infrastructure.

Expatriate Testimonials

“I was pleasantly surprised by the speed and quality of care I received in Medellín. The staff spoke English and assisted me with all the administrative procedures.”

“After comparing healthcare costs in Europe and Colombia, it was clear that the Colombian system offers an excellent compromise between price and quality.”

“My surgery took place in a modern clinic in Bogotá. I was treated under the best conditions, with impeccable medical follow-up.”

Administrative Considerations for Expatriates

• Recommended Health Insurances:
  • EPS subscription mandatory for legal residents, or presentation of valid international coverage.
  • Local private insurance (Medicina Prepagada) recommended for better comfort and reduced waiting times.
• Procedures to Follow:
  • Obtain an appropriate visa (work, retirement, investment…).
  • Register with immigration authorities and obtain the cédula.
  • Enroll in EPS or private insurance.
  • Use the cédula for all medical procedures and appointments.

Key Takeaway:
The Colombian healthcare system stands out for its accessibility, modern infrastructure, professional competence, and excellent value for money, making Colombia a particularly attractive destination for expatriates seeking quality care.

Planning Your Healthcare Budget in Colombia: An Essential Step

Planning a healthcare budget is essential for expatriates in Colombia, to ensure quick and effective access to medical care, protect against unexpected expenses, and meet legal obligations related to your stay.

Differences Between Public and Private Systems:

System	Main Characteristics	Average Monthly Costs	Advantages	Disadvantages
Public (EPS)	Mandatory affiliation for residents; basic coverage; contribution based on income	COP 120,000 to 150,000 ($25 to $31.50)	Low cost; access to essential care	Sometimes long waits; limited coverage for specialties
Private	Quick access to specialists; quality medicine; rates based on age and coverage	COP 300,000 to 800,000 ($63 to $167)	Personalized services; reputable private hospitals	Higher cost; possible medical selection
International	Coverage in Colombia and abroad; repatriation assistance	Varies by chosen plan	Comprehensive protection; multilingual services	High rates; administrative formalities

Accessibility to Medical Care by Region:

• Major cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali): Modern infrastructure, high-level hospitals, many English-speaking doctors.
• Rural areas: Uneven medical offerings, limited access to specialists and equipment, need to travel to urban centers for certain treatments.

Common Costs in Colombia:

• General practitioner consultation: COP 50,000 (approximately $10.50)
• Medications: Prices similar to Europe, some generics cheaper
• Hospitalization: Variable price, significantly reduced with insurance; without coverage, costs can rise quickly
• Public health insurance (EPS): COP 120,000 to 150,000 per month
• Private insurance: COP 300,000 to 800,000 per month

Available Health Insurances:

• Local EPS: Mandatory for residents with a visa, offers basic coverage.
• Private insurance (Medicina Prepagada): Privileged access to the best facilities, choice of practitioner, reduced wait times.
• International health insurance: Ideal for expatriates wanting worldwide coverage, repatriation assistance, high-end hospitalization.

Unexpected Expenses to Anticipate:

• Specialized or surgical care not covered by the public regime.
• Non-reimbursed or imported medications.
• Emergency expenses (hospitalization, repatriation).
• Consultation with specialists outside the EPS network.

Practical Tips to Optimize Your Healthcare Budget:

• Compare insurance offers (EPS, private, international) according to your needs and family situation.
• Set aside a reserve for unexpected expenses (emergency, hospitalization).
• Prepare a first aid kit with your usual medications.
• Inform yourself about medical facilities near your home.
• Take advantage of preventive consultations and insurer partner networks to limit costs.
• Prefer major cities for complex or specialized medical interventions.

Key Takeaway:

Anticipating your healthcare budget, comparing insurance options, and choosing the right medical facilities are the keys to living your expatriation in Colombia peacefully.

Essential Private Clinics for Expatriates in Colombia

Clinic Name	City	Main Specializations	International Accreditations	Reputation & Staff	Languages Spoken	Expatriate Feedback	Payment/Insurance Facilities
Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá	Bogotá	General medicine, surgery, oncology, pediatrics, cardiology, orthopedics, transplants	JCI (Joint Commission International)	Renowned for medical excellence, state-of-the-art equipment, staff often trained internationally, high level of expertise	Spanish, English, sometimes French	Highly sought after, considered the reference for expatriates	Accepts international insurance, payment by card or transfer
Clínica del Country	Bogotá	General medicine, surgery, emergencies, gynecology, cardiology	–	Highly qualified staff, modern infrastructure, personalized care	Spanish, English	Excellent feedback on speed and quality of service	Accepts international insurance, advance payment required
Clínica de Marly	Bogotá	Internal medicine, surgery, maternity, medical imaging	–	Solid reputation in the capital, efficient service, personalized follow-up	Spanish, English	Good accessibility, appreciated for availability	Advance payment, many insurances accepted
Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe	Medellín	Surgery, oncology, orthopedics, nephrology, internal medicine	JCI	Considered one of the best in the country, experienced staff, latest generation equipment	Spanish, English	Expatriates praise the quality of care and support	Accepts international insurance, flexible payment
Clínica Las Américas	Medellín	Cardiology, oncology, neurology, plastic surgery, general medicine	–	Modern infrastructure, personalized care, reputable medical team	Spanish, English	Very good reception of foreign patients	Advance payment, agreement with many international insurers
Clínica Soma	Medellín	General surgery, internal medicine, emergency care	–	Good reputation for care efficiency and staff competence	Spanish, English	Appreciated for quick care	Advance payment, international insurance accepted
Fundación Valle del Lili	Cali	Surgery, oncology, nephrology, pediatrics, internal medicine	JCI	Renowned for innovations, highly qualified staff, premium service	Spanish, English	Strong recommendation for quality of care	Accepts international insurance, flexible payment
Centro Médico Imbanaco	Cali	General medicine, surgery, oncology, orthopedics, imaging	–	Renowned for diversity of specialties, high-performing medical team	Spanish, English	Good feedback on specialist availability	Advance payment, many insurances accepted
Clínica de Occidente	Cali	Emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, intensive care	–	Modern facility, recognized for quick care and emergency services	Spanish, English	Appreciated for responsiveness and accessibility	Advance payment, accepts international insurance

Key Points About Private Clinics in Colombia for Expatriates

• The clinics listed above are recognized for their high level of care and quality infrastructure.
• Medical staff: often trained abroad, experienced, recognized for professionalism.
• Foreign languages: most clinics have English-speaking staff; some facilities in Bogotá also offer services in French.
• Expatriate Experience:
  • Privileged reception, quick care.
  • Personalized follow-up, communication facilities.
  • Some establishments assist with administrative procedures for foreign patients.
• Payment Facilities:
  • Private clinics generally require advance payment.
  • Acceptance of international insurance is common, facilitating coverage for expatriates.
  • Payment possible by bank card, transfer, or cash.
• Accreditations:
  • Several major establishments (Santa Fe, Pablo Tobón Uribe, Valle del Lili) are JCI accredited, guaranteeing international quality standards.

Note: Expatriates recommend subscribing to international health insurance to avoid significant upfront costs and benefit from easier access to the best facilities.

To get recent reviews, it is advisable to consult expatriate groups on social networks or specialized forums.