Health Insurance for Foreigners in Colombia

#### **Health Policy or Medical Insurance for Colombia** Medical insurance is an indispensable requirement for many people wishing to travel to Colombia. This requirement is established by the Colombian government to ensure that travelers are protected against all risks in case of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation, for the expected duration of their stay in the country. #### **For what type of visas should it be processed?** #### For type V visas: Tourism, student, administrative and/or judicial procedures, students/volunteers of religious entities, volunteer or cooperant, film or audiovisual production, digital nomads, journalistic coverage, permanent correspondent, vacations and work, service provider – work or labor, rentista, ICETEX, film law. #### For visit type M: Promotion of internationalization, investor, independent professional. #### For visa type R: None.  #### **Which insurance agencies provide or sell health policies as visa requirements?** Some of the agencies in which it is possible to find insurance with the necessary characteristics to advance the visa process for Colombia are: #### Assist Card: This company offers all types of assistance plans depending on the type of trip ([ https://www.assistcard.com/ar/seguro-medico-viaje ](https://www.assistcard.com/ar/seguro-medico-viaje)) #### Axxa Assistance: It offers medical insurance with in-country coverage starting at 2 EUR per day ([ https://www.axa-assistance-segurodeviaje.es/seguro-de-viaje/colombia ](https://www.axa-assistance-segurodeviaje.es/seguro-de-viaje/colombia)) #### World Nomads: It is an insurance agency designed by travelers to cover what is essential to each person’s trip. ([ https://www.worldnomads.com/row/travel-insurance/whats-covered/travel-health ](https://www.worldnomads.com/row/travel-insurance/whats-covered/travel-health)) #### Continental Assist: It is a travel insurance company with multiple plan options such as short or long stay, students, frequent travelers, etc. ([ https://continentalassist.com/ ](https://continentalassist.com/)) #### 5\. Credit Cards: Some international credit cards often include medical coverage, including Visa, MasterCard and American Express.  #### Conclusion Medical insurance is a requirement that does not apply to all types of visas, so it is important that applicants carefully verify each of the required documents in relation to their intention to travel to Colombia to ensure that they comply with the particularities of each case. #### Get Advice Before Choosing Insurance In the event that medical insurance is required, it is essential to select a reliable agency that offers adequate coverage. There are numerous insurance agencies that offer travel health plans to meet Colombia visa requirements. #### Coverage Required However, it is necessary to evaluate the scope and nature of the coverage offered by the insurance to ensure that it covers all the risks stipulated by the Colombian government. It should be noted that, although medical insurance is required to comply with one of the visa requirements, its acquisition can provide security in case of emergencies and unforeseen events during the stay in Colombia, as it helps to protect the traveler’s health and well-being.  ### **Cybergraphy** <https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/sites/default/files/Normograma/docs/resolucion%5Fminrelaciones%5F5477%5F2022.htm> ###### If you require more information, [please](https://serviciolegal.com.co/contact/?lang=en) contact us and visit our [website](https://serviciolegal.com.co/visas-colombia/?lang=en) at

## Insurance and policies in Colombia In the dynamic world of insurance in Colombia, the variety of options available to protect yourself, your family and your assets has grown considerably. In 2024, insurance and policies have evolved to offer a wide range of coverages that adapt to the changing needs of consumers. This article explores the main insurances and policies offered in Colombia, with a focus on those that are most relevant for people between 30 and 65 years of age.  ### Health Insurance #### What is Health Insurance? Health insurance is a contract between the insured and an insurance company that covers medical, hospital and drug expenses. This type of insurance is essential to protect against the unexpected costs of illness and accidents. #### Benefits and Coverage Health insurance in Colombia generally provides coverage for medical consultations, hospitalization, surgeries, medications and specialized treatments. Some policies also include additional benefits such as dental care and wellness services. #### Costs and Suppliers The cost of health insurance varies depending on the coverage and the insurer. Companies such as Sura, Colsanitas and Coomeva are some of the main suppliers in the country. Prices can range from COP 100,000 per month to several million, depending on the plan chosen. ### Life Insurance #### What is Life Insurance? Life insurance is a contract that guarantees a payment to the insured’s beneficiaries in the event of his or her death. This insurance provides financial peace of mind to families and is essential for estate planning. #### Types of Life Insurance * **Term Life Insurance**: Provides coverage for a specific period of time. * **Permanent Life Insurance**: Provides lifetime coverage and may include a savings component. #### Benefits and Coverage The coverage includes a sum insured that is paid to the beneficiaries. Some life insurance policies may also include additional benefits such as advances for critical illness and waivers of premiums in the event of disability. #### Costs and Suppliers The cost of life insurance depends on factors such as age, health status and amount of coverage. Insurers such as Allianz, MetLife and Mapfre offer various options in the Colombian market. ### Travel Insurance #### What is Travel Insurance? Travel insurance provides coverage during travel, both domestic and international. Covers aspects such as trip cancellation, lost luggage and medical expenses abroad. #### Benefits and Coverage This insurance can cover medical emergencies, repatriation, legal assistance, and baggage problems. It is especially useful for frequent travelers and those traveling for work or pleasure. #### Costs and Suppliers The cost varies according to the duration of the trip and the destination. Insurers such as Assist Card, AXA and World Nomads are known for offering comprehensive travel insurance. Prices can range from COP 50,000 to COP 500,000 per trip, depending on the coverage. ### Third Party Insurance #### What is Third Party Insurance? Third party insurance is mandatory for vehicle owners in Colombia and covers damages to third parties in case of an accident. It does not cover damage to the insured’s own vehicle. #### Benefits and Coverage Covers third party property damage, bodily injury and, in some cases, legal expenses. It is essential to protect against financial liabilities arising from traffic accidents. #### Costs and Suppliers The cost of third party insurance depends on the type of vehicle and its use. Companies such as Liberty Seguros, HDI Seguros and Seguros Bolivar are some of the options in the market. Prices tend to be more affordable, with annual premiums varying according to vehicle and driver history.  ### Lease Insurance #### What is Lease Insurance? Lease insurance protects owners of rented property against non-payment of rent and possible damage to the property. It is a crucial tool for homeowners and commercial property owners. #### Benefits and Coverage Covers the payment of rents in case of default by the lessee, as well as damages to the leased property. Some policies also include legal assistance for the eviction process. #### Costs and Suppliers The cost varies according to the rental value and the location of the property. Insurers such as Seguros Mundial, Sura and El Libertador offer these policies. Prices can be between 1% and 5% of the monthly lease value. ## Conclusion Insurance and policies in Colombia have evolved to adapt to the specific needs of consumers, especially those in the 30 to 65 age range. From health and life insurance to travel and lease insurance, there is a wide range of options available to protect against various risks. It is important to compare the different options and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. ### Cybergraphy * [Migration Colombia](https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co) * [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia](https://www.cancilleria.gov.co) * [Sura Insurance](https://www.segurossura.com.co) * [Colsanitas](https://www.colsanitas.com) * [Coomeva](https://www.coomeva.com.co) * [Allianz](https://www.allianz.co) * [MetLife](https://www.metlife.com.co) * [Mapfre](https://www.mapfre.com.co) * [Assist Card](https://www.assistcard.com) * [AXA Insurance](https://www.axa.com.co) * [World Nomads](https://www.worldnomads.com) * [HDI Insurance](https://www.hdi.com.co) * [Bolivar Insurance](https://www.segurosbolivar.com) * [World Insurance](https://www.segurosmundial.com.co) * [El Libertador](https://www.ellibertador.co/)

### Liability and Damage Civil liability is the obligation to repair a damage that a subject causes to another with or without intent to cause it. The objective of the repair is to leave the damaged subject in the same situation as before the damage occurred or in a situation as similar as possible. [Civil liability](https://serviciolegal.com.co/civil-liability-in-colombia/?lang=en) may be contractual (there is a contract between the parties) or non-contractual (there is no contract between the parties). ### Insurance Law There are civil liability insurance policies through which the insured transfers the economic risk of making reparation to a third party for damage caused to it. Liability insurance arose with the purpose of providing a guarantee both to the insured and to the victim who suffers the damage, covering material and personal damages. From the perspective of the insured, there is the guarantee that he will not be liable with his assets in the event of damage caused to a third party, while from the perspective of the victim who suffered the damage, there is the guarantee that he will be repaired independently of the assets of the party causing the damage. In Colombia, it is mandatory for certain professions or occupations to have civil liability insurance: * Builders, engineers and related professionals. * Financial sector professionals. * Physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. * Entities dedicated to the realization of shows. * Administrators of sports facilities. * Travel agencies. * Conveyor companies. * Entities or self-employed persons engaged in the hotel or restaurant business. The damages covered by these insurances may vary depending on the policy contracted and the conditions negotiated, but, in general, these insurances cover the following damages: * Property damage: refers to assets such as buildings, vehicles, among others. * Personal injury: refers to the damage suffered by the subject to his body and the damages arising therefrom, such as the cost of medical treatment. * Economic damages: refers to damages such as business interruption or loss of income. * Environmental damage: refers to damage caused to the environment, such as water pollution, where the insurance may cover clean-up and other related expenses. Liability insurance is not covered, for any reason whatsoever, under the following circumstances: * Damage caused to third parties intentionally. * Criminal or delinquent acts. * Damage to own property caused intentionally by the owner himself. * Damage to third parties not related to the insured activity. * Damages to third parties caused by non-compliance with the law. In no case shall the insurers have coverage when any of the above situations arise. The most widely used [liability](https://serviciolegal.com.co/civil-liability-in-colombia/?lang=en) insurances are those for motor vehicle driving and construction. In addition, the liability insurances against which most claims are filed are those for driving motor vehicles, construction and health professions. **REFERENCES:** * _Extracontractual Civil Liability Insurance._ (n, f.). National Agency of Public Contracting – National Planning Department. <https://www.colombiacompra.gov.co/ciudadanos/preguntas-frecuentes/seguro-de-responsabilidad-civil-extracontractual> * Viafina, S. (2023, January 12). _What are the activities with Compulsory Civil Liability Insurance at the state level._ Seguros Viafina. [https://www.segurosviafina.com/blog/actividades-con-seguro-de-responsabilidad-civil-obligatorio-en-ambito-estatal#:\~:text=La%20ley%20especifica%20especifica%20contratar%20el,Profesionales%20del%20sector%20financiero](https://www.segurosviafina.com/blog/actividades-con-seguro-de-responsabilidad-civil-obligatorio-en-ambito-estatal#:~:text=La%20ley%20especifica%20contratar%20el,Profesionales%20del%20sector%20financiero). * Alfaro, J. (2018, September 25). _Liability insurance._ Law Warehouse. <https://almacendederecho.org/el-seguro-de-la-responsabilidad-civil#:~:text=En%20sentido%20contrario%2C%20sin%20embargo,producidos%20dolosamente%20por%20el%20asegurado>

### Social Security in Health Care for Foreigners in Colombia #### General Social Security Health System ##### Regimes: The General Social Security Health System in Colombia was created in 1993 by Law 100\. It is comprised of two regimes: the contributory regime, which covers salaried workers, pensioners and self-employed workers with income equal to or greater than 1 SMMLV, and the subsidized regime, which covers all persons without the capacity to pay. There is also a special regime for workers of the Armed Forces, the National Police, ECOPETROL, teachers and public universities. #### #### EPS in Colombia Affiliation to this system is mandatory and is done through the Health Promoting Entities, known as EPS, which may be public or private. EPSs contract with IPSs (institutions providing services), which are the providers of care and may or may not be integrated with the EPSs. The system contemplates freedom of choice as one of the guiding principles of the health system, as a characteristic of the system and as a foundation of public service. #### Right to choose the EPS Thus, members have the power to choose between different EPSs to manage the provision of health services. This right has also been reinforced through constitutional rulings such as T-760 of 2008\. However, once a person is affiliated to a certain EPS there is a minimum period of permanence of 1 year, after which it is possible to choose another entity to change. #### List of EPS in Colombia The Ministry of Labor presents a list of all the EPSs located in each of the country’s departments on its website: <https://www.mintrabajo.gov.co/lista-de-eps>  #### Affiliation of Foreigners to the EPS in Colombia Now then, the affiliation for foreigners with type M visa is made with the registration to a health promoting entity (EPS) and the presentation of the foreigner’s identification card or in the case of children under 7 years of age, the presentation of the passport. #### #### Contributive Regime If you have a visa or work permit and you are an employee or self-employed worker with the ability to pay, you must apply to the contributory regime. #### Subsidized Regime In order to join the subsidized regime, the SISBEN socioeconomic classification survey must be carried out and classified in levels I and II. <https://www.sisben.gov.co/Paginas/landing.aspx> Subsequently, the EPS must be chosen and registered by filling out the single form of Affiliation and New Developments to the General System of Social Security in Health. On the other hand, it is important to take into account that in order to affiliate the family nucleus, the respective identification documents and those that prove the relationship must be presented. Once the affiliation has been made, the benefit plan, which is the set of health care services to which all members of the system are entitled, begins to be enjoyed. This benefit plan seeks the integral protection of families, maternity and general illness, in the phases of health promotion and development, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for all pathologies. Now, to know in detail all the benefits of the POS it is possible to consult the following guide created by the Ministry of Health: <https://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/VP/RBC/todo-lo-que-usted-debe-saber-sobre-el-plan-de-beneficios.pdf> In conclusion, the [affiliation to the EPS as a Foreigner](https://serviciolegal.com.co/social-security-for-foreigners-in-colombia/?lang=en) with Visa Type M is mandatory. It is a procedure that is carried out in a simple way since it only requires the foreigner’s identification card. Once you are affiliated, you have different benefits such as quality medical care, financial protection in terms of reduced costs to access the health system, access to preventive programs and legal protection in case of medical malpractice. #### #### Cybergraphy [ https://www.scielosp.org/pdf/spm/2011.v53suppl2/s144-s155/es#:\~:text=El%20sistema%20de%20salud%20colombiano%20,el%20r%C3%A9gimen%20subsidiado%20(RS) ](https://www.scielosp.org/pdf/spm/2011.v53suppl2/s144-s155/es#:~:text=El%20sistema%20de%20salud%20colombiano,el%20r%C3%A9gimen%20subsidiado%20%28RS%29). <https://www.minsalud.gov.co/sites/rid/Lists/BibliotecaDigital/RIDE/DE/DIJ/diagnostico-libre-escogencia-eps-SGSSS.pdf> <https://www.mintrabajo.gov.co/lista-de-eps> <https://www.sisben.gov.co/Paginas/landing.aspx>