Understanding the Health System in Colombia

Colombia's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is called Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS) and is funded by the government. It is available to all Colombian citizens and foreigners who are legally registered in the country. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Colombia, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. Public hospitals are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources.

Colombia's Public Healthcare System

Colombia's public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Colombian citizens and foreigners who are legally registered in the country. It is known as Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS). The public healthcare system is free for Colombian citizens, however, foreigners may be required to pay a fee for services. Public hospitals are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources.

Colombia's Private Healthcare System

Colombia's private healthcare system is composed of private hospitals and clinics that are not funded by the government. Private healthcare is typically more expensive than public healthcare, however, it is often of higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more likely to have the necessary resources for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Colombia are typically well-equipped and offer a higher standard of care than public hospitals.

Colombia's Top Hospitals

Colombia has a number of top hospitals, both public and private. Some of the most well-known hospitals include:

• Clinica Medellin (private, Medellin)
• Clinica del Country (private, Bogota)
• Clinica Universitaria Bolivariana (public, Medellin)
• Clinica San Rafael (private, Bogota)
• Clinica Reina Sofia (private, Bogota)
• Clinica Universitaria San Ignacio (public, Bogota)

Health Insurance Companies in Colombia

The most popular private health insurers in Colombia are Sura, Colseguros, and Seguros Bolivar. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans for individuals and families. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Colombia: How to Navigate the Health System

"I had a sinus infection and rather than go through the insurance plan, I just went to a private physician and paid cash. The doctor visit (including a basic physical exam) plus an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory injection was less than 20 US dollars," commented one expat living in Ibague, Colombia.

"The public and private insurance are difficult to use because since the pandemic everybody wants to do their work online and they are dropping the ball," mentioned one expat living in Colombia.

"Customer Service for reception, document review is very inefficient and somehwhat confusing especially for new a foreign arrivals," said an expat in Colombia.

"Many specialists are US trained, speak English and seem to be quite competent. As a former bio-med technician familiar with lots of medical equipment I find many state of the art medical devices are used here," remarked one expat in Colombia.

"With the pandemic one needs at least one week to obtain non-emergency appointments with a general practitioner doctor if you have public (non-private) healthcare," said one expat living in Colombia.

"Pay the higher insurance premium to insure quicker access to specialists. Have at least a working knowledge of the language as most doctors speak no English. ," commented one expat living in Colombia.

"There is a vast difference between the lowest level of health insurance and the highest level. The difference is night and day. I have both a low level and high level. I pay $30/mth, SaludTotal low level, $250/mth AXAColpatria, high level. The lower level insurance is required by my high level insurance. With my AXAColpatria, the doctor will come to my house as a non-emergency first response," mentioned one expat living in Colombia.

" Minor problems can be taken care of here, but really serious problems require a trip to a bigger City like Bogota which is 11 hours away by car.," said an expat in Colombia.

"Colombia has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Colombia is generally considered to be good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents in Colombia are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Colombia typically use the public healthcare system, although they may also opt to use private healthcare services. Private healthcare services are generally more expensive than public healthcare, but they may offer more comprehensive services," remarked one member living in Colombia.