Do I need health insurance in Colombia as a digital nomad?
Yes, you need health insurance in Colombia as a digital nomad, especially if you’re applying for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, which requires proof of private medical coverage. Even if you’re just visiting, insurance is strongly recommended. Private hospitals expect upfront payment, and without coverage, costs can quickly climb.
- Visa requirement: Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of valid private health insurance when you apply. Your application will be rejected without insurance.
- High medical costs: A doctor visit at a private clinic can cost $40-80, while hospital stays or emergency procedures may run into thousands of dollars.
- Upfront payment: Foreigners without insurance are usually asked to pay cash or card before treatment. Insurers offering direct billing can save you that stress.
- Local health risks: Altitude sickness in Bogotá (2,600m), dengue fever in tropical areas, motorbike and traffic accidents, as well as foodborne illnesses are common risks.
- Language barrier: Outside international clinics, Spanish is essential. Insurance with 24/7 English-speaking support helps you navigate Colombia’s medical system.
- Evacuation reality: For rare but severe cases, medical evacuation to the U.S. or a regional hub (e.g., Panama, Mexico) may be required. Coverage ensures this doesn’t become a financial shock.
💡 In short: No matter if for visa approval or as your financial safety net, having insurance in Colombia is essential to avoid large bills and ensure smooth access to private healthcare.
Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance: Which one do I need for Colombia?
You’ll typically need digital nomad insurance in Colombia if you’re staying more than a few weeks, working remotely, or applying for the Digital Nomad Visa. Standard travel insurance usually won’t cover longer stays or provide the documentation required for visas.
- Duration of coverage:
- Travel insurance: Usually limited to short trips (30–60 days with a fixed return date).
- Digital nomad insurance: Flexible monthly or annual plans, renewable while abroad.
- Visa documentation:
- Travel insurance: Rarely provides the official certificates Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa requires.
- Digital nomad insurance: Can issue properly formatted certificates for migration offices.
- Purchase timing:
- Travel insurance: Usually must be bought before leaving your home country and often requires a fixed return date.
- Digital nomad insurance: Can be purchased or extended while already in Colombia.
- Work coverage:
- Travel insurance: Often excludes remote work or professional activities.
- Digital nomad insurance: Designed for freelancers and remote employees.
- Activities & lifestyle:
- Travel insurance: Often excludes adventure sports like diving, paragliding, or trekking.
- Digital nomad insurance: Covers many activities by default or via add-ons, making it a better fit for Colombia’s outdoor adventures.
👉 Need the full breakdown? Read our detailed guide: Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance: what you really need.
Genki is the stronger choice if you’re applying for Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa or staying several months. It’s a health-first insurance plan with a high medical cap, low deductible, and official documentation that supports visa applications.
Key features of Genki in Colombia
- Monthly price: From €52.50 (~$58/month).
- Coverage limit: Up to €1,000,000 annually (~$1.1M).
- Deductible: €50 per claim (waived for inpatient stays).
- Waiting period: 14 days for non-emergencies (waived for emergencies or if you had prior coverage).
- Sports & activities covered by default:
- Trekking up to 4,000m (fits Colombia’s Andes treks, e.g., Ciudad Perdida)
- Surfing (unless big-wave) & recreational diving up to 30m (ideal for San Andrés or Taganga)
- Paragliding (popular in San Gil)
- Martial arts training (non-professional)
- On-piste skiing/snowboarding (not common in Colombia, but included)
- Home-country coverage: Up to 6 weeks if you’ve been abroad at least 4 weeks.
- Support services: 24/7 English-language assistance and direct billing for inpatient stays at select private hospitals.
Unique benefits for Colombia
- Visa compliance: Meets the Digital Nomad Visa requirement for private health insurance (Genki can issue official certificates formatted for Colombian migration offices).
- Peace of mind for diverse climates: Coverage applies no matter if you’re at Bogotá’s high altitude (2,600m), in Medellín’s “eternal spring,” or on the tropical Caribbean coast.
- Direct billing advantage: For inpatient care at some private hospitals, Genki can arrange direct settlement so you don’t need to pay large sums upfront.
Limitations to be aware of
- Excludes pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- No coverage for preventive care, mental health, or maternity.
- Dental is accident-only (up to €1,000).
- Alternative medicine (acupuncture, chiropractic, etc.) is not covered.
✅ Best for: Digital nomads applying for Colombia’s visa, staying more than 3 months, or anyone who wants strong health coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
SafetyWing is ideal if you’re exploring Colombia on a budget or using it as a base to travel across Latin America. While its medical cap is lower than Genki’s, SafetyWing includes travel extras like lost luggage and trip interruption that Genki doesn’t cover.
Key features of SafetyWing in Colombia
- Monthly price: From $56 per 4 weeks (~$60/month) for ages 18–39 (higher for older travelers).
- Coverage limit: $250,000 per policy period.
- Deductible: $250 per incident (applies to both outpatient and inpatient care).
- Policy length: Flexible 5-364 day terms, auto-renewable until age 70.
- Home-country coverage: Up to 30 days every 90 days (15 days for U.S. citizens).
- Travel extras included:
- Lost luggage (up to $3,000 per policy, $500/item, $6,000 lifetime)
- Trip interruption coverage
- Liability protection
- Civil unrest evacuation
- Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
- Sports coverage: Many activities included by default; the Adventure Sports upgrade covers higher-risk activities like paragliding or advanced diving.
- Add-ons available: Electronics protection, U.S. coverage, and extra sports protection.
Unique benefits for Colombia
- Regional flexibility: Perfect if you’re traveling around Latin America. Trips to Panama, Ecuador, or Peru remain covered under the same plan.
- Budget-friendly fit: At ~$60/month with travel perks included, it pairs well with Colombia’s relatively low living costs, helping nomads stretch their budget further.
- Travel + health in one plan: Includes both medical coverage and extras like baggage or liability, which is useful in busy cities like Bogotá or Medellín.
- Automatic renewals: Keeps you continuously covered without needing to reapply, even if you extend your stay.
Limitations to be aware of
- Lower medical cap ($250k vs. Genki’s €1M).
- Higher deductible ($250 vs. Genki’s €50).
- No coverage for routine check-ups, preventive care, or most chronic conditions.
- Cancer treatment not included in the standard plan.
- Direct billing is less common. Expect to pay upfront and claim later.
✅ Best for: Nomads traveling on a budget, those using Colombia as a hub for Latin American travel, or anyone who values extras like lost luggage and trip interruption.
Genki vs SafetyWing: Which insurance is better for Colombia?
The main difference is that Genki focuses on high-limit health insurance built for visa compliance, while SafetyWing combines health + travel extras that appeal to budget-conscious nomads exploring Latin America.
Visa compliance for Colombia’s digital nomad insurance
✅ Genki can issue official certificates and provides higher limits that align with the Digital Nomad Visa requirement.
❌ SafetyWing may not always meet Colombia’s visa standards, but can still be a great choice for nomads traveling through Colombia and who arenot applying for the visa.
Medical coverage limits of digital nomad insurance providers
✅ Genki covers up to €1,000,000 annually (~$1.1M).
❌ SafetyWing is capped at $250,000 per policy period.
Deductible for Genki and SafetyWing
✅ Genki charges only €50 per claim (waived for inpatient stays).
❌ SafetyWing has a $250 deductible per incident, even for small treatments.
Travel extras with your insurance
❌ Genki is health-only.
✅ SafetyWing adds lost luggage, liability, trip interruption, and civil unrest evacuation.
Sports & adventure coverage in Colombia
✅ Genki covers trekking up to 4,000m, surfing, recreational diving up to 30m, paragliding, and more by default.
❌ SafetyWing requires an Adventure Sports add-on for many of these activities.
Hospital access in Colombia
✅ Genki can arrange direct billing for inpatient care at select private hospitals.
❌ SafetyWing usually requires you to pay upfront and claim later.
👉 Choose Genki if you’re applying for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, staying 3+ months, or want stronger medical protection with lower out-of-pocket costs.
👉 Choose SafetyWing if you want a flexible plan with travel extras, and plan to use Colombia as a base for regional exploration.
What’s important when choosing insurance for Colombia?
The most important factors when choosing insurance for Colombia are visa compliance, private healthcare access, and support for the country’s unique risks. Costs can rise quickly, and Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa requires specific documentation.
- Visa documentation: Your insurer must provide official proof of coverage that meets Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa requirements. Some providers specialize in issuing migration-ready certificates.
- Private hospital access: Most nomads use private clinics and hospitals in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena. These often require upfront payment unless your plan supports direct billing.
- Deductible size: The deductible is the amount you pay yourself before your insurance starts covering the rest. A higher deductible keeps monthly costs low but can get expensive if you need multiple smaller treatments.
- Altitude & climate risks: Bogotá sits at 2,600m, where altitude sickness is common. Coastal regions pose tropical risks like dengue. Your policy should cover both.
- Adventure sports: Colombia is known for trekking (Ciudad Perdida), diving (San Andrés), and paragliding (San Gil). Some policies include these by default, others require add-ons.
- Natural disaster coverage: Colombia is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and flooding. Make sure your insurance explicitly includes these.
- Regional coverage: Many nomads use Colombia as a base to explore Latin America. Look for plans that include neighboring countries without extra paperwork.
- Language support: 24/7 English assistance is essential, as Spanish is the norm in clinics and hospitals.
💡 Tip: If you’re applying for the visa, prioritize insurers that can issue certificates that Colombian migration authorities accept. If you’re mainly traveling to different countries in the area, flexibility and travel extras may matter more.
Do expats in Colombia need health insurance?
Yes, expats in Colombia need health insurance because living long-term comes with different healthcare needs than short-term nomad stays. While digital nomad insurance works well for visa approval or emergencies, expats often need ongoing access to Colombia’s healthcare system, including routine care, prescriptions, and chronic condition management.
- Public healthcare (EPS): Residents with long-term visas can enroll in the government system known as EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud). It’s affordable and widely used, but wait times can be long, English is rarely spoken, and not all treatments are included.
- Private international coverage: Many expats combine EPS with an international policy for faster access, higher coverage limits, and English-language support. This is especially useful in smaller cities where clinics may require upfront payment.
- Hospital choice: Colombia has excellent private hospitals in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Some can work with international insurers for direct billing, though many still expect you to pay first and claim later.
- Routine and preventive care: Expat-focused plans often cover more than emergencies, including check-ups, maternity, and dental. These benefits are usually not included in basic insurance plans.
- Emergency evacuation: In rare severe cases, treatment abroad may be necessary. A plan with evacuation coverage ensures you’re not left with large unexpected costs.
- Best fit: If you’re staying longer than six months, basic nomad insurance may not be enough.Expats often benefit from a comprehensive expat health insurance plan in Colombia that balances everyday medical care with protection against major costs.
💡 Bottom line: Expats in Colombia should look beyond emergency-only coverage and consider premium insurance plans, such as Genki Native or SafetyWing Complete, that support routine healthcare as well as serious medical situations.
Final recommendation: What is the best insurance for digital nomads in Colombia?
The best insurance for digital nomads in Colombia depends on whether you need visa-ready health coverage or flexible travel + health protection.
- Choose Genki if you’re applying for Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa, staying longer than 3 months, or want strong health coverage with low out-of-pocket costs and official visa documentation.
- Choose SafetyWing if you prefer a flexible plan that combines health and travel extras, and plan to use Colombia as a starting point for exploring Latin America.
Both options are trusted by digital nomads worldwide, allow easy online sign-up, and give peace of mind in Colombia where private healthcare is excellent but can be costly without coverage.
