Gabby R. Says:
What’s the quality of healthcare like in Colombia?
IL Contributor in Colombia Michelle Thompson Writes:
The quality of care in Colombia is comparable to North American hospitals and clinics.
In 2023, the healthcare system in Colombia ranked one point higher than the US on the World Health Organization Healthcare Index, admittedly slipping from 22 to 35 out of 191 countries.
For context, Canada currently ranks 29th, and the US is 36th on the list.
According to the WHO, on average, Colombians live longer than Americans (79.3 vs 78.5 years). For context, life expectancy in Canada is higher at 82.2 years.
One thing that may surprise you is that Colombia offers universal health care. A foreigner with permanent residency status can enroll in the national government-subsidized EPS program and receive free socialized healthcare.
Travelers and visitors on extended stay visas will need to purchase a private international health insurance plan.
Those who don’t have EPS or private insurance will still find healthcare is relatively affordable, even when paying out of pocket.
Early on, I had to visit the emergency room but didn’t have health coverage yet. The visit cost me $35, including the exam and tests.
The quality and cost of care somewhat depend on whether you access care through the public or private system.
Private clinics and hospitals in Colombia tend to have shorter wait times, and their services are often more expensive.
Colombia is exceptionally cheap and efficient when it comes to vision and dental care-related costs.
The average eye exam will set you back around $7, while a new set of glasses might cost you $75 for a modest pair and $100 for a high-end brand. Contacts, which are a bit pricier in Colombia, are around $40 per box. Dental care is cheap enough to pay out of pocket. A standard cleaning is about $45, while a filling might cost you $60.
While most pharmacies carry generic medication brands, Colombian pharmacists are familiar with popular North American brands. You can confidently rely on their advice for comparable drugs.
Read more about healthcare in Colombia on the newly redesigned IL website.
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