Navigating Healthcare In Colombia: What Expats Need To Know

Colombia has become a well-regarded country for multiple expats looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, a low cost of living and welcoming people. Many travellers find Colombians hospitable and friendly, often wanting to return or settle in Colombia. 

However, Colombia’s appeal goes beyond salsa, the iconic bandeja paisa, its world-class coffee beans, and its weather; it excels in healthcare, too. With over 2,500 hospitals around the country – five of them belonging to the top 10 best hospitals in Latin America – the country’s healthcare system is excellent. 

This article will teach you everything you need to know about Colombia’s healthcare system, including a breakdown of costs and even the country's best hospitals.

The Colombian healthcare system is recognized as one of the most advanced in Latin America, distinguished by having several hospitals accredited by renowned entities, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI)

COLOMBIA’S UNDENIABLE APPEAL FOR EXPATS 

Contrary to popular belief, Colombia can be a very safe country if you are mindful of where you go. Remember that exercising common sense goes a long way not only here but everywhere you travel. If Colombia were that bad of a place, expats would simply choose other countries; luckily, many have fallen in love with its culture, people and lifestyle. 

Living in Colombia as an expat is a world of possibilities. You can choose between the beaches of Cartagena de Indias, the eternal spring of Medellin, or the famous “coffee triangle” in Armenia. Moreover, Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on earth, offering numerous options that cater to every lifestyle preference.

I always encourage my readers and clients to choose a place where they will feel comfortable – somewhere they can feel at home. However, living isolated in the mountains might not be the best choice in an emergency; you will want the best medical care you can afford. Colombia’s healthcare is surprisingly good, though, offering a solid network of medical facilities so you can live on your terms without compromising on something as essential as your health. 

THE BASICS OF COLOMBIA’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Colombia's healthcare system has improved over the years; although the public sector is still precarious, it tries to provide coverage to Colombians and resident expats. The system presents a hybrid model with the public and private sectors, offering comprehensive services to all residents.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS

The public sector operates under the Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS), established by Ley 100 de 1993, which reformed the Colombian healthcare system aiming for "national coverage"—though we know this to be an idealized goal. The SGSSS delivers health services through a hybrid network of public and private health care, funded by Colombian taxes and individual contributions based on income.

As an expat, you can access this healthcare network through your resident status and contributions to the system. Still, public sector services tend to be slower, so you can expect long wait times and varying quality, especially outside major urban centers. On the other hand, the private sector is often expats’ choice because it offers faster access to specialists, shorter wait times for procedures and higher-quality services, including better equipment and facilities. 

Colombia’s healthcare is arguably one of the best in Latin America, with many hospitals accredited by organizations like Joint Commission International (JCI). You may opt for private health insurance or even out-of-pocket services, which typically cost less than similar services in countries like the US. This affordability, paired with high quality, has made Colombia a cherished medical tourism destination. 

The quality of healthcare in public facilities varies significantly between well-equipped urban centers and less specialized rural areas, impacting the overall health of the population

PUBLIC HEALTHCARE

Colombia’s public healthcare system is designed to provide a wide range of services to its residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status. However, the accessibility and quality of these services may vary depending on where you choose to live. Also, factors such as language barriers and long waiting times should be considered. 

URBAN VS. RURAL HEALTHCARE

In major cities like Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín, healthcare facilities and equipment tend to be of higher quality. The hospitals and clinics here are typically well-funded and provide different services, ranging from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. Also, the infrastructure is prepared to handle a higher number of patients. 

In contrast, rural areas do not boast such accessibility; many remote regions have fewer medical facilities, and although available, they are not as well-equipped as their urban counterparts. Underfunding and lack of specialized personnel are common issues rural areas face. If you reside in these areas, you may need to travel long distances to get the specific treatment or surgery you need.

QUALITY OF CARE

The quality of care in the public sector may vary widely. Urban areas usually host medical centers with specialized staff and advanced medical technology. However, even in cities, the quality can fluctuate based on the specific facility and its available resources. 

In rural areas, healthcare workers tend to be generalists, not providing the expertise required for more complex health issues. These circumstances often affect the overall health of the population residing in remote areas. 

LANGUAGE BARRIERS   

Even though I always recommend learning the local language before travelling, you may need someone who can communicate with you in English. Major hospitals probably have English-speaking staff, which is less likely in smaller clinics and almost nonexistent in rural areas. 

WAIT TIMES

One of the most common issues across both urban and rural public healthcare facilities in Colombia is the long waiting times for both appointments and treatments. Due to the high demand for low-cost medical services, patients might wait weeks or even months for non-emergency medical appointments and elective surgeries. Waiting times in emergency departments can also be lengthy, though life-threatening conditions are typically prioritized.

These delays are primarily due to high patient volume, limited healthcare personnel, and administrative inefficiencies. While the facilities are better in urban areas, the higher population density often leads to overcrowded hospitals.

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE

Compared to private healthcare costs in developed countries, Colombia’s price points are typically way more affordable. Expats prefer this option for its superior quality of care, shorter waiting times, availability of English-speaking staff, and top-notch facilities. 

QUALITY OF CARE 

As mentioned before, five out of the ten best hospitals in Latin America are in Colombia. The facilities are modern, and patients have access to the latest medical technology and treatment methods, ensuring high standards of quality and excellence. 

Customer satisfaction tends to be high, as private hospitals and clinics are reported to invest in the best available equipment and maintain a clean environment. Not only are doctors in these facilities highly qualified, but some of them have also trained abroad. 

ENGLISH-SPEAKING STAFF

Due to the prominence of the expat community in Colombia and health tourists, many private healthcare providers have English-speaking staff. This advantage is common in major cities, where expats often reside. Having English-speaking doctors minimizes misunderstandings and complications during medical treatments, providing expats with peace of mind. 

SHORTER WAIT TIMES

Unlike the public system, where delays are common and tiresome, private facilities offer much quicker access to medical services. Speed is undeniably important when it comes to health, as a few seconds could mean the difference between life and death. Therefore, most expats opt for this timely medical care, unwilling to wait for months on end to get the treatment they need. 

Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital is recognized for its commitment to continuously improving patient health outcomes, standing out for its excellence in medical services

COSTS OF HEALTHCARE IN COLOMBIA

Finally, we cannot wrap up this article without further digging into healthcare costs in Colombia. To illustrate Colombia’s affordability, let’s compare the cost of typical procedures in Colombia versus the US, which is often an expensive country healthcare-wise. 

For example, a knee replacement surgery in Colombia may cost around $8,000 USD, whereas the same procedure in the US could be $35,000 USD on the low end, around  $15,318 USD in Australia and around $17,532 USD in Canada. 

Other examples include:

(prices are all in USD with the price when this article is written, June 2024, and sources are cited)

*Although we use the most recent and reliable sources, this data should only be used as a basis for comparison, as it may be outdated.

TOP HOSPITALS IN COLOMBIA

While Colombia has other great hospitals, the top five, according to the 2021 Ranking of Clinics and Hospitals by América Economía, are:

FUNDACIÓN VALLE DEL LILI

Fundación Valle del Lili is one of the best medical facilities in Latin America. It boasts advanced technology, high-quality patient care, and several medical services. It offers specialties such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology, making it a top choice for expats seeking specialized treatment.  

FUNDACIÓN CARDIOINFANTIL

Located in Bogotá, Fundación Cardioinfantil is a leader in cardiovascular treatments (hence “cardioinfantil”) while offering other medical services. The hospital features cutting-edge tech, innovative medical practices and, most importantly, patient-centred care that makes it highly respected internationally. 

FUNDACIÓN CARDIOVASCULAR DE COLOMBIA

Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia is a popular option for its cardiovascular surgery and treatment programs. Located in Floridablanca, Bucaramanga, it offers high-quality medical care and comprehensive services that can help even the most complex cases. 

CENTRO MÉDICO IMBANACO - CALI

Centro Médico Imbanaco is one of the most prestigious healthcare facilities in Cali, known for its robust infrastructure and wide range of services. The hospital employs a large team of distinguished healthcare professionals who focus on various specialties, ensuring that all patients receive the most advanced medical treatment available in the region.

HOSPITAL PABLO TOBÓN URIBE

Situated in Medellín, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe stands out for its excellence in medical services and a strong focus on community welfare. This hospital is recognized for its commitment to improving patient health outcomes through continuous innovation and education. It provides comprehensive care that spans all major medical specialties.

Colombia has established itself as a major medical tourism destination, attracting patients with its affordable prices for treatments that would be ridiculously expensive in countries like the USA

CONCLUSION

Colombia offers more than good vacation time, excellent weather, and hospitable people; its healthcare system is surprisingly good despite the meagre costs compared to many “first-world” nations. 

Colombia has emerged as a medical tourism destination, offering low price points for treatments that would typically cost an arm and a leg in countries like the US. If you want to call Colombia your home, please make sure you do proper research and carefully choose your healthcare provider. The best option you can afford will certainly give you the tranquillity and care you need when abroad.