02/22/2026
A little info about medical care in Colombia
Photos:
The hospital in Jardín, Antioquia, is the ESE Hospital Gabriel Pelaez Montoya
Specialty/Services: The hospital is a first-level care provider that offers a variety of healthcare services, including General Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Emergency care, Laboratory, and Specialized consultations. It focuses on health promotion and prevention.
Colombia boasts a top-tier, affordable, and mixed (public/private) healthcare system ranked 22nd globally by the WHO. It provides near-universal coverage through EPS, for citizens and residents, with costs significantly lower than in the USA.
Everyone in Colombia is entitled to healthcare, as the 1991 Constitution established access to health services as a fundamental right. However, it is not entirely "free" for everyone.
Here is how the system breaks down:
1. The Mandatory Public System (EPS)
Most residents and citizens are covered by the Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS), which is the public health insurance system.
Cost: If you are employed, you pay a percentage of your salary (4%), with your employer covering the rest (8.5%), for a total of 12.5%.
Independent/Retired: If you are self-employed or retired, you contribute 12.5% of your declared income.
Co-pays: While monthly payments are mandatory, they cover most services, but you will pay small co-pays for consultations, tests, and medications.
2. The Subsidized System (SISBEN)
For low-income residents who cannot pay the monthly EPS contribution, the government provides the SISBEN system.
Cost: This is free to the user, funded by the government.
Eligibility: Individuals must take a survey to determine their socio-economic level to qualify.
3. Private Health Insurance (Prepagada)
Many people, including expats, choose to pay extra for Medicina Prepagada (private insurance) on top of their mandatory EPS plan.
Benefits: Faster access to specialists, private hospital rooms, and a wider choice of doctors.
Cost: Varies depending on age and plan, generally costing between $50–$400 USD per month.
Summary
Residents Only: To access the public system, you must be a legal resident or citizen with a cédula (local ID).
Family Coverage: One EPS contribution often covers the entire family.
Emergency Care: Emergency care is generally provided at no cost at the point of use, even if you are not currently paying into the system.
Quality: The system is highly regarded and often ranks better than systems in wealthier countries, but it can have long wait times for specialists.
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