Get Insurance in Colombia

12 Comments

1. 

   Rahul Iyer on February 22, 2021 at 12:10 pm

   Hey Jeff

   I know that right now with coronavirus there are a number of restrictions anywhere in the world for travelers who enter any country. Colombia is no exception.

   However, have you thought about putting any posts about international students who want to study in Colombia? Either for those younger then university? or those who ware targeting university? I am sure, with proper safeguards, Colombia would love to have more international students studying in its universities.

   I seek your take on this.

2. 

   Norm on February 22, 2021 at 2:39 pm

   Just a note to let older people looking for health insurance know that any Insurance Agents in Colombia do not receive any commissions for selling SURA EPS.

   After a certain age, getting private health insurance can be either prohibitably expensive or simply unavailable due to the rising health risks facing older people.

   However, SURA EPS takes everyone. But a Colombian insurance agent cannot make any money in commissions getting you SURA EPS coverage. And it isn’t fair to Colombian insurance agents to expect them to work for free. Selling insurance is how they make their living.

   So I cannot recommend the Medellín Guru program for SURA EPS. The program is an excellent resource for anything else insurance related, like property insurance, travel insurance, motor vehicle insurance, life insurance, business insurance or private health insurance if you are lucky enough to be younger and therefore qualified to participate in private health insurance programs.

   This is not any criticism of Angela. She is an excellent insurance professional and tries to help, but it really isn’t worth her time to get involved in SURA EPS. But it is not easy to tell people that need SURA EPS that she has too much other business on her plate to do SURA EPS. It is just not her thing. Kind of like hiring a top-notch divorce attorney to defend you in a criminal case.

   The SURA EPS system is difficult to navigate, especially if your Spanish isn’t excellent. SURA EPS does nothing in English. So, the best course of action for those older than 65 who have a cedula and want to get covered by SURA EPS is to hire someone such as an attorney or a person that specializes in and has significant experience in getting expats signed up on SURA EPS. Someone who is bilingual and knows their way around the SURA system.

   It took me over a year to find out how to pay online via PSE. I still don’t totally understand the system. I know that my payments go through third-party companies who make the actual payments to SURA. Furthermore, I also learned that many doctors do not accept the low compensation that SURA EPS pays. But all the hospitals, including the ones highly rated, do accept SURA.

   My first year, I had to pay my SURA in cash and in person with a form containing a barcode that I’d take to Carulla, Baloto or Banco Ocidente. I could only make one monthly payment per day. In January, when I tried to pay, I was told my account didn’t exist. (The account at the payment company, PAGO SIMPLE, not at SURA EPS.)

   I am now almost set-set up with an online payment company, but still need to solve a problem with my Bancolombia account passcode that is keeping me from the last step, payment through PSE.

   • 

     George on February 22, 2021 at 4:45 pm

     Thanks for the info. I can echo what you said about Angela. I am older so she couldn’t help me but she was very professional with me. I finally paid Expat Group to do it because I was overwhelmed. My Spanish is intermediate. I can communicate but buying insurance is a little more advanced. I am still waiting for the insurance by the way.

     • 

       Norm on February 22, 2021 at 5:12 pm

       I got registered last year but my payment registration expired. My lawyer got me set up online for 2021 so if I start traveling again, I can pay my SURA from anywhere online.

3. 

   Carlos on February 24, 2021 at 9:29 am

   For some reason the contact us button is not working, would like to get contact to get insurance to travel to Colo. Best, CD

   • 

     Jeff on February 24, 2021 at 9:34 am

     What “contact us” button is not working?

     Fill out the form on the page with your name, email, phone number and type of insurance you need.

     • 

       Carlos on February 24, 2021 at 9:38 am

       I tried but from my computer did not work. No biggie, just need the info. in order to complete the purchase. Good Morning!

       • 

         Jeff on February 24, 2021 at 9:40 am

         Works for us. Will send your contact information to the insurance agent.

4. 

   Roland on March 12, 2021 at 7:46 pm

   For those of you hesitating to contact Angela, I can assure you it’s best best choice you will make doing so. Truly , I have NEVER experienced such a high service level and dedication to making things happen. This is truly OVER and BEYOND any expectation. Thank you Angela.

5. 

   Norm on March 12, 2021 at 8:50 pm

   Roland:

   I agree with your positive review of Angela Berrio. Just one question, though. What kind of insurance policy did you obtain through Angela?

   As I have said, Angela provides excellent service for any insurance needs you may have EXCEPT SURA EPS. And that is only because SURA EPS doesn’t pay agents like Angela anything to sell their EPS product.

   So if you need property insurance, motor vehicle insurance, life insurance, motorcycle insurance, travel insurance, accident insurance or PRIVATE health insurance (assuming you are young enough to qualify), Angela will do a great job. No need to hesitate, she comes well recommended. For any insurance EXCEPT SURA EPS.

   You don’t pay her for helping you with your normal insurance needs, she gets paid a commission by the insurance companies. But she isn’t the person to use to help you navigate SURA EPS. It is extremely complicated, and you are better off to pay directly to a person who specializes in SURA EPS for foreigners.

   Sadly, above a certain age, the only health insurance product available to people over 60 to 65 is SURA EPS. It is the PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION IN COLOMBIA that everyone can get. The poor of Colombia get it for nothing or very low cost.

   I don’t think anyone has any hesitation to contract Angela. But if you need SURA EPS even Angela herself will tell you she isn’t the best choice to help you for this one product.

   I post this to save both readers and Angela time and frustration.

   • 

     Jeff on March 22, 2021 at 12:26 pm

     Angela now helps clients sign up for SURA EPS for a fee – see our article published today – https://medellinguru.com/sign-up-for-sura-eps/

6. 

   John Kruskie on April 6, 2021 at 10:01 pm

   I recently used Angela Berrio for my health insurance for my VISA. I highly recommend her services. She provides a personal service that was exactly what I needed when looking for health insurance and a representative who gives you the personal expertise necessary. I tried another company who was entirely web-based. It was a very frustrating experience and once Angela sent me an inquiry on Whatsapp at my request … life became less frustrating.

   In addition, she has other services that many of us expats would find very useful when moving to a new country.

   Call Angela, and experience what I did! Exemplary service from a real person!