Private Healthcare in Colombia
Although basic health insurance is mandatory, services may not always be the best in terms of waiting times. This is why many Colombians choose to supplement the basic insurance with an additional healthcare plan.
Most EPS offer such complementary plans (Plan Complementario), for better and quicker service, and it is highly recommended to sign up for one. Complementary plans also include a wider range of health centers and clinics, suggested specialist doctors and additional support in emergency situations.
You can also sign up for a private health insurance to supplement your EPS plan. With this, you pay a monthly fee in exchange for a certain number of doctor visits or other health services. You become eligible to contract private health insurance as soon as you have become a resident in the country.
You will need to consider your budget, your priorities and your preferred providers. Not all private health insurance plans will reimburse the services of all clinics. If you have decided upon a preferred doctor, you can ask whether he or she accepts payment through any health insurance plan.
International and Expat Health Insurance for Colombia
International health insurance can be obtained in the form of an extended travel insurance for permanent expats. This is ideal if you still want to have coverage in your home country or if you are not a resident of Colombia yet. Nevertheless, once you become legally allowed to reside in the country, it is easiest to rely on your mandatory EPS plan, supplemented by a private healthcare plan.
Many insurance companies from around the globe offer expat insurance, so it is good to compare conditions, benefits and costs and choose the one that suits you best in terms of value and flexibility.
Update 20/08/2018
Expatriate health insurance in Colombia
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Bogotá is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Colombia So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Colombia. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Colombia, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.