Health Insurance in Colombia, America
Information expatriation
Capital City: Bogotá
Total area: 1,138,910 km2
Population: 44,090,118 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +57 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG : Expat Health insurance Information
Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:
· Colombia has a mixed public-private system intended to provide universal healthcare.
· The government-run system is known as the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS). It covers around 70% of the population.
· SGSSS is funded through payroll taxes, government subsidies, and individual contributions. It provides coverage for a basic benefits package.
· Private health insurers play a role in supplementing coverage. Plans are regulated by the government.
· Primary care is delivered through public clinics and hospitals at the municipal level.
· Specialized and hospital care is provided at thedepartmental/regional level through public hospitals.
· Bogotá and other major cities have advanced private hospitals as well.
· The system aims to be universal but faces challenges of long wait times, lack of resources in rural areas, and an imbalance of primary vs specialized care.
· Reforms are ongoing to strengthen primary care, public health network integration, and reduce inequities in accessing services.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Insurance - In addition to joining the public SGSSS, purchase supplemental international private health insurance for better coverage of costs.
· Rural access - Quality and availability of services varies greatly between major cities and remote/rural areas. Plan accordingly.
· Prescription drugs - Medicine names/doses may differ from home country. Bring adequate supply or budget extra for costs.
· Vaccinations - Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Also consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, yellow fever, typhoid depending on locations visited long-term.
· Food/water safety - Take extra precautions in remote rural regions with limited access to treated utilities. Boil/filter water.
· Road safety - Driving risks are higher than developed countries. Exercise additional caution on roads, especially between cities.
· emergencies - Advanced facilities concentrated in major cities. Ensure proximity to high-quality urban hospitals if living/traveling remotely.
· translations - Spanish proficiency helps but bringing translation apps/dictionaries aids communication with medical providers.