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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.

Colombia has 18 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America

Colombia has 18 of the top 46 clinics and hospitals in Latin America, according to América Economía in 2023. So, 39 percent of the best hospitals in Latin America are found in Colombia. Six of these best hospitals in Latin America are located in Medellín, six are in Bogotá, two in Cali, one in Manizales, one in Pasto, one in Neiva and one in Barranquilla.

Top Hospitals in Medellín
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Top Hospitals in Bogotá
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Top Hospitals in Cali
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Top Hospitals in Manizales
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Top Hospitals in Pasto
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Top Hospitals in Neiva
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Top Hospitals in Barranquilla
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In 2017, Colombia had 20 of the top 49 clinics and hospitals in Latin America. And in 2018, Colombia had 23 of the top 58 hospitals. The count in 2019 increased to 24 of the top 58 clinics and hospitals in Latin America for 2019, but for 2023, the count decreased in 6 hospitals less than in 2019.

In addition, CEO World Magazine ranks Colombia’s healthcare system as #81 out of 110 countries it ranked.

World-class healthcare is available in Colombia
World-class healthcare is available in Colombia

It is possible to find costs that are from 50 percent to even over 70 percent less expensive in Colombia compared to the U.S. And medical insurance is also relatively inexpensive in Colombia in comparison to the U.S. and Europe.

In addition, the good and inexpensive healthcare available in Colombia is one of 27 reasons I chose to live in Medellín.

We always recommend having health insurance to assist you in a medical emergencyThis is essential since many foreigners need a good travel medical insurance policy to save a few bills. You can access the Medellin Guru Insurance Service by clicking the green button below.

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A. Best Hospitals in Medellín

Medellín has six hospitals that are on the list of the top 46 hospitals in Latin America.

Clínica SOMER, located in Rionegro, Antioquia, is a prestigious medical institution providing comprehensive healthcare. It offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, intensive care, and medical specialties such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. The clinic is distinguished by its advanced technology and a team of highly trained professionals committed to delivering quality care and ensuring patient well-being.

Clínica SOMER Rionegro
Clínica SOMER Rionegro

Founded in 1970, SOMER Clinic has continuously evolved to meet the community’s needs. Its mission has always been to provide healthcare services with high standards, positioning it as a reference in the sector. With over five decades of experience, the clinic continues to innovate and improve its facilities and services, reaffirming its commitment to the health and well-being of the population of Rionegro and its surrounding areas.

How to get to Clínica SOMER Rionegro

The Hospital Universitario de San Vicente Fundación is ranked the second-best hospital in Medellín. This private hospital is located on a campus in the Seville barrio of Medellín. In addition, it’s conveniently located next to the Hospital metro station on Line A.

San Vicente Fundación was founded in 1913. And it reportedly has over 660 beds with 15 operating rooms. San Vicente has three specialty-centers: Cardiopulmonary and Peripheral Vascular Center, Digestive Diseases Center, and an Organ and Tissue Transplant Center.  Also, it has an Infant Hospital that opened in 1961.

Fountain on the campus of Universitario de San Vicente Fundación, photo by XaID
Fountain on the campus of Universitario de San Vicente Fundación, photo by XaID

In 2011, San Vicente opened a new health center in Rionegro located near the José María Córdova Medellín international airport. This new complex has a cardiopulmonary and vascular system center, a digestive disease center, an emergency center and an oncology center. In addition, it has a transplant and tissue center. It reportedly has 180 hospital beds. And a future planned expansion at this health center will add specialties for cancer, trauma, plastic surgery as well as 320 more beds.

San Vicente is a general hospital but it is also very well known for performing transplants. Reportedly over 50 percent of all transplants in Colombia are done in Medellin. And a vast majority (nearly 90 percent) of those are performed at San Vicente.

The transplant group in the hospital performed the first trachea transplant in the world and the first bone marrow transplant in Latin America. In addition, the hospital  did several first transplants in Colombia: the first esophagus transplant, first kidney transplant, first liver transplant and first small intestine transplant. Also, it did the first larynx transplant in Colombia, which was the second in the world.

How to get to Hospital Universitario de San Vicente Fundación

Clínica las Américas was born in 1989 by a group of healthcare professionals in Medellín with a vision of building the best healthcare center in the city. The main Clínica las Américas hospital opened in October, 1993, in the La Mota barrio of Belén near the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport.

Clínica las americas in Medellin
Clínica las americas in Medellin

In addition, Clínica las Américas has a second clinic known as Clínica del Sur that is located in Loma del Escobero in Envigado. Clínica las Américas reportedly has a total of over 300 beds. And it has 16 operating rooms for general and specialized surgery. Furthermore, it has a portfolio of over 500 health professionals and reportedly offers services in 77 medical specialties and sub-specialties.

How to get to Clínica las Américas

Since its foundation, Clinica El Rosario has been concerned not only with the material needs and temporal well-being of man but with the person as a whole. It is concerned with the physical, psychological, and spiritual health of its users. From its beginnings, it has been open to a hospital service based on a Christian anthropology.

Its first location was opened in El Tesoro, and in November 2005, it opened its second clinic in El Poblado. Both locations are equipped with high-tech equipment and an information system that allows them to respond to the requirements of internal and external customers. Its greatest strength is the human team committed to the institutional mission.

Clínica El Rosario's El Poblado location, photo courtesy of Clínica El Rosario
Clínica El Rosario's El Poblado location, photo courtesy of Clínica El Rosario

Clínica El Rosario provides cardiovascular surgery, 24-hour emergency services, general surgery services, imaging, intensive care, neonatal care, plastic surgery, pediatrics, neurosurgery, outpatient surgeries and many other services. In addition, it has specialist centers including a comprehensive oncology unit, coronary care unit and heart institute.

Furthermore, Clínica El Rosario has an international patient office to handle the needs of medical tourists.

How to get to Clínica El Rosario

The Hospital Alma Máter de Antioquia, originally conceived in 1993 with the introduction of Law 100, began as a health service program provided by the University of Antioquia to its employees. This initiative evolved into the University of Antioquia Health Service Provider Institution (IPS Universitaria), aiming to offer comprehensive health services at all levels of complexity. Officially operational since 1998, the IPS Universitaria started with 17 employees.

In 2003, the IPS Universitaria achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification for all outpatient processes at its Prado location. Expanding its portfolio, the institution took over the logistical operation of the Clínica León XIII in 2007, enhancing its high-complexity services.

The hospital offers a broad range of services, including general and specialized consultations, diagnostic aids, emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, intensive and special care units, and transplants. With over 3,700 employees and ongoing collaboration with the University of Antioquia, the hospital remains a hub for medical innovation and research.

How to get to Hospital Alma Máter de Antioquia

Clínica CES, affiliated with Universidad CES in Medellín, Colombia, is a prominent medical institution known for combining clinical care with education and research in health sciences. The clinic offers a wide range of medical and surgical services, including specialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. It provides high-quality medical care and serves as a practical and educational setting for students from Universidad CES, ensuring continuous innovation and the application of the latest medical practices.

Clínica CES - Universidad CES
Clínica CES - Universidad CES

The clinic has grown to become a key player in the region’s healthcare system. Its mission is to deliver exceptional healthcare services while fostering the education and development of future health professionals. By integrating clinical practice with academic training, Clínica CES contributes significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of patient care in Medellín and beyond.

How to get to Clínica CES - Universidad CES

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Hospitals in Medellín that are now out of the ranking

In the past, many hospitals and clinics were in the first places of the ranking and we talked about them. But for 2023, they are no longer in the ranking. We have decided to keep mentioning them in case, at some point, they enter the top again:

Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe is ranked as the best hospital in Medellín. The private, non-profit, Catholic hospital was founded in 1970. And it’s located in the Córdoba barrio of the Robledo comuna of Medellín. It had 371 beds until an expansion opened in 2016 that reportedly increased this to over 500 beds and tripled the size of the emergency area. Also, it has an intensive care unit with reportedly over 70 beds.

Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, the top rated hospital in Medellín, photo by SajoR
Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, the top rated hospital in Medellín, photo by SajoR

Pablo Tobón Uribe is a general hospital with specialties in bariatric surgery, cancer and renal care and pediatrics. In addition, it’s a university hospital. Students can receive training in nursing, nutrition, medicine, microbiology and psychology.

Furthermore, Pablo Tobón Uribe has a special department to support health tourism. This department handles foreign patients and communications with medical practitioners in patients’ home countries. In addition, Pablo Tobón Uribe has a number of doctors that speak English and several trained medical interpreters.

How to get to Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe

Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana is part of the Pontificia Bolivariana University system. As a university hospital, it contributes to the teaching and research processes, to comprehensively train healthcare professionals.  So, the hospital is part of the university’s processes of medical teaching and research. This hospital is located in Robledo in the northwest part of Medellín. Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana reportedly has over 200 beds and seven operating rooms.

Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana, photo courtesy of Universitaria Bolivariana
Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana, photo courtesy of Universitaria Bolivariana

Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana offers a series of ambulatory and hospital services in many different clinical and surgical specialties. It is best known for its adult intensive therapy unit, its maternal and child unit that opened in 2013 with the name “Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria” for the care of the both mother and children, and the services of surgery and hospitalization for median and high complexity cases.

How to get to Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana

The Hospital General de Medellín Luz Castro de Gutiérrez -HGM- is a public hospital center, located in the city of Medellín, which provides health services up to high complexity. It is one of the best hospitals in Colombia, and is a decentralized entity of the municipality of Medellín.

Colombia has 24 of the best hospitals in Latin America
Colombia has 24 of the best hospitals in Latin America

Also, the hospital provides adult critical care, gynecological, neonatal, obstetric and pediatric care. It reportedly has over 440 beds. In addition, it offers emergency services 24 hours a day.

How to get to Hospital General de Medellín

Clínica Las Vegas was founded in 1988. It was started by a group of 10 renowned healthcare professionals.  Originally, the project was conceived to offer basic healthcare services, but the dream began to grow and and turned into a clinic offering many healthcare services.

On August 25, 1992, the first patient was received in the emergency department. And three days later the clinic started operating. It initially had: 88 offices, 42 patient rooms, 5 surgery rooms and 2 delivery rooms.

Clínica Las Vegas in Medellín, photo by SajoR
Clínica Las Vegas in Medellín, photo by SajoR

One year after the clinic opened, it was expanded due to demand with Phase II with seventy new offices and twenty-one more rooms. Clínica Las Vegas now reportedly has over 140 beds.  Specialties in the clinic include:

Anesthesia
Cardiology
Cardiovascular surgery
Neurosurgery
Plastic surgery
Orthopedic
Otolaryngology

In addition, Clínica Las Vegas has an office to support international patients with English-speaking staff.

How to get to Clínica Las Vegas

Clínica Cardio Vid is a hospital founded in 1966, which specializes in diagnostics and emergency treatments in cardiovascular, thoracic, pulmonary and neurovascular specialties. It has two hospitals in the Medellín area. Between the two hospitals, Clínica Cardio Vid reportedly has over 150 beds and over 400 staff.

Clínica Cardio Vid in Medellín, photo courtesy of Clínica Cardio Vid
Clínica Cardio Vid in Medellín, photo courtesy of Clínica Cardio Vid

Clínica Cardio Vid is known as a pioneer and leader in Colombia for heart and lung transplants, as well as for comprehensive treatment for patients with complex congenital heart defects.

How to get to Clínica Cardio Vid

Clínica Medellín was founded in 1947 with a goal to establish a clinic in Medellín similar to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Clínica Medellín has grown over the past several years to where it now has three clinics/hospitals in Medellín located in El Centro, El Poblado and Belén.  Belén is the newest, as it opened in February 2014.

Clínica Medellín in El Pobaldo, photo by photo by SajoR
Clínica Medellín in El Pobaldo, photo by photo by SajoR

This medical chain with three facilities in Medellín reportedly has over 300 beds and offers a wide range of medical services. This includes anesthesiology, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, thoracic surgery, general surgery, plastic surgery, pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, dermatology, gynecology, intensive care, pulmonology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, oncology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pathology, pediatrics, radiology, urology and several others.

Furthermore, Clínica Medellín has an international patient office to deal with medical tourists. This office even provides advice before patients arrive in the city, during their stay and after their departure.

How to get to Clínica Medellín

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B. Best Hospitals in Bogotá

Bogotá has six hospitals that are on the list of the top 46 hospitals in Latin America.

Fundación Cardioinfantil is a private non-profit organization founded in 1973, originally aimed at the care of children with cardiovascular problems, who due to their limited resources, could not access the quality health services they require.

Front of Fundación Cardioinfantil in Bogotá, photo by EEIM
Front of Fundación Cardioinfantil in Bogotá, photo by EEIM

In October 1993, the Institute of Cardiology was created at the hospital, which extended cardiology care to patients of all ages and expanded its portfolio of services to 51 medical-surgical specialties to provide comprehensive care to all patients.

The hospital attends to monthly averages of 1,100 inpatients, 9,000 urgent consultations, 9,500 specialized outpatient visits, nearly 12,000 diagnostic tests and 8,600 surgeries (of which 1,200 correspond to cardiac surgeries). The hospital reportedly has over 330 beds and 8 operating rooms.

How to get to Fundación Cardioinfantil

Clínica del Occidente opened its doors in September 1982. In addition, Clínica del Occidente has an alliance with Jackson Memorial Hospital of Miami, one of the leading trauma institutions in the United States.

Clínica del Occidente in Bogotá
Clínica del Occidente in Bogotá

Medical specialties at Clínica del Occidente include neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery and reconstructive surgery. And the hospital recently opened a new oncology center.

The hospital reportedly has over 220 beds. In addition, Clínica del Occidente offers emergency room services 24 hours per day with the capacity to serve 17,000 emergency room consultations per month.

How to get to Clínica del Occidente

Clínica Universitaria Colombia, located in Bogotá, is renowned for its high-quality healthcare services and strong academic affiliation. The clinic provides a comprehensive range of specialized and high-complexity medical services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, intensive care, and internal medicine. Equipped with advanced technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, the clinic ensures top-tier medical care for its patients.

Clínica Universitaria Colombia - Colsanitas
Clínica Universitaria Colombia - Colsanitas

Founded with the mission to integrate clinical excellence with academic growth, Clínica Universitaria Colombia collaborates closely with educational institutions to offer a practical learning environment for medical students and healthcare professionals. This synergy between clinical practice and education promotes continuous innovation and enhances patient care, making the clinic a vital part of Bogotá’s healthcare landscape.

How to get to Clínica Universitaria Colombia - Colsanitas

HOMI – Hospital de la Misericordia in Bogotá, Colombia, is a renowned hospital known for its long-standing commitment to providing quality healthcare. Established in 1937 by the Congregation Sisters of Charity Dominicans of the Presentation, HOMI offers a comprehensive array of medical and surgical services, including specialties such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, and intensive care.

HOMI Hospital de la Misericordia - source by El Colombiano
HOMI Hospital de la Misericordia - source by El Colombiano

Over the decades, HOMI has expanded and modernized its facilities to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community. The hospital’s foundation is rooted in a dedication to humanistic values and ethical medical care, aiming to serve patients with compassion and professional excellence. HOMI continues to uphold its legacy as a vital healthcare provider in Bogotá, combining clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to patient care.

How to get to HOMI Hospital de la Misericordia

Clínica los Nogales is located north of Bogotá in the Chicó Norte neighborhood. It’s modern hospital that opened in 2013 that includes two towers of ten floors in which there are 224 beds in the emergency room, intensive care, and hospitalization; 8 operating rooms; 3 delivery rooms and spacious waiting rooms.

Clínica los Nogales in Bogotá, photo by EEIM
Clínica los Nogales in Bogotá, photo by EEIM

The hospital offers medical services in many areas including oncology, orthopedics, general surgery, plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, urology, intensive care, dermatology, transplants and many others.

The target of the hospital are private users, members of prepaid medicine and patients who have health plans and insurance policies. In addition, the hospital is targeting patients from abroad with plans to build a nearby hotel.

How to get to Clínica los Nogales

Centro Policlínico del Olaya was founded in 1987 as a small hospital with 11 hospital beds and one operating room. The hospital was established to meet the needs of vulnerable and resource-poor residents in the south of Bogotá.

Centro Policlínico del Olaya in Bogotá, photo courtesy of Centro Policlínico del Olaya
Centro Policlínico del Olaya in Bogotá, photo courtesy of Centro Policlínico del Olaya

Since its founding, the hospital has grown. In 1994, it installed the second MRI of the country. And two years later, it started construction of a second tower to expand the hospital. In 2001, it started construction of a third tower and in 2004 built a fourth tower. The hospital now reportedly has over 150 beds.

Centro Policlínico del Olaya offers many healthcare services including adult, pediatric, gynecological and obstetric emergencies; outpatient services; general hospitalization; high-level surgery, gynecology-obstetrics, intensive neonatal, pediatric and adult care, renal unit, among others.

How to get to Centro Policlínico de Olaya

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Hospitals in Bogotá that are now out of the ranking

In the same case as Medellin’s hospitals, here are the health centers that previously figured in the ranking of the best hospitals in Latin America, but were not included in the 2023 list.

The history of Clínica Universidad de La Sabana goes back to 1997, when the University of La Sabana, in search of a training center in the health sciences for the faculties of medicine, nursing and psychology, established a center for rehabilitation offering services of physical and occupational therapy.

Clínica Universidad de La Sabana
Clínica Universidad de La Sabana

Afterwards, a hospitalization area that did not exist was built in addition to operating rooms. An emergency care area was added as well as an intensive care center for adults. And in 2006, the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital was inaugurated.

The hospital currently has specialty units in orthopedics, neurosurgery, general surgery, plastic surgery, hand surgery, thorax surgery, intensive care, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, pneumology and electroconvulsive therapy. Clínica Universidad de La Sabana reportedly has 190 beds.

How to get to Universidad de La Sabana

Méderi is a hospital that was created to develop an example healthcare management model for the country of Colombia. Since May 1, 2008, it is a complex private university hospital resulting from a social project led by three entities: Caja de Compensación (Compensation Fund), Compensar – the Hospitable Order San Juan de Dios and Universidad del Rosario.

Méderi's Hospital Universitario Mayor in Bogotá, photo by EEIM
Méderi's Hospital Universitario Mayor in Bogotá, photo by EEIM

Méderi has two hospitals in Bogotá, which are named Hospital Universitario Mayor and Hospital Universitario Barrios Unidos. The two hospitals reportedly have a total of over 500 beds for hospitalization plus 160 beds for observation and 80 beds for intensive care.

Méderi focuses on the treatment of older adults and promotes the welfare of the individual, their family and their environment at any stage of life. The hospital currently offers medical services in many areas including orthopedics, general surgery, plastic surgery, hand surgery, thorax surgery, vascular surgery, urology, intensive care, transplants and many others.

How to get to Méderi

The Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS) wanted to add a hospital to ensure places for the practice of its students, with sufficient infrastructure, staffing and human resources for educational processes.

Clínica Universitaria Infantil de San José in Bogotá
Clínica Universitaria Infantil de San José in Bogotá

FUCS acquired an old hospital in July 2005 and remodeled the facility to comply with regulations. Currently the Clínica Universitaria Infantil de San José has over 160 beds for hospitalization and several fully equipped operating rooms.

The hospital offers a variety of healthcare services including general surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, pediatric orthopedics, neurosurgery and several other healthcare services.

How to get to Clínica Universitaria Infantil de San José

Clínica de Marly began its activities in early 1903 with Dr. Carlos Esguerra as Director. Today, Clínica de Marly is the oldest private health institution in Bogotá. In addition, this hospital has a second location in Chia that reportedly opened in 2018.

Clinica de Marly, photo courtesy of Clinica de Marly
Clinica de Marly, photo courtesy of Clinica de Marly

This hospital offers many healthcare services including anesthesia, general surgery, endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, neonatology and pediatrics, neurosurgery, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, urology, among others.

The first location of this hospital has 130 beds and the second location in Chia has 91 beds.

How to get to Clinica de Marly

Hospital Universitario Clinica San Rafael was founded in 1929. It offers medical-surgical services that range from prevention to highly complex procedures. The hospital reportedly has 387 beds.

Hospital Universitario Clinica San Rafael in Bogotá
Hospital Universitario Clinica San Rafael in Bogotá

This hospital offers many healthcare services including anesthesia, audiology, adult cardiology, pediatric cardiology, general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, thorax surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, endocrinology, hemodynamics, gynecology, pediatric infectology, among others.

How to get to Hospital Universitario Clinica San Rafael

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C. Best Hospitals in Cali

Cali has two hospitals that are on the list of the top 46 hospitals in Latin America.

In the early 1970s, a group of professors from the School of Medicine at the Universidad del Valle, conceived the idea of creating a center of specialists, to practice their private practices. With this dream they started the Centro Médico Imbanaco, which opened in August 1976 with 28 offices. And in the 1980s, Centro Médico Imbanaco expanded and started offering emergency, surgery and hospitalization services.

Centro Médico Imbanaco, photo courtesy of Centro Médico Imbanaco
Centro Médico Imbanaco, photo courtesy of Centro Médico Imbanaco

Centro Médico Imbanaco expanded again in 1993 with two new towers offering medical services. And in January 2011, Imbanaco opened its newest building in Cali with 82,000 square meters and over 350 beds distributed between hospitalization, intensive care units (newborns, pediatrics, adults, coronary and high obstetric risk) and transplantation.

How to get to Centro Médico Imbanaco

Clínica Farallones – Christus Sinergia Salud, located in Cali, Colombia, is renowned for its specialized healthcare services and affiliation with Christus Sinergia Salud network. The clinic offers a comprehensive range of medical treatments including specialized consultations, surgical procedures, intensive care, and treatment for various medical conditions.

Clínica Farallones - Christus Sinergia Salud
Clínica Farallones - Christus Sinergia Salud

Established with a commitment to excellence, Clínica Farallones has integrated advanced medical technologies and a skilled medical team to provide superior patient care. Its collaboration with Christus Sinergia Salud underscores its dedication to innovation and continuous improvement in healthcare practices.

The clinic also prioritizes medical education and professional development, ensuring that its staff remains at the forefront of medical advancements. Clínica Farallones – Christus Sinergia Salud plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality healthcare services and contributing to the well-being of the community in Cali and beyond.

How to get to la Clínica Farallones - Christus Sinergia Salud

Hospitals in Cali that are now out of the ranking

Just one of the hospitals in Cali is no longer in the ranking.

Fundación Valle del Lili is considered the best hospital in Colombia and is ranked the third best hospital in all of Latin America.

Fundación Valle del Lili was founded in November 1982.  Towards the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, there was no place in Cali to offer patients the services of highly complex medicine and to practice new medical technologies. So, medical specialists were forced to refer their patients to other cities or countries.

Fundación Valle del Lili - ranked the best hospital in Cali and the best in Colombia, photo courtesy of Fundación Valle del Lili
Fundación Valle del Lili - ranked the best hospital in Cali and the best in Colombia, photo courtesy of Fundación Valle del Lili

Fundación Valle del Lili began operating in March 1986, with initially the services of stress tests and a clinical laboratory. Subsequently, a cardiology consultation was started and nephrology and dialysis units, diagnostic images, oncology, orthopedics, lithotripsy and nuclear medicine were all added. And in January 1994, hospitalization, emergency services and intensive care for adults were opened.

Furthermore, the large private hospital has grown to where it now has over 460 beds distributed between hospitalization and intensive care units (newborns, pediatrics and adults).

How to get to Fundación Valle del Lili

D. Best Hospitals in Manizales

Manizales has one hospitals that are on the list of the top 46 hospitals in Latin America.

Special Health Services (S.E.S.) was created as an association of mixed participation, public, non-profit, municipal and was founded in 1985 on the initiative of the Foundation for the Development of Health PROSALUD and Manizales’ Welfare system, who in turn administered the Hospital de Caldas.

S.E.S. Hospital de Caldas in Manizales, photo courtesy of S.E.S. Hospital de Caldas
S.E.S. Hospital de Caldas in Manizales, photo courtesy of S.E.S. Hospital de Caldas

S.E.S. Hospital de Caldas offers a wide range of medical services including general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatrics, gastroenterology, neonatal services and many other services.

This hospital reportedly has about 170 hospitalization beds. And it has eight operating rooms plus 16 independent cubicles for intensive care.

How to get to Hospital de Caldas

E. Best Hospitals in Pasto

Pasto has one hospitals that are on the list of the top 46 hospitals in Latin America.

Fundación Hospital Infantil Los Angeles was founded in 1952 as a charitable institution thanks to the initiative of a group of ladies from the San Juan de Pasto society. Over the next year the hospital started offering service with initially 36 beds. And from 1955 to 1965 it moved to occupy the former facilities of San Pedro Hospital.

Fundación Hospital Infantile Los Angeles in Pasto, photo courtesy of Fundación Hospital Infantile Los Angeles
Fundación Hospital Infantile Los Angeles in Pasto, photo courtesy of Fundación Hospital Infantile Los Angeles

In 1958, it started construction of a new hospital that wasn’t completed until the mid-1960’s with 50 beds and began offering emergency services along with a Clinical Laboratory, X-Ray, Pharmacy, Operating Room and Nutrition.

The hospital focuses on children patients and has pediatric and neonatal intensive care units that are reportedly the best in southwestern Colombia. It has over 110 beds and over 80 full-time doctors.

How to get to Fundación Hospital Infantil Los Angeles

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Hospitals in Pasto that are now out of the ranking

One of the hospitals in Pasto is no longer in the ranking.

In March 1967, the President of Colombia at the time Dr. Carlos Lleras Restrepo, visited the city of Pasto and was made aware of the precarious functional conditions of the Civil Hospital of Pasto. The result was efforts to build the new Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño. In January 1970, the construction process began. And in December 1975, the provision of health services began.

Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño in Pasto, photo courtesy of Hospital Universitario
Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño in Pasto, photo courtesy of Hospital Universitario

In 1977, the hospitalization services in the facility were opened, with the basic specialties of internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, obstetrics and pediatrics; and also support units of radiology, clinical laboratory, pathology, rehabilitation, pharmacy and nutrition are put into service.

Currently the hospital offers a wide range of medical specialties including oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, general surgery, plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery, urology, intensive care, dermatology and many others. And the hospital reportedly has over 200 beds.

How to get to Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño

F. Best Hospitals Neiva

Neiva has one hospital that are on the list of the top 46 hospitals in Latin America.

IMAT Oncomédica AUNA in Neiva, Colombia, is a specialized oncology clinic recognized for its comprehensive cancer care services. As part of the AUNA healthcare network, the clinic focuses on delivering advanced medical treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of cancer patients in the region.
Clínica IMAT Oncomédica AUNA
Clínica IMAT Oncomédica AUNA

Founded with a commitment to excellence in oncology, IMAT Oncomédica AUNA Neiva offers a range of specialized services including diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment planning, surgical oncology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care.

The clinic combines state-of-the-art technology with a dedicated team of oncology specialists to ensure high-quality care and support for patients throughout their treatment journey. IMAT Oncomédica AUNA Neiva also emphasizes ongoing research initiatives and collaborations with academic institutions to advance cancer treatment options and improve outcomes for individuals battling cancer in Neiva and surrounding areas.

How to get to Clínica IMAT Oncomédica AUNA

G. Best Hospitals Barranquilla

Barranquilla has one hospital that are on the list of the top 46 hospitals in Latin America.

Clínica Portoazul AUNA in Barranquilla, Colombia, is a leading healthcare facility affiliated with the AUNA network. Specializing in comprehensive medical services, the clinic is recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality care to the community.
Clínica Portoazul AUNA
Clínica Portoazul AUNA

Established with a dedication to healthcare excellence, Clínica Portoazul AUNA offers a wide range of specialized medical treatments including consultations, surgeries, diagnostic imaging, emergency services, and various medical specialties. The clinic’s foundation is rooted in a mission to combine advanced medical technology with compassionate patient care, ensuring optimal health outcomes for all patients. Over the years, Clínica Portoazul AUNA has grown to become a trusted healthcare provider in Barranquilla, contributing significantly to the region’s healthcare landscape through continuous improvement and patient-centered approaches.

How to get to Clínica Portoazul AUNA

Hospitals in Bucaramanga that are now out of the ranking

The hospital in Bucaramanga is no longer in the ranking.

Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia is the highest rated hospital in Bucaramanga. Fundación Cardiovascular was founded in October 1986. Specialties in this hospital include pediatric and adult cardio-surgery, neurosciences, critical care and a transplant center.

Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia in Bucaramanga, photo by FCV Colombia
Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia in Bucaramanga, photo by FCV Colombia

This hospital reportedly has over 280 beds.  And it has about 210 doctors working full-time. In the two years between 2014 and 2016, 37 heart, 22 liver and 44 kidney transplants were successfully performed in this hospital.

How to get to Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia

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Bottom Line: The Best Hospitals in Colombia

With 24 of the best hospitals in Latin America and with medical costs that are lower in Colombia than in North America and Europe, Colombia is well positioned for medical tourism.

In addition, Medellín is gaining a reputation as a top foreign retirement location. And Medellín has six of the top ranked hospitals in Latin America. So, it is possible to have access to world-class healthcare in Medellín and several other cities in Colombia. And health insurance is also inexpensive in Colombia compared to the costs in North America and Europe.

Furthermore, all of the best hospitals in Colombia in the above article have some staff that speak English. And several of these hospitals also have departments focused on medical tourist customers. So, medical tourism is expected to continue increasing in Colombia with the low costs and highly rated hospitals in Colombia.

In addition, “What are the best hospitals in Medellín and Colombia?” is a common question asked by expats moving to Medellín and other cities in Colombia. So, we included this question in our list of Medellín frequently asked questions (FAQ).

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43 thoughts on “Colombia has 18 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America”

    1. Thinking of going to Columbia for medical assistance. Fundacion Clinica Shaio has been recommended in Bogota. What do you think or what have you heard about them?

      • Mary, I recommend Fundacion Santa Fe (Usaquen – Joint Commission Internationally Accredited, has International Department, used them 5+ years now) or Clinica Marly. saludos

    2. Finally tried Clinica Marly last December for lab tests, excellent service and purchased discount card “Salud Marly” too.

      Been going to that Bancolombia branch all the time and didn’t know that was a hospital (thought it was just a clinic as in the English meaning)

    3. Would be good if you could provide the insurance companies the best hospitals are affiliated with work with.

      • Thanks for the suggestion. That will take some time to research but is added to the list of updates planned.

    4. Lee Rastetter November 26, 2019

      Which are the best hospitals in Cartagena?

      • No hospitals in Cartagena made it on the list of the best hospitals in Latin America. The newest and most modern hospital in Cartagena is Hospital Universitario Carlos Haime de Serena del Mar that opened early this year.

    5. Jeff. Thanks for the important update; also the updates of your other posts. Highly appreciated.

      I can confirm that the better hospitals in Medellin and Cali (mentioned here and in the Latin America hospital ranking website) have excellent doctors who have been trained abroad mostly and also speak English. The service and seriousness are outstanding, near the level from Switzerland with one of the best health care system worldwide.

      Anyone living at the cost in Colombia and needs to have a surgery shall fly to Bogota, Medellin or Cali. Colombia has also great health insurance companies.

    6. Joseph Mathews October 30, 2019

      Jeff, thanks for this. Coming to Medellin for a short, 9 day, visit in February. For Americans who are coming to Colombia on holiday, I recommend health insurance that includes direct payment. Ours, from Seven Corners, covers most of the hospitals on your list in Medellin. I looked at the site for Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe and am really impressed. I do not have that level of care available here in Sarasota, Florida. As you stated elsewhere, Panama City has Punta Pacifica which is affiliated with Johns Hopkins International. Once past that in all of Panama, I’d suggest to get to Medellin as quick as you can, if you can. Truly an impressive and effective health system.

    7. Waleed May 23, 2019

      Hi Jeff, considering that you have been living in Sabaneta for a while now, what’s the closest (reputable private hospital) from there?

      • The nearest to Sabaneta of the best private hospitals in Medellín are Clínica las Américas in Belén and Clínica Medellín in El Poblado. Both are about 10 km from Sabaneta, which is about a 25 minute taxi ride not during rush hour.

    8. Jeff…good article..as a Colombian dr , Harvard and Hopkins trained I can tell you ,if I may, the only two places that I would go for medical care :Bogota and Medellin period ! A good advice for your readers … do not look for cheap surgery or treatment …… DO NOT ! You will be risking your life, as simple as that..A top well trained specialist do no offer discounts (!). But it will be cheaper than in he States nonetheless.If you plan to go for medical or surgical treatment write to the dr’ office &request his CV training in countries other than USA ,England, Germany etc is not a guarantee of quality,enemies in the States you can get lousy training.
      Remember a cheap surgery will most likely take you to the cemetery!
      Good job Jeff!

      • Hernan July 28, 2019

        The best hospital of Colombia is in Cali. To say “Bogota and Medellin Period” sounds very biased!

      • Hello I’m considering to go to Columbia for surgery. I’m trying to do thorough research on the doctors I’m considering. It is all quite overwhelming would you consider to help me ?

    9. Nice article and thanks for the updated list of best hospitals in Colombia. I agree that Colombia’s healthcare is better than in the U.S. that is becoming insanely expensive.

    10. Thanks this is a helpful article and the U.S. healthcare system crazy expensive.

    11. Medellin Colombia is also Great for Plastic Surgery. If anyone needs a great Facial Plastic Surgeon I visited Dr. Edgar Felipe Diaz. I had a Septoplastia which fixes Deviated Septum. While he was doing the Septoplastia he did a Rinoplastia. Rinoplastia was very Natural. He is a ENT and is great if anyone needs his service you can find information on his website. http://www.RinoplastiaMedellin.com

    12. Hi Jeff. Thanks for the fantastic article.

      I was wondering if you have any information – or could point me into the right direction – of new private hospital projects. I am very interested in new projects that have been announced or have just begun construction, all over Colombia. Thank you!

    13. Karolyn April 19, 2018

      I understand perfectly…thank you for your response.

    14. Karolyn April 18, 2018

      Thanks for this article…it helped in deciding which clinic would be best for me. I was reading an old article in MedellinLiving from 2013 about doctors who speak English. I was wondering if you could do an update on doctors, dentists and other medical personnel who speak at least some English. Thanks.

      • Hi Karolyn, thanks. But sorry we have no plans for an article about doctors and dentists due to not finding a trusted ranking of doctors and dentists and liability issues.

        • Mesha Taylor April 24, 2018

          hi jeff ,
          I live overseas and am planning to go to Colombia to see a internal medicine doctor can you recommend me to a good one there, I will be very happy…

          • Sorry, we don’t make doctor recommendations due to liability issues according my lawyer. Also, we haven’t found a trusted ranking of doctors.

    15. Great article: Colombia might have one of the best health care systems in the world, but it is only for the affluent or with the best health insurance. I’ve seen exposes by TV journalists of horror stories for the average citizen whose is hoped from hospital to hospital because they don’t have the right insurance or a credit card to pay up front which has resulted in dead while in transit and the story goes much deeper than that like pervasve corruption of the industry, very lame regulation of it ( unlike in the USA ). I don’t want to put down the country I was born in, but those are the realities. It might be affordable for expats, but not for everybody else: The Private Hospitals, for profit, motto is: Unless you can pay up front or prove that you can pay up front: You can die in front of us without any medical personel taking care of you.

      There has been High Profile cases of the Colombian Elite that have died because of “so called” best doctors at fancy private clinics or TV celebrities loosing both kidneys like Adriana Betancourt who was diagnosted during a medical emergency in Paris.

      The moral of the story: be always vigilant of the medical services you get and ask lots of questions.

      Also, most likely, for people who like to travel to different countries: You are probably better buying a good insurance at your destination. Those travel medical insurance are a scam which I learned from personal experience.

      These remarks are not meant to scare you or put down the Colombian medical system, but it is better to be upfront to be better prepared.

    16. Hi Jeff
      Thanks for all the information you give about Medellin and Colombia in general. since in an article you said that you were going to talk about medical insurance in Colombia since I am waiting for it with anxiety. Beforehand thank you very much. David

    17. Great article about the hospitals in Colombia. The U.S. healthcare system is a mess. I just discovered your website and it is so helpful.

    18. Thanks for putting together this website and regularly updating it. It’s a very useful and thoughtful site.

      My wife and I are planning to move to Colombia in 2019 and we are wondering about health insurance. We plan to reside in Colombia, but travel extensively outside of Colombia as well, including regular and extended trips to the US. I’m wondering about your experiences with the health insurance of Colombia and how it works while traveling outside of Colombia. For example, are there are a minimum number of days one must be in Colombia to qualify for and maintain Colombian health insurance? While traveling, do you need supplemental coverage in case of an emergency hospital visit? Obviously, the US healthcare system is obscenely expensive, even for minor visits, and part of living abroad is to avoid such absurd costs. Do you return to the States for visits? What do you do for medical coverage?

      Thanks again for the information.

      • Hi Scott, thanks. I am planning on a detailed article next year about health insurance as its an important topic. There isn’t much information out there in English about health insurance in Colombia. And there is a reason. It’s a complex topic due to there being many options and many health insurance providers.

    19. Brock Canner December 12, 2017

      Thanks Jeff, So you need a Visa to do most anything. Sorry was out for a while.

    20. What about Fundacion Santa Fe Bogota ? (Cr 7 #117)

      https://www.fsfb.org.co/wps/portal/fsfb/inicio/acercadefsfb/fsfb-web/contactenos

      It and Medellin’s Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe are the only 5 Colombian hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International which is very important

      https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/about-jci/jci-accredited-organizations/?c=Colombia

      I come to Bogota every year and receive excellent care from FSFB coordinated by their superb International Services department which speaks English

    21. Brock Canner December 12, 2017

      Jeff that’s not really my plan, but just wondering.
      Cheers,

    22. As someone planning to move to Medellin in 2018, thank you for this helpful information about hospitals in Medellin. Another related issue which would be most helpful to read about is the question of private health insurance availability and cost (not the cheap public kind, but the best health coverage available in Colombia by Colombian and International Insurance companies).
      PS: constant comparing to U.S. equivalencies is not at all useful to your non American readers, especially in the field of Health Care.
      Cheers,
      Gilles

      • Hi Gilles, thanks. I plan to write an article about the medical insurance options but this will take more time to research.

    23. Brock Canner December 12, 2017

      Thanks Jeff. Another great post. What type of Visa would I need for medical help? And a 2 day seminar. Might be up to a month to recuperate..

      • You don’t need a visa for medical help. But if you have a visa and cedula you can get local medical insurance – which is a topic for a future article.

    24. Mary Johnson December 12, 2017

      Hi Jeff, thanks for this helpful article. I didn´t know that Colombia has so many highly ranked hospitals. The U.S. healthcare system is a joke and is getting crazy expensive so I am glad I live in Colombia now.

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