Is public health insurance mandatory in Colombia?
Summary: EPS is not mandatory in Colombia. Expats who have temporary or permanent residency are eligible to enroll, but it is not a requirement.
This question sometimes creates confusion. Public health coverage, either through an EPS or SISBEN, is mandatory for all residents of Colombia.
The reason that the question creates confusion is because people sometimes answer this question by saying that EPS health insurance is not mandatory. The reason why they answer that way is because lower income and homeless residents are not required to enroll in an EPS since qualify for coverage through SISBEN.
For most expats who become residents of Colombia, enrolling in an ESP health insurance plan is effectively mandatory (because they do not qualify for SISBEN).
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We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Colombia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Colombia
- Best Places to Live in Colombia
- Real Estate in Colombia
- Guide to Real Estate in Colombia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia
- Cost of Living in Colombia
- 12 Important Tips about Healthcare
- 9 Tips for Buying Property in Colombia
- 6 Best Places to Live in Colombia
- 2024 Guide to Living in Colombia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Colombia 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Colombia