🏥 Health Insurance Finder 2026

Find the right Colombia health insurance for your age, visa status, and how long you're staying. With real 2026 prices.

👤 Your Situation

Our Recommendation

📋 All Plan Options — Your Eligibility

🏦 Top Providers in Medellín

ProviderTypeMonthly Range (1 person)Notable For
SURA (Grupo Sura)EPS + Prepagada$40–280Medellín HQ; best network in Antioquia; English service available
ColsanitasPrepagada$190–320Premium hospitals; popular with expats; wide specialist network
AXA ColpatriaEPS + Prepagada$45–260Part of global AXA group; good expat reputation
Coomeva Medicina PrepagadaPrepagada$175–295Strong in Medellín; good emergency coverage
SafetyWingNomad Insurance$42–68Popular with nomads; monthly billing; no long commitment
World NomadsTravel Medical$55–85Adventure activities covered; widely accepted
Cigna GlobalInternational Expat$110–185Global coverage; English 24/7; good for frequent travelers
Allianz CareInternational Expat$120–200Global network; good for families; expat-specific plans
EPS SanitasEPS$35–100*Nationwide public coverage; cédula required

*EPS cost = 12.5% of declared monthly income (employer 8% + employee 4% for employed workers). Self-employed/retirees declare own income and pay full 12.5%.

🏨 Top Private Hospitals in Medellín

Medellín has 9 of Latin America's top-ranked hospitals. Medical costs are a fraction of US prices even without insurance.
HospitalSpecialtiesEnglish?Accepted Plans
Hospital Pablo Tobón UribeAll specialties, transplants, oncologySome staffAll EPS + most prepagada
Clínica El RosarioCardiology, surgery, emergencySome staffColsanitas, SURA, AXA
Clínica Las AméricasFull service, international patientsYesMajor prepagada + international
Clínica del CESAll specialties, university hospitalSome staffMost plans
Clínica MedellínCardiology, orthopedics, cosmeticLimitedSURA, Coomeva
⚠️ Out-of-pocket costs without insurance: GP visit ~$33–55 · Specialist ~$60–105 · ER visit ~$150–400 · Hospital stay ~$200–600/day. Medical evacuation to US: $200,000–$250,000 — this is the key reason to have at least basic coverage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I legally need health insurance to enter Colombia? +
Colombia does not require health insurance to enter the country as a tourist. However, it IS required for most visa types (Digital Nomad, Migrant, Resident). The coverage must include accidents, illness, hospitalization, disability, and repatriation. Minimum coverage of $70,000 USD is typical for visa applications.
Can I sign up for EPS without a cédula? +
No. EPS requires a valid Colombian visa and a cédula de extranjería (Colombian foreigner ID card). You get the cédula after registering your visa with Migración Colombia within 15 days of arrival. Tourists and short-stay visitors are not eligible for EPS.
What's the difference between EPS and Prepagada? +
EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud) is Colombia's public health insurance system — affordable, comprehensive, but with longer wait times and limited English support. Medicina Prepagada is private supplemental insurance that gives you access to premium hospitals, faster appointments, English-speaking staff, and a wider specialist network. Many long-term expats have both: EPS as a base layer and prepagada on top.
Is SafetyWing accepted at Medellín hospitals? +
SafetyWing typically works on a reimbursement model — you pay at the hospital and submit a claim. Some hospitals will work directly with them, but most private hospitals in Medellín prefer direct billing with Colombian insurers (EPS/prepagada) or require upfront payment from international visitors. SafetyWing is ideal for short stays; for longer stays, consider a plan with direct billing relationships in Colombia.
Are pre-existing conditions covered? +
EPS covers pre-existing conditions after a waiting period (typically 26 weeks for some conditions). Private prepagada plans in Colombia typically exclude pre-existing conditions or charge significantly higher premiums. International expat plans vary — some offer coverage with a waiting period, others exclude them. If you have serious ongoing conditions, EPS (once eligible) or an international plan with pre-existing coverage is usually your best option.
How do I get a Digital Nomad Visa health insurance requirement met? +
The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (V Nómadas Digitales) requires health insurance that covers: accidents, illness, hospitalization, disability, and repatriation for the full visa duration. Most international nomad insurance plans (SafetyWing, World Nomads, Cigna Global) meet these requirements. EPS does not qualify because you need a visa to get EPS — it's a catch-22. Income requirement: 3× Colombia minimum wage (~$1,400 USD/month in 2026). Visa cost: ~$220–280 USD total (application + issuance).

📊 Data sources: MedellinGuru.com Health Insurance Guide (Feb 2025 update), NomadicFire.com Colombian Health Insurance Guide, PacificPrime.com Colombia Health Insurance, Europortage Moving to Colombia Guide (2026). Prices in USD at ~COP 4,000/USD (Feb 2026). Actual costs vary by age, declared income, and negotiated plan. This calculator is for informational purposes — consult a licensed insurance broker for formal advice. Updated February 18, 2026.