Healthcare in Colombia

Healthcare in Colombia has become known for its quality, coverage and accessibility. The country generally provides care of an excellent standard at a relatively low cost. This attracts numerous medical tourists looking for affordable treatment.

Health insurance is compulsory. All residents must be registered with a health service provider. Both public and private companies provide insurance to promote competition and a higher standard of service.

Public healthcare in Colombia

Public healthcare in Colombia can be of a high standard, but its quality and reliability are inconsistent. The system has faced significant strain in recent years. You may face overcrowded emergency rooms, long waiting times and shortages of doctors in public hospitals. Wait times for specialist care and non-emergency surgeries can stretch to several months.

Despite this, the level of care in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali is usually excellent, with well-trained doctors and well-equipped facilities. Access to healthcare in rural areas can be far more challenging, with significant disparities in both service availability and quality.

Most expats in Colombia opt to have some form of private healthcare plan, at least as a backup or for medical emergencies.

Useful links

• Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection
• Superintendencia Nacional de Salud (Supersalud)

Private healthcare in Colombia

You’ll find private healthcare in Colombia easily accessible and affordable, even on a local salary. The country boasts a modern private healthcare system centred on the major cities. There is a range of insurance and treatment options for almost every budget.

Private healthcare in Colombia also attracts many medical tourists, especially from the US, who are wooed by the high quality of care and the low prices. This is particularly true for cosmetic surgeries and dental work.

Health insurance in Colombia

Residents of Colombia must be insured under one of two regimes. The subsidised regime is for low-income families and is known as SISBEN (El Sistema de Selección de Beneficiarios para Programas Sociales). Meanwhile, the contributory regime known as EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud) is for those earning above the minimum monthly amount. You’ll likely fall into the latter category.

The EPS contribution is part of your salary. If you have a contract that meets the minimum salary requirements, you must join the contributory health system. Under EPS, the system requires appointments to be made in advance. You’ll need a referral from a GP before seeing a specialist. Some services may require a small co-payment.

Note that recent policy changes have affected EPS eligibility for some visa types. If you’re applying for residency, check current requirements with an immigration lawyer, as regulations can change.

You should also consider taking out private medical insurance, even if you pay into the national healthcare plan. Most health issues can be dealt with at one of the many hospitals or clinics, but in the case of chronic or long-term illness, it is advisable to have extra cover in case specialist care is required. You can purchase private health insurance from several local or international providers.

When moving abroad with an employer, they’ll likely have already implemented a corporate healthcare plan. If moving independently, you should consider purchasing private insurance to top up the services available in the public system.

Useful links

• Colombian Ministry of Health: Health Insurance Information
• Superintendencia Nacional de Salud: EPS Oversight

Pharmacies and medication in Colombia

Pharmacies and medication in Colombia are easy to find. Look for the green cross sign marking droguerías (pharmacies) in cities and towns across the country. Many of these, particularly the large pharmacy chains like Cruz Verde, Farmatodo and Farmacias Colsubsidio, operate seven days a week and are open 24 hours a day. Some pharmacies offer home delivery services. Medication is also available at relatively low prices compared to those in the US and Europe.

Pharmacies tend to be well stocked. While prescription requirements in Colombia have become stricter in recent years, particularly for antibiotics and controlled substances, you may find that some medications requiring prescriptions in other countries are available with fewer restrictions here. You’ll likely find that purchasing your medication in Colombia will be significantly cheaper than in your home country. While there aren’t strict regulations on bringing reasonable amounts of prescription medication into the country, it’s worth checking local availability first.

Useful links

• INVIMA: Colombian Drug and Food Regulation Institute
• Cruz Verde: Major Pharmacy Chain
• Farmatodo: 24-Hour Pharmacy Services
• Droguerías Colsubsidio

Health hazards in Colombia

Health hazards in Colombia require some awareness. Tap water in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali is generally safe to drink, although many houses and apartments have small water-filtration systems installed. You shouldn’t drink tap water outside these major urban centres unless it has been boiled, filtered or sterilised.

Mosquito-borne viral diseases pose a significant threat in Colombia. Dengue fever has reached record levels in recent years, with major outbreaks reported in 2023 and 2024. Yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika are also present in many areas. Malaria remains prevalent in some rural and low-altitude areas, particularly in the Pacific coastal regions, the Amazon region and parts of the Orinoquía region. You should take the necessary precautions. When travelling to high-risk areas, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, use window and door screens, and consider antimalarial medications where appropriate.

Useful links

• CDC: Colombia Traveler Health Information
• UK Foreign Travel Advice: Colombia Health

Vaccinations in Colombia

Vaccinations in Colombia should be taken seriously. Colombia experienced a significant yellow fever outbreak in 2024-2025, prompting the CDC to expand recommended vaccination areas. Yellow fever vaccination is now required for entry into Colombia for all travellers aged one year and older.

The following vaccinations are recommended if you’re travelling to Colombia:

• Yellow fever (required for entry; strongly recommended for most areas except Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, high-altitude areas above 2,300m, and San Andrés and Providencia)
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B (for travellers under 60)
• Routine vaccinations, if not up to date (measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, chickenpox, influenza, etc.)

All routine vaccinations should be current before travel. Measles vaccination is particularly important due to rising global cases. Depending on your itinerary and planned activities, your doctor may also recommend rabies or chikungunya vaccinations.

Emergency medical services in Colombia

Emergency medical services in Colombia are coordinated through a national system. The national ambulance service is called the Servicio de Atención Médica de Urgencia (SAMU). It operates throughout the country and is free to all citizens. Health insurance will typically also cover the cost of ambulance services.

In Colombia, every clinic or hospital must provide immediate medical care to anyone who requires emergency medical attention.

In an emergency, call the national emergency number (123) from any phone. You’ll be redirected to the appropriate service. English is not widely spoken among emergency services, so speaking slowly and clearly is advisable. Tourist police (policía turística) are available in major cities and may offer English-language assistance, although specific contact numbers vary by location.

Useful links

• Policía Nacional de Colombia