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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.