Securing health insurance coverage is essential for a successful application and visa approval when applying for a Colombian visa. Choosing 2 years of health policy coverage that meets the regulatory criteria set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures you have the best coverage during your stay in Colombia, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time without hassle.
Opting for shorter policies increases the risk of your visa’s validity being limited, potentially requiring multiple renewals and complicating your immigration process. In this blog, we will confidently outline the benefits of a 2-year health insurance policy, detail the necessary coverages and conditions that align with visa requirements, and guide you on securing this vital coverage effectively.
What is Travel Health Insurance Coverage for Colombian Visa Applications?
A travel health insurance policy for a Colombian visa application is an essential requirement set by the Colombian government for foreign nationals applying for various visa types, including the Digital Nomad Visa, Student Visa, Retirement Visa, Investor Visa, Annuity/Rentist Visa, Medical Treatment Visa, Tourist Visa, and others within the Migrant, Visitor, and Courtesy categories.
This coverage guarantees that foreign visitors to Colombia have reliable access to medical services throughout their stay. The Colombian government mandates international travel health insurance to ensure that foreign nationals are adequately protected, especially in cases where the public health system may not provide full coverage, following stipulations outlined in Resolution 5477 of 2022.
Travel insurance with health coverage: Private insurance policy with nationwide coverage against all risks in case of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation.
Navigating the Colombian visa process can be complex, but that’s why Medellin Guru recommends our expert partner, expatgroup.co, for receiving expert assistance in migratory, legal, and insurance needs and ensuring applicants meet all requirements, including the essential travel health insurance mandated by the Colombian government. For a smooth and successful visa application experience, you should contact expatgroup.co for comprehensive support. Reach out today to start your journey!
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What Makes Colombia's Healthcare Attractive to Expats for Purchasing the 2-year Visa Health Policy?
The Colombian healthcare system is renowned as one of the premier medical providers for expatriates, consistently ranking among the best in Latin America. This exceptional reputation ensures that travel health insurance coverage is backed by partnerships with the country’s finest hospitals, delivering top-notch care and support. When it comes to securing the ideal health insurance policy, you can confidently choose options that even include two years of comprehensive coverage, resting assured during your stay in Colombia, you’ll have access to outstanding medical services tailored to your needs.
The Best Healthcare System in Latin America.
The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia’s healthcare system at an impressive #22 out of 191 countries, making it the top system in Latin America. This achievement highlights Colombia’s exceptional healthcare standards, surpassing many wealthier nations, including the United States (#37), Germany (#25), Canada (#30), and Australia (#32).
Affordable Cost of Healthcare
Colombia offers access to world-class healthcare at significantly lower costs than the U.S. and Europe. Healthcare expenses in Colombia can be from 50% to over 70% cheaper than those in the United States. Medical insurance in Colombia is also relatively affordable compared to its counterparts in the U.S. and Europe.
Due to these lower costs, Colombia is witnessing a steady increase in medical tourism each year, with foreigners traveling for various services, including dental care, eye surgery, cosmetic surgery, and other procedures. Many hospitals in Colombia accommodate this influx of medical tourists by employing bilingual staff and becoming ready to provide excellent healthcare services.
Best Hospitals in Latin America
Many believe that the Colombian healthcare system lacks efficiency. However, Colombia stands out as one of the countries with the best medical centers in Latin America. The country has 11 hospitals and clinics on the ranking, of which 2 are in the top 10, according to the 2023 ranking by América Economía. The ranking is based on the quality index of these entities, considering key dimensions such as patient safety, human talent, research, capacity, management, efficiency, dignity, experience, technology, telemedicine, and prestige.
Among the top five in Latin America related to Colombia are: Fundación Cardioinfantil - La Cardio (position 3), Clínica Imbanaco (position 5), Clínica Somer (position11), Hospital Universitario de San Vicente Fundación (position 14) and Clínica Las Américas Auna (position 17).
Colombia has 18 of the best hospitals in Latin Anerica
Colombia has 18 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America
Colombia has the best healthcare system in Latin America with 18 top hospitals, 6 of which are located in Medellín.
Read MoreSimilarly, within the framework of the 4th Health Tech Summit Chile held in December 2024, an event that brought together experts and leaders from the healthcare sector to discuss the latest advancements in medical technology and its impact on improving care in hospitals and clinics across Latin America, the results of the second edition of the Latam Business Conference (LBC) ranking were presented.
The Latam Best Hospitals Ranking 2024, created by LBC, evaluates regional healthcare quality by analyzing seven key dimensions, including patient safety and hospital capacity. Its second edition assessed 36 public and private hospitals from eight countries—Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Argentina.
In this ranking, Colombia has held historic positions, establishing itself as the country with the highest number of institutions in the ranking, with a total of 11 recognized hospitals, reflecting the commitment of these institutions to provide high-quality health services and reaffirming Colombia’s leadership in the region in safety, innovation, and patient experience.
Also, the prestigious magazines Newsweek and Statista have presented Latin America’s Top Private Hospitals 2025 for the first time. This list highlights hospitals that provide exceptional care in various procedures, including knee surgeries and replacements, hip surgeries and replacements, shoulder surgeries, refractive eye surgeries, and cataract surgeries. The selection process for this ranking involved rigorous criteria, which included recommendations from medical professionals specializing in orthopedics and/or ophthalmology.
Colombian hospitals are making waves in the healthcare landscape, with an impressive 28 institutions celebrated as outstanding medical centers among the top 100 in Latin America. This recognition underscores Colombia's significant strides in delivering exceptional healthcare services.
Healthcare Future Outlook
The outlook is promising for medical services offered in Colombia, derived precisely from the continuous effort to improve the customer experience and provide the most appropriate, first-class, and best-oriented services possible, in addition to the latest recognitions of the medical entities that stand out in the country and Latin America.
This is why, as the Colombian Health System has evolved through its medical centers, it is undeniable that it will continue to grow, drive itself forward, renew itself, and become increasingly prominent in the region. For example, in the case of the Valle del Lili Foundation, which has been recognized as the best hospital in Colombia in the prestigious “World’s Best Hospitals 2025” ranking by the American magazine Newsweek, the commitment from its directors only foresees greater and better news for everyone.
“This recognition is possible thanks to the work and dedication of our team of health professionals and Citizens Lili, who strive daily to provide high-quality service to our patients in Colombia and around the world.”
This overview represents a hopeful step toward a more equitable and effective healthcare system in Colombia, along with improved quality and patient experience for medical treatments and the backup for 2 years of travel health insurance for expats in Colombia.
What is the 2 Years of Health Policy Coverage for a Colombian Visa?
A 2 years health policy coverage for a Colombian visa is an option for applicants who wish to extend their insurance beyond the typical one-year period. According to Resolution 5477 of 2022, the validity of the health policy must align with the expected duration of stay in Colombia. This means that if you plan to stay for up to two years, your health insurance policy must provide coverage for the entire stay.
While securing a two-year policy can increase the chances of visa approval, it’s important to remember that the final decision regarding the visa lies with the Colombian immigration authority, which has discretion over the approval process.
How to Purchase a Travel Health Insurance Policy Valid for 2 Years or More?
Navigating the visa application process can be challenging, especially regarding insurance requirements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifies that the insurance coverage must align with the maximum authorized stay for each visa type. Unfortunately, most insurance companies typically offer policies limited to just one year, posing a significant drawback for applicants and potentially hindering their visa validity.
However, thanks to our expert partner expatgroup.co, we can bring you two options to achieve an extended health insurance policy valid for 2 years and even a third option to get a 3-year health insurance coverage. Our partner has forged strategic partnerships with top international insurance providers, such as Assist Card and Continental Assist, enabling us to help you achieve policies that provide coverage for up to two years. These alliances are especially beneficial for those applying for visas that mandate maximum coverage periods, making the process smoother for expats worldwide who will relocate to Colombia.
First Option - 1 Year With Assist Card and 1 Year With Continental Assist
For all expats who are in the process of obtaining a Colombian visa, if you’re looking to secure a health insurance policy that not only meets the one-year requirement for obtaining a 2-years health insurance policy, boosting your chances of getting a two-year visa, we’ve got the perfect solution for you. The first option we invite you to consider is teaming up with Assist Card for your first year and then switching to Continental Assist for your second year. This dynamic duo can enhance your coverage and ease your worries.
It is possible to have two insurers at the same time, which is entirely valid. For example, you could have Assist Card coverage from 2025 to 2026 and Continental coverage from 2026 to 2027. This is because the second year of coverage starts automatically after purchasing the insurance, and you can choose the start date of that second year by following the following steps:
Book a free appointment for Insurance Coverage
Explore the insurance plans provided by Assist Card and Continental Assist with the specialized advice from our reliable insurance expert, expatgroup.co, to find the right one for your visa application needs.
Second Option - 2 Years of Health Policy Coverage with Continental Assist
Continental Assist offers a unique advantage with its health insurance coverage for Colombian Visas, particularly those planning an extended stay in the country. This is due to their policy allowing for coverage of up to two years, which is especially appealing to digital nomads and expats who intend to stay in Colombia for a longer duration.
The process of obtaining this two-year insurance coverage is designed to be straightforward and hassle-free, considering the following indications:
Continental Assist confidently offers an extended coverage period and a streamlined application process, specifically designed to meet the needs of long-term residents in Colombia. This initiative significantly enhances the chances of obtaining visa approval for an extended duration based on the insurance coverage selected. With this robust health insurance solution, residents can enjoy the reassurance of knowing they are well-protected throughout their stay.
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Travel Health Insurance Offer!
Get the best Continental Assist Plan for 2 years of health insurance coverage for your visa application and enjoy a special price. Buy now!.
GET UP THE OFFER NOW!Third Option: 3-Year Health Policy Coverage with Assist Card and Continental Assist
For visas with extended validity periods, particularly those for retirees, investors, and freelancers, which can be granted for up to three years, there are specialized insurance options available. By securing two years of coverage with Continental Assist and one year with Assist Card, you can obtain comprehensive health insurance for 3 years that not only meets the requirements but also significantly enhances your chances of visa approval for the maximum duration.
To ensure a smooth application process, applicants must familiarize themselves and adhere to Assist Card and Continental Assist’s guidelines and requirements. This includes providing necessary documentation, completing application forms accurately, and meeting all eligibility criteria. For a comprehensive understanding of Assist Card and Continental Assist’s plans, coverage, benefits, and pre-existing conditions, which are crucial factors in visa approval, applicants should seek guidance from experts and professionals in the area, such as expatgroup.co.
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Travel Health Insurance Offer!
Get the best Assist Card Plan for your health insurance needs in your visa application and enjoy a special price. Buy now!.
GET UP THE OFFER NOW!What Must Insurance Bring for 2 Years of Health Coverage for a Colombian Visa?
Assist Card and Continental Assist offers the top travel health insurance coverage for expats in Colombia. However, evaluating and categorizing the key aspects you need to cover during your stay is crucial. By comparing the offerings of both insurers in the following 9 categories you can ensure a safer and more comprehensive experience while you’re in the country:
Pre-existing Conditions
We start this comparative analysis with this vital item because Colombia is adopting stricter visa requirements for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, following the example of countries like the United States. While Colombian law does not explicitly state health-related grounds for ineligibility, authorities classify certain cases as high-risk due to potential medical emergencies. Therefore, applicants must provide thorough and accurate medical documentation to support their applications effectively.
Both Assist Card and Continental Assist offer very good health coverage for pre-existing conditions that applicants for a Colombian visa may have. Assist Card presents coverage from 8,000 USD to 20,000 USD in cases of pre-existing conditions, and it has plans that are completely designed considering high and low pre-existing conditions. Continental Assist stands out by providing excellent coverage for pre-existing conditions, a feature many other insurers overlook. They offer tailored coverage specifically designed for these health conditions, which is a significant advantage for expats in Colombia. With up to $10,000 available for pre-existing conditions, Continental Assist proves to be a reliable choice for those in need.
With both insurers, you’re guaranteed comprehensive coverage for your pre-existing conditions, providing peace of mind and significantly increasing your chances of obtaining a Colombian visa. You’ll receive the most suitable coverage for your health needs through excellent plans offered by our partner, expatgroup.co. With their guidance and assistance, you can confidently secure the proper insurance, ensuring you’re well-prepared and informed every step of the way.
Though Assist Card offers a bigger coverage to your pre-existing conditions and clearly wins this category, we can't avoid mentioning that depending on your pre-existing conditions, Continental Assist can also work for you.
Pre-Existing Conditions Winner: Assist Card
Medical Expenses:
The insurance must cover medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, diagnostic tests, and emergency medical care, providing peace of mind and no hassle during your stay in the country.
Assist Card’s most economical plan, AC 35, confidently provides coverage of 35,000 USD for the entire year. In comparison, Continental Assist’s Global plan offers impressive coverage of 20,000 USD for the same duration. Regardless of the choice of plan—from the most economical to the premium options—both insurers deliver exceptional coverage at highly affordable prices throughout the entire coverage period, and that’s why we consider this item as a draw because when choosing the plan according to your case, you’ll see both insurers have great coverage for your medical expenses which are provided with bigger clarity for our reliable partner, expatgroup.co advisers.
Medical Expenses Winner: Both Insurers
Death Coverage:
Death coverage is essential not only for the applicant’s peace of mind but also for the safety of their family and loved ones. In case of unfortunate events, this coverage can alleviate financial burdens and facilitate the necessary arrangements without added stress. Moreover, it demonstrates to Colombian authorities that the applicant is responsible and prepared for any eventualities during their stay in the country.
In Colombia, health and safety regulations mandate that foreign applicants provide proof of adequate insurance, including coverage for death. This is particularly important because the EPS (Health Promotion Entities) does not offer such coverage, which can lead to visa denials or rejections when many expats attempt to affiliate with it. Therefore, obtaining death coverage is not just a formality but a crucial step in meeting visa requirements and ensuring a smooth experience in Colombia.
Both insurers provide this essential component of health insurance requirements, and it’s included in every insurance plan. This makes them the perfect choice to strengthen your visa application with the right plan tailored to your needs.
Death Coverage Winner: Both Insurers
Repatriation:
Repatriation is a vital requirement for obtaining a Colombian visa, as it guarantees that individuals are protected in unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or accidents. This insurance coverage ensures the individual’s safe return to their home country and alleviates financial burdens on the host nation’s healthcare and social services. By mandating repatriation insurance, Colombia demonstrates its strong commitment to the safety and well-being of foreign visitors and as a mandatory requirement for having proper health insurance coverage.
Assist Card confidently includes this essential item in every plan they offer for your stay in the country, and Continental Assist follows suit. This ensures you have peace of mind and a hassle-free experience, no matter what unforeseen circumstances arise.
Repatriation Winner: Both Insurers
Duration of Coverage:
The insurance coverage duration should typically match the duration of your visa or intended stay in Colombia and it is essential to ensure that your policy remains valid throughout your time in the country, because the Colombian immigration authorities want to ensure that you’re protected for every single day you’re in the country.
When securing your Colombian visa, having the right health insurance is essential, and Continental Assist is clearly the best choice for this particular case. Unlike Assist Card, which offers plans for just one year, Continental Assist provides comprehensive 2-year health insurance policies tailored to Colombian visa requirements. This extended coverage significantly enhances your chances of visa approval for a longer duration.
Choosing Continental Assist not only gives you peace of mind but also perfectly fits the needs of digital nomads, expats, and anyone planning an extended stay in Colombia. With their coverage, you can avoid the hassle of annual renewals, ensuring you’re protected for the entire duration of your visa.
Duration of Coverage Winner: Continental Assist
Extra Medical Coverage:
It’s essential to verify that your insurance policy comprehensively covers your specific medical needs, including appointments with a general doctor and specialists, as well as non-emergency assistance, as outlined in Resolution 5477 of 2022 for maternity, disability, accidents, illnesses, and hospitalizations. Many insurers have exclusions that you need to be aware of and that’s why to ensure you are fully protected in an emergency, take the time to review your policy’s exclusions thoroughly. Understanding what isn’t covered is crucial to avoid surprises in the future.
Assist Card offers the most comprehensive coverage available, addressing all the needs we’ve discussed before in each of their plans. While Assist Card provides extensive coverage, it’s essential to understand that some specific needs may be excluded from Continental Assist’s selected plans. We strongly encourage you to review all conditions thoroughly with the expert team at expatgroup.co, our trusted partner. This way, you can make an informed decision and ensure you have all the extra benefits you require during your stay.
Extra Medical Coverage Winner: Assist Card
Extra Non-Medical Coverage
When choosing insurance for your Colombian visa, look for additional non-medical benefits that can improve your travel experience. Some of them could be coverage for hotel expenses if you need to recover from health issues, ensuring you have a safe place to stay. You should also consider support services for children or seniors, which can help make traveling with family easier, or even assistance if your documents are lost or stolen so you can replace them quickly.
Consider luggage protection services to safeguard your belongings from loss or damage during travel. Additionally, coverage for lost or canceled flights, trains, or cruises can enhance your experience. Choosing a plan with these extra benefits will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable stay in Colombia.
Both Assist Card and Continental Assist provide valuable extra benefits that go beyond basic medical coverage, enhancing your security and confidence during unexpected situations while you’re in the country.
Extra Non-Medical Coverage Winner: Both Insurers
Network of Providers:
Verify whether the insurance provider has a network of healthcare providers in Colombia. This can facilitate easier access to medical care without upfront costs. However, in this case, as our trusted health insurance providers, we can assure you that with both insurers, you’ll have medical attention from the best hospitals, medical centers, professionals, and the most modern and accurate amenities you’ll need.
Network of Providers Winner: Both Insurers
Pros and Cons
When choosing a travel insurance provider, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the options available to ensure you receive the best coverage for your needs. Assist Card and Continental Assist are two well-known insurers, each offering unique benefits and services where understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision.
Assist Card is recognized for its extensive global network and comprehensive coverage options, catering to many travelers. On the other hand, Continental Assist offers competitive pricing and specific plans tailored to various travel needs, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers. In this comparison, we will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both insurers, allowing you to weigh their offerings against your travel requirements and preferences.
Assist Card:
Assist Card is the oldest medical care entity on the market, with more than 50 years of experience and these are the pros that you’ll find with this insurer for 2 years of health policy coverage for a Colombian visa:
However, there are some cons that you should consider when making an informed decision to purchase one of their coverage plans:
Book a free appointment for Insurance Coverage
Explore the insurance plans provided by Assist Card and Continental Assist with the specialized advice from our reliable insurance expert, expatgroup.co, to find the right one for your visa application needs.
Continental Assist:
This esteemed American company provides exceptional benefits for individuals looking to secure their health coverage services for 2 years. These advantages include:
Nonetheless, it’s important to weigh the drawbacks when deciding to invest in one of their coverage plans:
Medellin Guru's Colombian insurance and healthcare articles
- Get Insurance in Colombia
- Assist Card: Why is the Best Health Insurance for Colombian Visas
- Continental Assist: A vital ally to apply for a visa in Colombia
- Travel Insurance: Meets the Heath Insurance Requirement for Colombia Visas
- Auto Insurance in Colombia: A Guide to Colombian Auto Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance in Colombia: A Guide to Colombian Homeowner Insurance
- Medellin Guru Insurance Service: Providing Colombian Insurance
- Colombia has 24 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America
- Emergency Surgery: Expat Experience in Clínica León XIII in Medellín
- Healthcare Colombia: HCA Clinic Offers Services to U.S. Veterans in Colombia
Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info – an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Popular Colombian Visas for Foreigners: Which Visa is the Most Popular?
- Coronavirus Impacts on Colombian Visas and Tourist Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment visa
- Business Visa
- Resident visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa – for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.
Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2024) and constantly receive updates in 2025.
The Bottom Line: How to obtain 2 years of health policy coverage for a Colombian visa
When applying for a Colombian visa, securing 2 years of health policy coverage is an exceptional option for a successful application, as it meets the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requirements and helps avoid complications during your stay. This coverage boosts your chances of visa approval while eliminating the hassle of multiple renewals.
You can achieve this by purchasing a 1-year policy from Assist Card and 1-year from Continental Assist or opting for a comprehensive 2-year policy with Continental Assist. Receiving advice from experts like expatgroup.co can help you find the best plan tailored to your needs, simplifying the process and increasing your chances of obtaining the visa for 2 or even 3 years.
Our in-depth analysis of the 9 essential elements for securing your health policy uncovers striking comparisons between insurers. This assures us that we are choosing from two of the foremost international insurers, each poised to deliver an exceptional experience while securing your two years of health policy coverage for a Colombian Visa or even 3 years if you require it.
Assist Card wins in two categories of 9
Continental Assist wins in 1 of our 9 categories
There’s a draw between both insusrers in 6 categories of 9
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