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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bogota, Colombia | Expat Exchange
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Bogota, Colombia

Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bogota, Colombia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Mar 15, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Bogota, Colombia is generally considered to be on par with the United States, with many of the same treatments and procedures available. There are a number of hospitals and clinics in Bogota, including the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Clínica del Country, Clínica Reina Sofía, and Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana. Emergency services are available in Bogota, and an ambulance can be called by dialing 123.

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How are healthcare services Bogota?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bogota, they replied:

"Bogota offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services and are often more expensive. In addition, Bogota has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and mental health. The city also has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores, as well as a number of health insurance companies. Finally, Bogota is home to a number of medical research centers, which are dedicated to researching and developing new treatments and technologies," remarked one expat living in Bogota.

What are medical services in Bogota like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bogota, they replied:

"Bogota offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public health system is well-developed and provides quality care to citizens and visitors alike. Private hospitals and clinics offer a more comprehensive range of services, including specialized treatments and advanced medical technology. In addition, Bogota is home to a number of medical research centers and universities, which provide access to the latest medical knowledge and treatments," said an expat in Bogota.

"For private sectors insurance Sura and AXA insurance are the best, this applies for major cities the moment your outside major cities it's very bad," commented one expat living in Bogota, Colombia.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bogota?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Bogota can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is also available, but it may not cover all medical expenses either. Additionally, the cost of medical care in Bogota can be high, especially for specialized treatments or procedures," said one expat living in Bogota.

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What are emergency services like in Bogota?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Bogota wrote:

"Emergency services in Bogota are provided by the city's fire department and ambulance service. In the event of an emergency, the public can call the emergency number 123 for an ambulance. The ambulance service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is equipped with the latest medical technology and personnel. The fire department also provides emergency services, such as firefighting, rescue, and hazardous material response. In the event of a fire, the public can call the emergency number 119," mentioned one expat in Bogota.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Yes, Bogota has a wide range of medical specialists available. People in Bogota can access highly specialized medical care at a variety of hospitals, clinics, and private practices. For more complex medical issues, patients may be referred to specialized centers such as the National Institute of Health, the National Institute of Cancer, or the National Institute of Cardiology. Additionally, Bogota is home to a number of world-renowned medical research centers, such as the Institute of Neurosciences, the Institute of Genetics, and the Institute of Immunology. These centers provide access to the latest treatments and technologies for a variety of medical conditions," remarked one expat in Bogota.

Are common prescription medications available in Bogota?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Bogota. Most pharmacies in the city carry a wide variety of medications, including those for common ailments such as colds, allergies, and headaches. Many of the medications available are generic versions of brand-name drugs, which are often cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. Additionally, many pharmacies offer discounts for bulk purchases, making it easier for people to get the medications they need," remarked one expat in Bogota.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bogota?

"Medical care in Bogota is generally of a high standard. The city has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Many of these facilities offer a range of services, from general medical care to specialized treatments. Additionally, Bogota has a number of private medical centers that provide quality care at competitive prices. In addition, the city has a number of pharmacies and health stores that offer a wide range of products and services. Overall, medical care in Bogota is of a high standard and is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike," said one expat.

As a foreigner living in Bogota, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Bogota have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Colombia is known as the Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS). It is a comprehensive system that provides access to medical services, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but overall it is considered to be of good quality. The cost of care is also relatively low, making it an attractive option for those living in Bogota," said one expat.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Bogota if they have access to public healthcare in Bogota. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Bogota. The healthcare system has been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of non-essential businesses and the restriction of movement. This has caused a strain on the healthcare system, as it has been unable to keep up with the demand for medical services. Additionally, the lack of resources has led to a shortage of medical supplies, such as masks and gloves, which has further hindered the ability of healthcare workers to provide adequate care. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Bogota has been able to provide essential services to those in need," commented one expat living in Bogota, Colombia.

"I traveled outside Bogota in a city called Fusagasuge° hospital was extremely bad and they did not my wife with covid-19. I immediately left the hospital and went to an official lab to get a proper diagnosis and it was negative for covid-19. Can't always trust hospitals in Columbia," wrote one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bogota?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Bogota about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Bogota before having a baby. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local hospitals and birthing centers in the area. Additionally, it is a good idea to connect with other expat parents in the area who have had babies in Bogota. They can provide valuable insight and advice on the local healthcare system and birthing process. Finally, make sure to take the necessary steps to ensure that your baby is registered with the local government and has the necessary documents to be a legal citizen," explained one expat.

"If you have a high-risk pregnancy, I would recomment returning to the States. The NICU staff at FSF are great, but if our son had been born much earlier, he would have needed to medevac to the States, where the equipment and medical technology are better. They were fine for his condition, but the NICU chief told us that if the babies are smaller than two pounds, it's more difficult for them, whereas in the States one-pound babies often do just fine. Also, make sure if you deliver in Colombia that you have your husband advocating for you," said one person in Bogota.

Are healthcare services good in Bogota?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Bogota. They wrote:

"Bogota offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is free and provides basic medical care, while private healthcare facilities offer more specialized services. In addition, Bogota has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, fertility clinics, and mental health facilities. The city also has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores, as well as a variety of health insurance plans," said one expat in Bogota.

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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