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Colombia Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Colombia is located in northwestern South America and shares borders with Panama, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru. Colombia, with approximately 46 million people, has the second largest population in South America and over three quarters live in large urbanized areas. Drawing influence from its indigenous citizens, Spanish settlers and African and Caribbean peoples, the modern day culture of Colombia is a vibrant snapshot of the country’s history.

Colombia’s diverse terrain ensured that its main regions were isolated from each other for long periods and, as such, each developed a strong regional identity with clear differences between accent, dress, cuisine and music. Long associated with drug related crime and political instability, Colombia is now enjoying the benefits of a peace process which against all odds has endured between government forces and rebel groups. Colombia’s economy is also experiencing positive economic growth, partly fuelled by large numbers of multinational corporations looking to invest there, and increasing numbers of tourists visiting the country to experience its many natural attractions.

Colombia Healthcare and Insurance

Constitutional reform in the early 1990s led to the drafting of new legislation concerning the provision of state run health care. This health care reform had three main policy goals, namely to ensure that health care be accessible to all Colombian citizens under condition of universality, that national health insurance is compulsory, and that health providers must have administrative autonomy free from interference from the state. The reforms were successful in improving the health care of citizens and increasing state coverage to ensure the poor and more disadvantaged members of Colombian society had access to a good standard of health care. Expatriates and travelers to Colombia should be aware that state health care is restricted to Colombian residents only. Non-nationals who seek medical attention at either public or private medical facilities are required to pay in cash at the time of treatment. Consequently, purchasing an international Colombia health insurance policy is strongly advised for all expatriates and other non-nationals relocating to or visiting the country.

To ensure these health care reforms receive sufficient funding, all employers and employees are required to make automatic deductions from salary, with the employee contributing 4 percent and the employer contributing 8 percent respectively of the employee’s gross income. In effect, two separate structures within the system were created, one in which the workforce made contributions and another in which the unemployed and other low income citizens received subsidized health care. Finance generated from general taxes is distributed by the central government to individual municipalities which provides the funding for the subsidized health care system. Private health insurance companies can, within limits, compete with national health insurance providers to offer a pre-determined list of treatments and services. Aware of capacity issues within the public health system, increasing numbers of Colombian nationals now supplement their national insurance cover with private health insurance. As a result, private health facilities can now be found in most of the country’s large cities and towns.

Colombia Travel Insurance Concerns

Medical facilities in Colombia are generally of a good standard and expatriates or tourists can be confident that, in the event of an emergency, they will receive a high standard of care. Hospitals and clinics in the capital city Bogotá and in the country’s main urban areas compare favorably to international standards although large numbers of patients seeking treatment can cause long waiting times. Standards tend to decrease in rural areas and in some remote parts of the country facilities are simply unavailable. A number of Colombia’s main tourist attractions are situated in isolated areas and should emergency medical treatment be required, air evacuation would be necessary. It is therefore advisable for expatriates and travelers to include a provision for emergency medical evacuation within your Colombia health insurance policy.

Colombia’s location adjacent to the equator ensures warm and humid weather conditions year round. As such, a number of diseases associated with the tropics are prevalent in parts of the country. Seeking medical advice four weeks prior to your arrival in Colombia is advised. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Malaria and Rabies are all recommended. Malaria is prevalent in all low lying areas of Colombia with the exception of Bogotá and Cartagena. Taking anti malarial prescription drugs, wearing long sleeved clothing at night and using insect repellant will reduce the risk of insect bites. Diarrhea is the most common ailment among travelers and expatriates in Colombia. Standard over the counter medicines can be purchased at pharmacies which will effectively treat stomach illnesses.

Despite concerted efforts by the Colombian authorities, crime levels remain alarmingly high in some parts of the country. Murder rates have increased significantly in recent months, particularly in the cities of Medellin and Cali. A number of Embassies advise their citizens against travel to the rural borders areas close to Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador as incidents of kidnapping remain a serious problem. Signs warning trekkers and hikers against landmines and other unexploded ordnance should be adhered to and tourists are advised to stay on recognized routes while in rural areas. As an expatriate or short term visitor to Colombia, you are advised to remain vigilant at all times and to ensure you are in possession of full and comprehensive Colombia travel health insurance prior to your arrival in the country.

Colombia Expat Health Insurance

Expatriates and visitors to Colombia who seek medical treatment at any of the countries facilities are required to pay cash to ensure access to treatment. Medical standards can vary and specialist treatment may not always be available, particularly in rural areas of Colombia. Expat health insurance can ensure you and your family have sufficient protection against all possible medical situations, including coverage of medical evacuations and high benefits levels. Regardless of whether you are relocating to or visiting Colombia, Global Health International can assist you, free of charge, through the various policies that offer you and your family adequate protection. For more information on Colombia expat health insurance or international health insurance plans please contact a Global Health International advisor today.