Insurance in Colombia 2026 — SafetyWing, Genki, EPS, and Prepaid Medicine

Insurance in Colombia works differently than what most North Americans expect. There is no single "buy this plan" answer — the right combination depends on how long you are staying, whether you have a cedula, and your income situation. Most long-term expats end up with EPS plus prepaid medicine. New arrivals start with international insurance.

International Insurance (First 6-12 Months)

SafetyWing

SafetyWing is the most popular insurance among digital nomads and new expats in Colombia. It is affordable, simple, and works worldwide.

Cost: ~$45 USD/month (under 40), ~$73/month (40-49), ~$99/month (50-59), ~$131/month (60-69)
Coverage: Hospital stays, emergency room, urgent care, prescriptions, emergency dental, emergency medical evacuation
Deductible: $250 per period (every 90 days)
Not covered: Pre-existing conditions (first 12 months), routine dental, vision, maternity (first 10 months), wellness checkups
Network: Works at any hospital or clinic. Pay and submit claims for reimbursement.

Genki

Genki (World Explorer) is a German-based international health insurance option with broader coverage than SafetyWing but at a higher price point.

Cost: Starting at ~$65 USD/month, varies by age and plan level
Coverage: More comprehensive than SafetyWing — includes outpatient care, preventive care (on higher plans), and better dental coverage
Plans: Explorer (basic) and Traveller (comprehensive)
Best for: Expats who want more than basic emergency coverage but are not yet ready for local EPS enrollment

EPS Enrollment

Once you have a cedula and are earning income in Colombia (or plan to stay long-term), enrolling in EPS is both legally required and practically useful.

As an employee: Your employer handles enrollment and pays 8.5% of your salary to EPS. You pay 4%.
As an independent worker: Register at an EPS office with your cedula. Contribute 12.5% of your declared monthly income (minimum based on 1 SMLMV).
Choosing an EPS: Sura EPS, Nueva EPS, and Sanitas are well-regarded. Ask local expats which EPS has the best service in your city.
What it covers: Everything — general medicine, specialists, surgery, hospitalization, medications, labs, imaging. Quality varies but coverage is comprehensive.

Prepaid Medicine (Add-On)

Prepaid medicine (medicina prepagada) is a private insurance layer that sits on top of EPS. It gives you access to private hospitals, shorter wait times, and better facilities. See the Healthcare guide for detailed information on Sura and Colsanitas plans.

Insurance Strategy by Stage

Tourist/first 3 months: SafetyWing or Genki. No cedula needed. Pay monthly. Cancel anytime.
New resident (3-12 months): Keep SafetyWing while your visa/cedula processes. Enroll in EPS once you have your cedula. Consider adding prepaid medicine.
Established resident (1+ years): EPS + prepaid medicine (Sura or Colsanitas). Drop international insurance unless you need coverage for travel outside Colombia.
Retiree: EPS (mandatory if tax resident) + prepaid medicine. Premiums increase with age but remain far below US Medicare supplement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need health insurance in Colombia?

Yes. If you stay more than 183 days and earn income, you are legally required to enroll in the Colombian EPS system. Even without that legal requirement, having health coverage is essential. A major medical event without insurance can cost millions of pesos.

Can I use SafetyWing as my only insurance?

SafetyWing works well for your first 6-12 months as a digital nomad or new arrival. However, it does not satisfy the Colombian legal requirement for EPS enrollment. Long-term residents should transition to EPS plus prepaid medicine for comprehensive coverage.

What does SafetyWing not cover?

SafetyWing excludes pre-existing conditions in the first 12 months, dental (except emergencies), vision, routine checkups, and maternity in the first 10 months. It also has deductibles and coverage limits that may not be sufficient for major procedures.

Is it worth getting both EPS and prepaid medicine?

Yes, for most expats. EPS is the legal requirement and safety net for major events. Prepaid medicine adds fast specialist access, private hospitals, and minimal wait times for about $37-$150/month. The combination provides comprehensive coverage at a total cost far below US insurance.