Expat Group: Visitors To Colombia Would Be Wise To Explore Travel Health Insurance Options. Here’s How

There is a lot of confusion right now regarding travel to and from Colombia during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Even the government seems confused with respect to whether travelers must arrive with a recent negative coronavirus test, but as important for the international traveler is to be prepared for any health eventualities during his or her travels, whether coronavirus related or otherwise.

Finance Colombia spoke with colleagues at Expat Group to obtain clarity regarding options available to travelers and visitors in order to protect their health, and ensure proper coverage. Now more than ever, it is critically important for travelers to be properly protected in the case of illness or injury. Expat Group explains how travelers can take an essential fundamental first step towards a prudent visit.

The Colombian government has reopened the country for tourism. Still, passengers are concerned. What would you recommend for visitors or those seeking to live in Colombia for a time?

For all those foreigners who wish to come to Colombia either for a temporary or permanent stay, even if a negative COVID test is not required at this time, the recommendation is that they acquire health insurance with international coverage, which is valid in Colombia and also allows them to obtain health care in case of COVID-19. It has become an indispensable requirement for applying and obtaining visas in the country.

What kind of insurance is available for foreigners coming to Colombia? Are there different options for those on short- and long-term stays?

Of course, insurance can be divided basically in two ways:

1. Duration of coverage: Here the person can decide if he or she wants a long term, daily, or multi-trip insurance, this will depend on the time the person is out of his or her country of residence and the number of trips the person will make during a given period.
2. Coverage value: Not all people have the same demands or needs, that is why we can offer travelers four different insurance coverages. We have “Global Coverage” of $15,000 USD, “Total Coverage” of $35,000 USD, “Maximus Coverage” of $60,000 USD and “Supreme Coverage” of $100,000 USD.

Each insurance policy is different and should be based on the specific conditions and requirements of each person. For that reason, it is advisable to get advice from a specialist who understands the coverages and can properly advise the policyholder. If travelers want to know prices and details of any of the international health insurance options that we currently have available, they can obtain a quote here.

What requirements do travelers need to purchase insurance for their stay? (Documents, etc.)

Any traveler who wishes to purchase international health insurance can easily do so by providing the following information:

– Copy of the main page of the passport

– Date of departure and return to country of origin or residence

– Personal and emergency contact information

It is important to keep in mind that the medical insurance coverage and associated costs will depend on the age of the traveler and the extra benefits he or she wishes to obtain in the policy.

Does having insurance influence the level of care that is available?

When a foreigner is in Colombia as a tourist and has an emergency or urgency during his or her stay in the country, it is much easier for him or her to receive timely medical attention if he or she has active health insurance. When a foreigner does not have health insurance coverage for Colombia, he or she will receive care if his or her physical integrity is at risk because the right to life prevails; however, care times may be slower, and the standards of care received may not be the highest.

People who purchase insurance in Colombia often hear terms like EPS, ARL, etc. Are these relevant to the expat or visitor? What do they mean?

The terms of EPS (Empresa Prestadora de Salud) and ARL (Sistema General de Riesgos Laborales), are terms that involve only Colombians and foreigners who are holders of a Colombian visa and a foreigner’s identity card. In fact, we have an article that talks about how foreigners residing in Colombia should contribute to the EPS. You can read more here. Otherwise, those foreigners who are in Colombia for short periods as tourists are not obliged to affiliate to the Colombian health or labor risk systems, for them, it will be enough to have international health insurance.

What is the best way for foreigners to purchase insurance for their visit or stay?

The best way is to do it online before arriving in Colombia, since this way from the moment they arrive in the country, they will be insured. Our insurance not only covers accidents and medical emergencies but also covers travel emergencies, like loss of luggage, delay or cancellation flights, etc.

In expatgroup.co we are specialists advising foreigners who visit or settle in Colombia. Within our portfolio we offer the services of visas, real estate, and travel insurance, among others, we help foreigners to make the best decision to travel or settle in Colombia.

You can contact us before planning your trip to Colombia to give you comprehensive advice.

WhatsApp: +57 350 2112552

Website: expatgroup.co

E-mail: [email protected]

Dirección: Av. El Poblado ##1 Sur-188 Oficina 808, Medellín, Antioquia

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