🏥 Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in Colombia: What Are the Options?

Moving to Colombia as a digital nomad? Whether you’re applying for a visa or prioritizing your well-being, navigating health insurance can be a challenge. Here's a clear, updated guide to help you choose wisely. 

📋 Visa Requirement: Health Insurance Is Non-Negotiable 

To qualify for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, you must provide health insurance covering Colombia, including emergency evacuation or repatriation nexo.legal+15rippling.com+15reddit.com+15. Many providers offer 2-year policies to align with visa validity srislawyer.com+1reddit.com+1. 

🏥 Public vs. Private vs. International Insurance 

1. Colombia’s Public System (EPS) 

• Expatriates with residency (Cedula) can opt into EPS, contributing ~12.5% of income srislawyer.com+7internationalinsurance.com+7expatexchange.com+7. 

• Pros: low cost and access to public clinics and hospitals. 

• Cons: long wait times, limited multilingual support—private care usually preferred. 

2. Private Colombian Insurers 

• Providers like Sura, Colsanitas EPS (Medicina Prepagada), and Coomeva EPS offer faster services and better facilities 

• nomadsembassy.com+6internationalinsurance.com+6axaglobalhealthcare.com+6rippling.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3expatgroup.co+3. 

• These are ideal for nomads staying over one year with residency. 

3. International / Digital Nomad Plans 

• Designed for short- to mid-term stays and flexible coverage worldwide. Top plans include expatgroup.co+15outofyourcomfortzone.net+15srislawyer.com+15: 

• Genki – month-to-month coverage, easy online signup, proven for visa medellin-tours.com+2genki.world+2reddit.com+2. 

• SafetyWing, Diplomat, GeoBlue, IMG, Cigna Global, AXA, Bupa, Allianz, William Russell, VUMI, David Shield  nomadsembassy.com+2pacificprime.com+2internationalinsurance.com+2. 

• Features: emergency treatment, evacuation, telehealth, routine care add-ons, flexible terms axaglobalhealthcare.com+4nomadsembassy.com+4travlfi.com+4. 

💸 Cost Comparison 

Type	Coverage Period	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes
Public EPS	>12 months	~12.5% income (e.g. COP 300k–600k)	Low-cost access to public healthcare
Private Colombian Insurer	6+ months	USD 50–150	Better amenities, faster service
Genki / Digital Nomad Plans	Month-to-month	USD 60–150	Visa friendly, global coverage
International Expat Plans	6–12 months	USD 100–300+	Premium coverage, global network

🔧 Choosing What’s Right for You 

Short-Term Stay (<6 months): 

• Opt for Genki, SafetyWing, or similar—flexible, visa-compatible, and easy to cancel. 

Medium-Term Stay (6–12 months): 

• Consider blending: start with a global plan, then switch to private Colombian insurance post-visa. 

Long-Term / Residency (>1 year): 

• Public EPS or private local plans offer more cost-effective coverage once settled with a Cedula. 

🛡️ Must-Have Coverage Features 

• Coverage valid in Colombia 

• Emergency care and hospitalization 

• Evacuation and repatriation 

• Visa/immigration certification 

• Optional: telehealth, dentistry, routine check-ups, mental health 

💬 Real Nomad Insights

Reddit users often recommend Genki for its smooth process: 

“I used Genki… you pay month to month, but get a certificate … for two years.” pacificprime.com+7srislawyer.com+7nomadsembassy.com+7pacificprime.com+6internationalinsurance.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6medellinguru.com+7nomadsembassy.com+7internationalinsurance.com+7outofyourcomfortzone.net+10expatgroup.co+10en.wikipedia.org+10pacificprime.com+11reddit.com+11medellin-tours.com+11expatexchange.com+6rippling.com+6medellinguru.com+6genki.world+1nomadsembassy.com+1expatexchange.com+1nomadsembassy.com+1pacificprime.com+2axaglobalhealthcare.com+2medellinguru.com+2travlfi.com+2pacificprime.com+2medellinguru.com+2 

✅ Final Tips

1. Check visa requirements—ensure policy explicitly covers Colombia and evacuation. 

2. Balance price vs. care—international plans offer flexibility, local ones are cheaper long-term. 

3. Verify provider acceptance—some clinics don’t take global insurance directly. 

4. Buy before arrival—you need it when applying for your visa. 

🏡 Nomadic House Care Tip 

At Nomadic House, we help you: 

• Understand visa-friendly insurance options 

• Connect with trusted brokers or pre-approved plans 

• Choose the most cost-effective and reliable coverage 

Need help with your insurance setup? Contact us or visit www.nomadichouse.co for guidance. 

Health insurance doesn't have to be confusing—armed with the right info, you can stay safe, compliant, and healthy in beautiful Colombia.