With the entry of Resolution 5477 of 2022, the requirements for Colombian visa applications, especially health-related ones, have become stricter. Foreigners applying for visitor visas (V) and some Migrant visas (M) must present comprehensive health insurance that meets the requirements of Article 34, Numeral 2.
While the Colombian health system (EPS) is available to foreigners once they obtain a visa, it does not meet the requirements for health coverage necessary for visa application and maintenance. Consequently, reliance on EPS could lead to inadmissibility or visa denial.
What are Health Promotion Companies (EPS)?
Health Promotion Enterprises (EPS) is an entity responsible for providing health services in Colombia. These entities operate under the regulation of Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS), and they have the task of enrolling individuals and families, providing them access to a wide range of medical services and healthcare.
The role of the EPS is not limited to mere enrollment; these entities are pivotal in managing and coordinating comprehensive health services for their members. They expertly handle the assignment of doctors and specialists, the authorization of tests and procedures, and the provision of medications and treatments. Additionally, they play a vital role in health promotion and disease prevention through impactful education programs and awareness campaigns.
Why is the EPS not valid for applying for a visa in Colombia?
Resolution 5477 of 2022 clearly establishes that Business Visas (V) and Retirement Visas (M) do not permit affiliation with the Social Security System. As a result, holders of these visas cannot utilize EPS as their health insurance. Furthermore, even in cases where affiliation is technically possible, it is consistently denied as a requirement for the mandatory medical coverage necessary to obtain a Colombian visa, as in Digital Nomad visa applications.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) mandates that health insurance policies submitted must align with the resolution’s established requirements. While many applicants attempt to use affiliations with Colombian EPS as proof of medical coverage, it is important to note that these applications frequently face rejection or denial. This is because EPS does not satisfy the complete coverage criteria set forth by law for Colombian visa applications.
Applicants need to secure health insurance that fully complies with the legal standards to ensure successful processing of their applications.
What must a health insurance policy include to apply for a visa in Colombia?
To successfully obtain a visa in Colombia, having the accurate health insurance is non-negotiable. It is essential that this insurance be international and tailored to meet the medical needs of foreigners in the country. This necessity arises from the fact that the Colombian health system and its EPS (Health Promotion Entities) are primarily structured for residents or individuals with formal ties to Colombia, such as employees or regular students. Consequently, these systems often fail to provide adequate coverage for foreigners lacking official residency status.
In light of this, Resolution 5477 of 2022 outlines specific requirements that health policies must fulfill to ensure appropriate protection:
Repatriation Coverage
This is a key aspect that EPS in Colombia do not standardly cover. Repatriation is typically linked to international or private insurance rather than regular health services.
Death Coverage
In the context of visa requirements for Colombia, death coverage clearly refers to life insurance that compensates designated beneficiaries if the insured passes away during their stay in the country. While Colombian EPS offers coverage for death resulting from accidents or illness, it does not provide the same level of protection and in this case, compensation as private life insurance. As such, EPS policies fall short of meeting the death coverage requirements stipulated by international insurance policies, which deliver direct payments to beneficiaries and offer additional essential coverages.
Wolrdwide Coverage:
In Colombia, the EPS system offers coverage exclusively for care within the country’s borders, lacking the necessary provisions for adequate international protection. This becomes particularly critical for individuals who are temporarily in Colombia or who have not yet secured permanent residency.
Furthermore, visa application requirements stipulate specific health insurance coverage, including essential global coverage, which is not met simply by enrolling in an EPS. This limitation highlights the need for comprehensive health insurance solutions that truly cater to the diverse needs of expats and temporary residents.
Addressing these issues is crucial to avoid visa denial and find suitable international health insurance that meets visa requirements.
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
In recent months, we have observed a significant rise in the additional requirements our clients face when applying for visas, particularly regarding pre-existing health conditions.
Pre-existing conditions refer to any health issues, injuries, or chronic ailments that have been diagnosed or treated prior to submitting your application for a Colombian visa. This encompasses a range of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other health concerns that demand ongoing care, regular check-ups, medications, or medical interventions. It is crucial to provide comprehensive and accurate information about these conditions when applying for your visa. Failing to disclose complete and truthful information can lead to increased scrutiny, delays, or even the denial of your visa application.
By submitting detailed information about your health, you enable the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to properly evaluate whether your health insurance fulfills the essential coverage requirements, including treatment for your specific condition and routine medical care. This transparency not only facilitates a smoother application process but also safeguards your health and wellbeing during your stay in Colombia.
Maternity Coverage
If relevant (for example, if the applicant is a woman and is pregnant or planning to have a baby), the policy must include coverage for prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care.
Disability Coverage
The resolution requests that the policy cover permanent or temporary disabilities due to accident or illness. This includes coverage for partial or total disability.
Duration of the Health Policy
To ensure applicants have access to medical care in Colombia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires proof of comprehensive medical coverage as part of the visa application. This includes a valid insurance policy or health plan that covers the applicant for at least one year.
Applicants are required to disenroll from the Colombian Social Security System (EPS) as part of the visa application process. This stipulation emphasizes the necessity for each visa applicant to possess private and independent health insurance throughout their stay in Colombia. By doing so, they ensure that they are not dependent on the public health system, safeguarding their health needs with comprehensive coverage tailored to their individual requirements. This approach not only enhances their peace of mind but also aligns with the regulations set forth by the Colombian authorities.
Can foreign retirees enroll in the EPS in Colombia?
Affiliation with an international health insurance policy that is valid for no less than one year is now the only type of health coverage accepted for visa applications since, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a foreigner can’t be affiliated with the Colombian Social Security System or the EPS.
In response to the ongoing requests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the immediate disaffiliation from the Colombian Social Security System, as well as the requirement to provide proof of medical coverage through an insurance policy valid for at least one year, we at expatgroup.co want to underscore the importance of adhering to these directives outlined in Resolution 5477. We are committed to helping you understand that fulfilling these requirements is essential to ensure that your visa application proceeds smoothly and without complications.
Viability
Resolution 5477 of 2022 regulates the procedures for visa applications and establishes the requirements for foreigners wishing to enter Colombia. However, regarding health insurance, the resolution states that, for a visa application, the applicant must have health insurance during their stay in Colombia, but it does not specify that it necessarily must be provided by a Colombian EPS.
As the Resolution states, individuals applying for the Retirement Visa and Business Visa cannot enroll in health insurance. Similarly, those applying for the Digital Nomad Visa and any type V visa are now facing the restriction of not being allowed to enroll in the Health System, which necessitates obtaining a health policy as being required.
What health insurance would be ideal for a visa application?
In our extensive experience handling nearly 3,000 visa applications, we consistently advise our clients to secure international health insurance. While many applicants are covered by the Colombian Social Security System through an EPS, we have seen that opting for the right insurance policy significantly enhances their chances of visa approval. Among the myriad of options available, one of our top recommendations for health insurance essential for a visa in Colombia is Assist Card. Their coverage provides peace of mind and meets the specific requirements of the visa process, making them an outstanding choice for applicants.
Assist Card is the leading provider of insurance policies globally, offering the best and most comprehensive medical coverage, which also meets all visa requirements. With them, we have successfully obtained 338 Digital Nomad Visas, 131 Retirement Visas, 101 Tourist Visas, 74 Student Visas, and 59 visas of other categories that have been approved under our guidance and were enhanced by the benefits and features that Assist Card offers.
Get a 10% OFF with Assist Card Health Insurance
Why choose Assist Card as health insurance for my Colombian visa?
The Assist Card policies are ideal for hassle-free visa processing due to their support from the Colombian government and international health insurance coverage. With features such as their own assistance centers, repatriation in case of emergency or death, coverage for lost or canceled flights, trains, or cruises, plans designed for every age group, coverage for pre-existing conditions, worldwide medical assistance and prescription services, and an enhanced customer experience through mobile apps and WhatsApp services, Assist Card ensures a quick response to travelers’ needs and demonstrates its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction by providing all these benefits:
Find out about your perfect Assist Card plan
ANNUAL PLAN AC 150
RECOMMENDED
- Medical Assistance USD 150,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 500
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Sport Practice USD 10,000
- Repatriation USD 100,000
- age limit 80 years old
ANNUAL PLAN AC 60
MOST POPULAR
- Medical Assistance USD 60,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 300
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Repatriation Included
- No age limit
Get the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Online
The Colombia Digital nomad visa is for those who provide remote work or telecommuting services from Colombia through digital media and the internet, exclusively for foreign companies, as an independent or labor linked, or to start a digital content or information technology venture of interest to the country.
expatgroup.co, Assist Card’s official partner for Colombian visas, offers a 20% discount when you purchase the Assist Card insurance to apply for your Colombia Digital Nomad Visa.
ANNUAL PLAN AC 250
BEST
- Medical Assistance USD 250,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 500
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Sport Practice USD 10,000
- Repatriation USD 100,000
- age limit 75 years old
ANNUAL PLAN AC 150
RECOMMENDED
- Medical Assistance USD 150,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 500
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Sport Practice USD 10,000
- Repatriation USD 100,000
- age limit 80 years old
Get the Colombia Retirement Visa Online
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants the Colombia Retirement Visa for up to 3 years, to foreigners with a constant monthly income derived from a pension granted by a state or a private pension fund. This visa can accumulate time for the Resident Visa.
expatgroup.co, Assist Card’s official partner for Colombian visas, offers a 20% discount when you purchase the Assist Card insurance to apply for your Colombia Retirement Visa.
ANNUAL PLAN AC 150
RECOMMENDED
- Medical Assistance USD 150,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 500
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Sport Practice USD 10,000
- Repatriation USD 100,000
- age limit 80 years old
ANNUAL PLAN AC 35
- Medical Assistance USD 35,000
- Repatriation Included
- No age limit
Get the Colombia Tourist Visa Online
The Colombia Tourist Visa is a type of visa granted to foreigners who wish to visit the national territory for purposes of leisure, tourism or cultural interest; which do not have free entry to the country as tourists presenting their passport.
expatgroup.co, Assist Card’s official partner for Colombian visas, offers a 20% discount when you purchase the Assist Card insurance to apply for your Colombia Tourist Visa.
STUDY PLAN
- Medical Assistance USD 110,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 1,000
- Emergency Dental USD 700
- Sport Practice USD 10,000
- Repatriation USD 100,000
- Telephone psychological counseling
- Age between 12 and 45 years old
Get the Colombia Student Visa Online
The Colombia Student Visa is for face-to-face, virtual or distance studies in art or trade, preschool, primary, primary, secondary, middle school, education for work and human development, and higher education; or for student internships, and academic exchange by agreement between higher education institutions.
expatgroup.co, Assist Card’s official partner for Colombian visas, offers a 20% discount when you purchase the Assist Card insurance to apply for your Colombia Student Visa.
ANNUAL PLAN AC 250
BEST
- Medical Assistance USD 250,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 500
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Sport Practice USD 10,000
- Repatriation USD 100,000
- age limit 75 years old
ANNUAL PLAN AC 150
RECOMMENDED
- Medical Assistance USD 150,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 500
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Sport Practice USD 10,000
- Repatriation USD 100,000
- age limit 80 years old
ANNUAL PLAN AC 60
MOST POPULAR
- Medical Assistance USD 60,000
- Assistance pre-existing illness USD 300
- Emergency Dental USD 500
- Repatriation Included
- No age limit
ANNUAL PLAN AC 35
- Medical Assistance USD 35,000
- Repatriation Included
- No age limit
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To sum up
Foreigners must provide international medical insurance that complies with the standards set forth in Resolution 5477 of 2022 to successfully apply for a Colombian visa. It’s important to note that Colombian EPS (Health Promotion Entities) do not qualify as valid health coverage for these applications due to their inadequate coverage. Securing a comprehensive health policy from reputable international providers, such as Assist Card, is essential for a seamless visa approval process. Prioritizing the right insurance can make all the difference in navigating the visa application journey.
Frequently asked questions about health insurance for the Colombian Visa
Yes, medical insurance for a Colombian visa is a mandatory requirement for any Colombian visa application. The coverage must meet the requirements established by Resolution 5477 of 2022, which are not provided by Colombian EPS.
The Colombian EPS are not valid as medical insurance for a Colombian visa, as they do not meet the specific requirements established in Resolution 5477 of 2022. These policies do not offer international coverage, repatriation, or other necessary services for foreigners without permanent residency in Colombia.
Medical insurance for a Colombian visa must offer international coverage, medical repatriation, and death benefits and be valid for at least one year. Additionally, it must cover pre-existing conditions and other aspects such as maternity, disability, and pre-existing medical conditions, as required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The best health insurance for a Colombian visa must be international and meet all legal requirements. Assist Card is one of the best options, as it offers global coverage, medical assistance, repatriation, and other benefits that fulfill the conditions for obtaining the Colombian visa.
If you do not present adequate health insurance for a Colombian visa, your application may be rejected or denied. It is crucial to have an international policy that covers all medical needs and complies with the legal requirements of Resolution 5477 of 2022.
Medical insurance for Colombian visas must be valid for at least one year to ensure coverage for the applicant throughout their stay in the country. Additionally, it must meet all coverage requirements established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A health insurance policy for a Colombian visa must include: coverage for repatriation, coverage in case of death, coverage for pre-existing conditions, maternity, disability, and general medical care during the stay in Colombia. Additionally, it must offer international coverage, as Colombian EPS do not provide it.
Any type of Colombian visa, without exception, requires mandatory international health insurance. In this case, those that involve a long stay, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Retirement Visa, and some Migrant Visas, have been emphasized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to include international health insurance as part of the application requirements.
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