Discover how the system works in Colombia
Columbia’s General Healthcare Social Security scheme (Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud, SGSSS) provides universal health coverage to the entire Colombian population and access to quality basic healthcare via fair premiums. Efficiency and quality of service are top priority: the scheme aims to improve health conditions by allocating resources for primary healthcare and prevention in rural and poor areas, and ensuring all health services meet the best possible standards depending on available resources.
Foreign citizens can take out health insurance with EPS, a private organization supervised by the Colombian state. Like a French health insurance plan, it enables reimbursements for medical care received in Colombia. Another option is the “Medicina Prepagada”, an alternative high-end private health insurance system. Premiums are based on age and any pre-existing illness on the subscription date.
Visiting a doctor in Colombia
Doctors in Columbia are highly qualified and most of them have trained abroad. The majority work in the country’s largest cities and the cost is usually affordable.
However, the quality of medical services can vary from location to location. Non-Colombian citizens should always visit a GP or specialist doctor in a private facility because that’s where most of the highly qualified doctors work.
Lots of foreigners come to Colombia to benefit from the country’s efficient medical care. But quality comes with a price: a consultation with a renowned doctor in the private sector will cost much more than with a public one.
Being admitted to hospital in Colombia
Public hospitals
Public hospitals operate emergency services but they’re very overcrowded. Standards are high in large cities but hospitals in rural areas can’t always meet minimum health requirements. The cost of medical care in public hospitals is reasonable and usually covered by the Colombian Social Security system.
Private hospitals
Private facilities provide better service and are generally recommended for expatriates or travelers in Colombia. Cash advances are usually required for medical services, but they are affordable.
In case of emergency – dial 123
Buying medication in Colombia
There are lots of pharmacies in Colombia and in large cities like Bogota or Medellin, some are open 24/7. The cost of medication is lower than in other developed countries – although certain drugs are restricted and antibiotics are not always easy to find. Be sure to check that your medication is available before you go or where an equivalent can be found.
