Colombia now requires health insurance when applying for visas, and we look at inexpensive travel insurance meeting this health insurance requirement, updated for 2024.
Many Medellin Guru readers have asked about health insurance needed for visas. So, we partnered with ASSIST CARD who offers a relatively inexpensive travel insurance policy that meets the health insurance requirement for Colombian visas.
ASSIST CARD has a new insurance offering designed for new foreigners in Colombia applying for Colombian visas, which is a policy without an age restriction.
Below, you will find access to the OFFICIAL assistcard website, where you can quote and buy your insurance policy.
Get up to 25% OFF on Assist Card Plans
Click on the green button to get the insurance through the partnership with expatgroup.co
Travel Insurance Features
The insurance is provided by ASSIST CARD, a multinational company dedicated to the provision of international assistance services with worldwide health networks and healthcare providers.
ASSIST CARD has been SURA’s provider for over 50 years, offering the international coverage under SURA’s Private/Prepagada Insurance Plans.
The travel insurance provided by ASSIST CARD is confirmed to meet the requirements for international health insurance for Colombian visas and does not have an age limit.
The Travel Insurance from Assist Card has four standard plans and one plan for students:
ANNUAL PLAN AC 35
- Medical Assistance: USD 35,000
- Medical Prescription: USD 800
ANNUAL PLAN AC 60
- Medical Assistance: USD 60,000
- Medical Prescription: USD 1,000
- Loss of baggage: USD 1,200
ANNUAL PLAN AC 150
- Medical Assistance: USD 150,000
- Medical Prescription: USD 2.000
- Loss of baggage: USD 1.200
ANNUAL PLAN AC 250
- Medical Assistance: USD 250.000
- Medical Prescription: USD 2.500
- Loss of baggage: USD 1.200
STUDY PLAN
- Medical Assistance: USD 110,000
- Medical Prescription: USD 2.000
- Loss of baggage: USD 1.200
The following table shows some of the features of the AC60 plan from ASSIST CARD, with $60,000 USD in coverage:
Travel Insurance Costs
The cost of travel insurance can vary based on your specific requirements, such as age, coverage amount, and duration. For instance, for the AC60 policy offering $60,000 USD in coverage, prices range from $347 USD for 3 months to $950 USD for one year, with variations based on age.
For a one-year policy, individuals under 70 can expect to pay around $950 USD, while those aged 70 to 74 would pay approximately $1,425 USD, and individuals aged 75 or older would pay about $1,900 USD.
Alternatively, for a 3-month policy, costs range from $347 USD for those under 70, $520 USD for ages 70 to 74, to $693 USD for individuals aged 75 or older. These prices are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances and specific policy terms.
New ASSIST CARD Insurance Designed for Colombian Visas
ASSIST CARD now has a new insurance offering designed for new foreigners in Colombia applying for Colombian visas with the following features:
All Risk
Accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation.
Repatriation
Emergency repatriation in case of illness or death.
Coverage per event
Amounts covers for the maximum of each type of policy for each event.
Differences Between Travel Insurance and Comprehensive Health Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance in some countries won’t cover you when you travel to another country, which is why travel insurance is needed.
However, Colombia’s private health insurance (prepagada) can cover travel with ASSIST CARD. Travel insurance is included with SURA’s private health insurance (prepagada).
Travel insurance for healthcare coverage is limited to emergency treatments for acute symptoms and are aimed at assistance when sudden and unpredictable events occur with a clear, verifiable and acute disease has been diagnosed. Travel insurance is not meant for long-term medical procedures.
This travel insurance plan covers a series of events not only related to health, such as loss or delay of luggage, cancellation of travel, a lost passport, and many other events.
In comparison, private comprehensive health insurance in Colombia such as Plan Clasico at SURA covers unlimited hospitalization, surgeries, medical treatment for catastrophic illness, side effects from quimiotherapy, organ transplants, lower and upper body prosthetic, and unlimited doctor visits.
Also, with comprehensive, no referral needed to see a specialist, unlimited lab exams are permitted, there is no out-of-pocket deductible, includes access to the best hospitals in the country, urgent care in all hospitals, urgent care at home, and a private room in all hospitals.
Why Obtain Travel Insurance?
Colombia now requires an international health insurance policy to apply for new Colombian visas. And this travel insurance policy from ASSIST CARD meets the requirement. Note that visas are now generally granted for the insurance policy term.
Also, you can obtain private health insurance to meet the visa insurance requirement. Either travel insurance or private health insurance can meet the insurance requirement for Colombian visas.
After obtaining a travel insurance policy (or private health insurance), you can obtain a Colombian visa.
Please note that you must keep your insurance policy active for the entire validity of your visa. Otherwise, the visa may be canceled.
After you obtain a Colombian visa and cedula (Colombian ID), depending on your visa type, you can also obtain private health insurance or EPS Entidadas Promotoras de Salud, which is the public health insurance in Colombia.
Note that EPS can be difficult to enroll, and agents normally will not help enroll with EPS due to EPS not offering commissions. Also, EPS requires a cedula, and EPS cannot be used for travel. Private health insurance in Colombia can be obtained with a passport or cedula and used to travel.
If you plan to live in Colombia full-time and can afford it, private health insurance is recommended, as it offers private rooms in private hospitals, a huge network of providers, no need for authorizations for specialists, and diagnostics do not need authorization.
In addition, if you are a tourist, you can obtain this travel insurance for a shorter duration, and it will cover you while you are in Colombia or traveling in other parts of the world.
Features of the Medellin Guru Insurance Service
Medellin Guru partnered with an insurance agent to offer Colombian insurance services to foreigners including health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners’ insurance, travel insurance and life insurance. You can get any type of insurance in Colombia from this partnership.
Bilingual Assistance
English & Spanish speakers.
Online Quotes
Get immediate estimates.
Free Consultations
Get advice on your needs.
Business Partners
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Many Medellin Guru readers have obtained insurance in Colombia through our insurance agent partnership, including health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, and travel insurance.
With over ten years of experience, they design the plan that best fits your needs, allowing you to enjoy your life abroad.
Our insurance partnership is an affiliate relationship (like the Amazon affiliate program). If you use our Colombian insurance partner, Medellin Guru receives a small commission and you support this website. This is at no additional cost to you. The price remains the same whether you use a button or affiliate link on this website or not.
Get up to 25% OFF on Assist Card Plans
Click on the green button to get the insurance through the partnership with expatgroup.co
Why Comprehensive Insurance May Be Better Than Travel Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance plans offer extensive medical coverage surpassing typical travel insurance policies.
Surprisingly, the cost for the lowest tier of comprehensive health insurance can be comparable to or even lower than that of travel insurance. Notably, this comprehensive health insurance is accessible to foreigners with just a passport and can fulfill visa requirements.
The coverage includes hospitalization in all major private hospitals in Colombia with private room accommodation, unlimited diagnostic exams with no copay or pre-authorization necessary, unlimited doctor’s visits with no need for referrals to specialists, unlimited lab work, and coverage for organ transplants, including both donor and insured client.
Additionally, it encompasses prosthetics for both the lower and upper body, chemotherapy side effects, treatment for catastrophic illnesses, physical therapy, and visits to alternative medicine practitioners.
Moreover, it includes travel insurance through Assist Card for up to 90 days with a maximum coverage of US $50,000 for accidents or emergencies while traveling outside Colombia. Coverage extends to pregnancy, obstetrician visits, baby resonance, and automatic coverage for newborns.
There are no out-of-pocket deductibles under any circumstance, and the insurance includes emergency care at any of their hospitals, emergency at-home care, and 24/7 coverage for accidental or emergency dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance
Yes, the AC 35 and AC60 have no age limit, which means that can be acquired for people aged 75 or older. There is no age limit.
Yes, comprehensive health insurance can be obtained with just a passport and used for a visa. With comprehensive health insurance you will receive a contract (Policy), a payment receipt, Digital ID SURA Card and a letter from SURA for Migracion informing that the plan includes unlimited hospitalization and surgeries.
Yes, people from anywhere in the world can obtain this travel insurance.
You can use Colombian EPS insurance for renewals, but it is the discretion of the government to ask for more insurance guarantees. In some cases this has happened and in others it has not based on the experience of the visa agency we partnered with.
Yes, you need an international health insurance policy to apply for a visitor visa and some migrant visas, and the travel insurance in this article meets the requirement or comprehensive health insurance also meets the requirement.
Yes, but only on a very limited basis, limited to $300 USD for a $60,000 USD policy.
Yes, ASSIST CARD works with some of the best hospitals in Medellín including Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe and Clínica las Américas.
Also, ASSIST CARD is the partner of SURA, the largest insurance company in Colombia. In addition, our insurance agent recommends ASSIST CARD.
Medellin Guru's Visa Partnership
In addition to partnering with an insurance agent, Medellin Guru partnered with what we believe is the best visa agency in Medellín to offer Colombia visa services.
Successfully Approved Visas
Through this service we have helped
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.377 Medellin Guru reader
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
Also, we plan to publish additional articles about insurance and healthcare in Colombia over the next several months.
Medellin Guru's Comprehensive Visa and Passport Series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in mid-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?
- Colombia Visa FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Colombia Visas
- Travel Insurance: Meets the Health Insurance Requirement for Colombia Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the seven most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment 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 were updated in 2022 to ensure they are up-to-date and are being updated again in 2024. In addition, all visa articles on this website will be kept up-to-date as new details are disclosed.
The Bottom Line: Travel Insurance that Meets the Heath Insurance Requirement for Colombia Visas
Colombia now requires an international health insurance policy when applying for new Colombian visas. The insurance agent we partnered with offers a relatively inexpensive insurance policy from ASSIST CARD that meets this requirement.
In addition, this travel insurance policy is appropriate for tourists who are in Colombia or traveling to Colombia or other parts of the world for shorter durations.
Over 230 Medellin Guru readers have obtained insurance in Colombia through our insurance agent partnership, including health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, and travel insurance.
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31 thoughts on “Travel Insurance: Meets the Health Insurance Requirement for Colombia Visas – 2024 Update”
Hi
Im 67 male, im going for nomad visa, i had a bypass operation sept last year, every ok, but what will my premium for the min insurance i need for the visa.
Thanks
Rudi
Hello Rudi.
At Medellin Guru, we partner with the two best insurance companies. We invite you to quote with them, and they will give you specific instructions about your case. Here you can consult: https://medellinguru.com/get-insurance-in-colombia/
Great read, now following!
Jeff I am considering using your partner on renewala. I had an “M” visa the last 3 years expiring around Feb 21 this year. What visa do I need to apply for? Is it the same M visa. The online application I tried to complete from the US where I am now, did not ask for health insurance information, but asked for many other documents. What is the bottom line on requirements for renewal for me returning to Colombia after a 2 months absence? Thanks
Do I need to have travel/health insurance if I am arriving on a passport and using that as the “automatic” visa? That is, I am a US citizen arriving on a flight on the 14th of November, ie in a few days, am I REQUIRED to show proof of health insurance/travelers insurance?
Insurance is currently not needed for tourists.
Thank you Jeff for the prompt reply. FYI I’m informing the insurance agent you all partner with because she was not aware of this. I relayed all the information in my original post to her, and she was unsure she told me. I should let her know now because she’s just about gotten all of the paperwork done and was ready to collect payment from me! Thanks again, on all scores!
This is true even if I plan to stay in Colombia for three (3) months? Sorry to keep pestering I just want to make sure.
Yes, not currently required. There is a proposal to require insurance for tourists but only a proposal. But you may want insurance for peace of mind.
What if your travel health insurance specifically blocks Coronavirus coverage ?
The travel insurance in this articles includes coronavirus coverage. Click on the blue “Get Travel Insurance” button in the article and you can ask the insurance broker we partnered with questions.
Do they cover for covid?
Yes, includes coverage for COVID-19,
Thanks for the information. That’s great news.
I am still confused. I have an R Visa and my cedula. Do I need to now get the insurance now required? I plan on getting a health insurance plan when I am allowed to return to Medellin. Thanks Jeff
Insurance is required when applying for a visa. Not if already have a visa that you received before this new requirement.
What if you have already been legally in the country for 5 years, presently have a 3 year visa and a cedula but it expires and you qualify for the 5 year visa? Are you grandfathered in?
No, when you apply for a new visa even if you already have a visa you need to show you have insurance.
Can I get a quote for a short term policy. I will be in Canada for quite a few months. From there I might go to US for a couple of weeks and I might go to Japan for a couple of weeks at a different time. would the price be the same for anyone from any country or does it change depending where you live? I am a resident here and have EPS insurance yearly. I have a cedula also. I would want to speak with in English as I would not understand a Spanish conversation regarding this subject.
If you click on the blue button in the article it takes you to this page – https://expatgroup.co/english/news/health-insurance/, where you can get a quote online.
You provided an important service to all of us considering a permanent or temporary move to Medellin. Thank you!!
I’d like to hear the experience of travel insurance holders who have needed to use it.
– Ease of use
– Coverage issues
– Preexisting conditions
– Surprises?
Hi,
does this medical insurance cover UK passport holders/flying in from UK (to Cartagena)? I am guessing it is long term and covers pre-existing conditions? Although my focus is on Cartagena/Bolivar residentially, this is the only site that is providing this advice, so apologies if it is not Medellin-focused! My wife is from that area, hence so is our residence.
Yes, this travel insurance can cover people from any country.
I’m not clear on the V, visitor visa requirement. Must I have insurance if I fly into Medellin and get the typical 90 day visa ?
A visitor (V) visa is different than a 90 day tourist visa.
A tourist visa is a permit stamped in your passport and is not a formal visa that you need to apply for, see – https://medellinguru.com/tourist-visa/. No insurance is required for a tourist visa but you can still get a low cost policy for protection for a short duration as a tourist.
The visitor (V) visa is a formal visa that you have to apply for several purposes such as studying Spanish, medical treatments and other reasons – https://medellinguru.com/visitor-visa/
Jeff, very interesting information, thanks a lot. It begs a follow up question , though: What about tourists who don/t need a visa to visit (Canadians, most EU citizens)?
Thanks
Harry
Tourists from any country can also get this travel insurance policy to provide protection while traveling – you can get an inexpensive policy for a shorter duration.
Useful information.
Three questions:
1) I assume that the information is not relevant if one already has a Resident visa which did not require insurance. But will it become a requirement when the present visa is renewed?
2)Is this insurance available for persons over 70
3) If insurance will be required upon renewal, will it be sufficient to already have the basic EPS local insurance ?
Best to ask detailed questions to the visa agency we partnered with – click on this link – https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/ and there is a chat at the bottom right normally during business hours.
We will try to update the article tomorrow with answers to questions we get.
Your questions are now answered in the article. This travel insurance is available to age 85 and you can use EPS insurance for renewal of visas.