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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Cartago 2024
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Health Care in Cartago

By Betsy Burlingame

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Cartago: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Cartago.

Cartago has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Colombian Health System (Sistema de Salud Colombiano). It is available to all Colombian citizens and foreigners, although it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery.

Colombia's Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in Colombia is available to all citizens and foreigners, although it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. Public hospitals in Cartago are often overcrowded and understaffed, and the quality of care can be inconsistent. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Colombia, but most opt to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Cartago are generally well-equipped and offer a higher quality of care than public hospitals. Expats typically use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are more reliable and offer a higher quality of care.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Cartago

  • Clinica San Rafael: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
  • Clinica San Vicente: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
  • Clinica Santa Maria: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
  • Clinica San Jose: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
  • Clinica San Juan: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
  • Clinica San Lucas: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
  • Clinica San Pablo: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.

If there are few or no hospitals in Cartago, expats in Cartago often go to hospitals in nearby cities such as Medellin, which is approximately two hours away by car.

Emergency Services in Cartago

Cartago has ambulance services, which can be called by dialing 123. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency.

Health Insurance Companies in Cartago

The most popular private health insurers in Cartago are Sura, Colseguros, and Seguros Bolivar. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although there are also specialized expat health insurance providers available.

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.


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William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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