How to obtain 2 years of health coverage for a Colombian Visa

How to Obtain 2 Years of Health Coverage for a Colombian Visa

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For a Colombian visa, securing 2 years of health coverage boosts approval chances and simplifies your stay. Check for the 2-year policy with EG Insurance, a trusted provider meeting all Colombian visa insurance requirements. Experts such as our partners from expatgroup.co can help you find the right plan tailored for your visa and residency needs.

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.

Make sure to obtain the proper health policy coverage when planning to visit Colombia
Make sure to obtain the proper health policy coverage when planning to visit Colombia

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.

Health Insurance definition in Chapter 1, Article 3 in Resolution 5477 of 2022
Health Insurance definition in Chapter 1, Article 3 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!

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).

You can find a great healthcare services in Colombia - Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl
You can find a great healthcare services in Colombia - Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl

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.

Many expats come to Colombia because the affordable medical procedures.
Many expats come to Colombia because the affordable medical procedures.

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

Similarly, 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.

Clínica Universidad de La Sabana
Clínica Universidad de La Sabana

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.

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

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.

Visa Transfer to change the visa to a new passport
Healh insurance is an essential requirement for a Colombian Visa Application.

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, you can access the best option to secure an extended health insurance policy valid for 2 years and even a 3-year coverage option. Expatgroup has forged strategic partnerships with top international insurance providers, such as EG Insurance , enabling applicants to obtain policies that meet the maximum coverage periods required by Colombian visas. This alliance is especially beneficial for those applying for visas mandating extended health coverage, making the process smoother for expats relocating to Colombia.

2 Years of Health Policy Coverage with EG Insurance

EG Insurance 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 the policy’s long-term coverage options, which are 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:

First
Two years insurance

EG Insurance allows purchasing policies valid for up to two years, and in some cases, offers plans for up to three years for the respective visa category.

Second
The correct way of purchase

Clients can select their insurance duration, aligning strictly with their visa validity period. EG Insurance supports flexible start dates to prevent policy overlap or gaps.

Third
About the insurance's validity

The policy structure is built for visa compliance and operates on a per-event basis, ensuring continuous coverage as required by Resolution 5477.

EG Insurance confidently offers extended health insurance coverage tailored for Colombian visa holders planning longer stays in the country. Their policies provide validity for up to two years, with options for a third year depending on visa type, designed to meet all Colombian visa health insurance requirements.

EG Insurance coverage for 2 years of health insurance
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What Must Insurance Bring for 2 Years of Health Coverage for a Colombian Visa?

EG Insurance offers top travel health coverage for expats in Colombia. However, evaluating and categorizing the key aspects you need to cover during your stay is crucial. Check the following 9 categories, so 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.

EG Insurance offers travel health insurance plans that include coverage for some pre-existing medical conditions, which is a crucial advantage for expats in Colombia. The coverage amount and eligibility depend on the chosen policy; applicants should consult policy documents for detailed information on limits and exclusions. For many plans, pre-existing condition coverage is available as part of a broader benefits package, meeting the expectations of Colombian immigration authorities for visa compliance.

With this insurer, 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. 

Pre-existing conditions must be covered during your stay
Pre-existing conditions must be covered during your stay

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.

EG Insurance offers impressive coverage options that meet visa requirements for the entire year. Regardless of the choice of plan, from the most economical to the premium options, EG Insurance delivers exceptional coverage at highly affordable prices throughout the whole coverage period, and that’s why we consider this item as a great option because when choosing the plan according to your case, you’ll see the excellent coverage for your medical expenses which are provided with bigger clarity for expatgroup.co advisers.

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.

EG Insurance includes death coverage as a standard component in its health insurance plans tailored to meet Colombian visa requirements. By choosing EG Insurance, you strengthen your visa application with a compliant and comprehensive plan designed to suit your specific needs, helping to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience during your stay in Colombia.

Death coverage is needed for unforseen circumstances
Death coverage is needed for unforseen circumstances

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.

EG Insurance confidently includes repatriation coverage in all policies tailored for Colombian visa holders. This inclusion guarantees you peace of mind and a hassle-free experience during your stay, no matter the unexpected situations that may arise.

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 critical. EG Insurance offers comprehensive health insurance policies valid for up to two years, with additional options for three-year coverage tailored to the specific visa requirements. Unlike many other insurers that primarily offer one-year policies, EG Insurance’s extended coverage significantly enhances your chances of visa approval for a longer duration.

Choosing EG Insurance not only provides peace of mind but also perfectly fits the needs of digital nomads, expats, retirees, investors, and anyone planning an extended stay in Colombia. Their multi-year policies help you avoid the hassle of annual renewals, ensuring continuous protection for the entire duration of your visa.

The Policy could expand to include applicants from other nationalities worldwide
It's important to be aware of coverage's duration for your safety during your stay according to visa type.

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.

Many insurers have exclusions that applicants need to be aware of to ensure full protection in case of emergencies. EG Insurance  offers a range of plans designed to meet these comprehensive coverage requirements, but it is crucial to carefully review your policy’s terms and any exclusions.

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.

Certainly, EG Insurance provides valuable extra benefits that go beyond basic medical coverage, enhancing your security and confidence during unexpected situations while you’re in the country.

Luggage protection is one of the extra non-medical coverage in your health policy
Luggage protection is one of the extra non-medical coverage in your health policy

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 provider, we can assure you that with EG Insurance, you’ll have medical attention from high-quality private hospitals, medical centers, professionals, and the most modern and accurate amenities you’ll need.

Clínica El Rosario's El Poblado location, photo courtesy of Clínica El Rosario
A health insurance which provides peace of mind beacuse of network of providers - El Rosario Clinic in Medellín

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. EG Insurance offers unique benefits and services where understanding the features can help you make an informed decision.

EG Insurance offers competitive pricing and specific plans tailored to various visa and residency needs, making it an appealing choice for the savvy expat. As our primary commitment is to help you make informed decisions, we will examine the key strengths of EG Insurance, enabling you to evaluate their offerings against your travel requirements and preferences.

Pros:

Their health policies provide exceptional benefits for individuals looking to secure their health coverage services for 2 years. These advantages include:

  • Compliance with Colombian visa health insurance regulations, including coverage for medical emergencies, pre-existing conditions (subject to plan terms), maternity care, repatriation, and death coverage.

  • Multi-year policy options (up to 2 or 3 years) that align with visa validity, reducing renewal hassle.

  • Access to an extensive network of Colombia’s top hospitals and medical providers.

  • Additional services including legal assistance, travel support, emergency funds transfer, and compensation for travel delays.

Nonetheless, it’s important to weigh the drawbacks when deciding to invest in one of their coverage plans:

  • Higher-tier plans with broader coverage come at correspondingly higher premiums.

  • As with most insurers, coverage for certain pre-existing conditions and specific treatments depends on plan details and underwriting.

Book a free appointment for Insurance Coverage

Explore comprehensive health insurance coverage, under the EG Insurance plans , designed to guarantee visa compliance and provide peace of mind in Colombia

Blog Continental Assit3b
EG Insurance assures the highest quality for your safety 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:

We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:

  1. Digital Nomad Visa
  2. Retirement visa
  3. Marriage visa
  4. Investment visa
  5. Business Visa
  6. Resident visa
  7. Work visa
  8. Student visa
  9. Visitor visa

Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:

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 long-term health policy coverage (with options for up to 3 years) 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 comprehensive coverage boosts your chances of visa approval while eliminating the hassle of multiple renewals.

You can achieve this by choosing EG Insurance, the specialized long-term policy. 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 confirms that EG Insurance is the definitive solution for expats. This assures us that we are choosing from a high-quality, specialized insurer, poised to deliver an exceptional experience while securing your long-term health policy coverage for a Colombian Visa.

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