×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Is public health insurance mandatory in Colombia?
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In


Is public health insurance mandatory in Colombia?

By Betsy Burlingame

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

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).

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

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.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

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.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides