Colombia Expat Forum

Hinge
Joined 2016
Posts: 32

7 years ago

Medical services in Colombia-my experiences

7 years ago

Sometimes I’m asked about medical services and such here is Colombia. Here is a list of the first three experiences I have had.

1st Experience: No insurance, go to walk in clinic, within 5 minutes, I see the Dr. – exam – shot 80k COP

Got SURA Private with ER through GF’s policy using passport - Me – late 50’s, no issues or concerns during insurance physical and lab work – all good

2nd Experience: With insurance, Made appointment with Orthopedic foot specialist – exam – co-pay 27k COP

Was told I needed EPS to cover any out-of-country medical cost (up to 3 months at a time). And needed a visa (other than tourist) to add EPS. I had gotten a visa – got EPS

Cost per month (SURA EPS and SURA Private with ER) appx 500k COP per month

3rd Experience: With insurance

Monday – called and made appointment with Orthopedic specialist for shoulder

Tuesday – saw Dr (speaks excellent English). He ordered MRI of shoulder. Told Dr, I needed a pill to get into the tube. He ordered procedural sedation -requires an anesthesiologist

Dr said once we had the MRI results in hand - call him – do not make an appointment

Friday -Saw anesthesiologist.

Wednesday - Had MRI.

Saturday – Picked up results, sent copy of report to Dr. He said come in Monday.

Monday – Dr explained issue and fix (surgical procedure)- I agreed. He asked when I wanted to do it. I asked what days of week he does surgeries – he said tell me what day you want to do it.

Scheduled date. Had procedure done. Started physical therapy.

Cost - initial office visit co-pay of 27k COP. During surgical procedure some item for 8k COP was used (not covered by insurance). Other out of pocket costs – meds apprx 130k COP. Do have a co-pay for PT – 12k COP

Quality of customer service - excellent. On time appointments, speed through the processes, etc, much better than my experiences with US medicine with insurance. The quality of the services provided have been excellent. Doctors treat you like a human instead of a beach house payment, spends lots of time with you, well trained medical staff, modern medical equipment, etc. Cost with insurance – excellent. My out-of-pocket expenses for the 3rd experience about 285k COP (~95.00 USD).

Your insurance coverage / cost may be different than mine (I’ve read the debates). You may or may not be required to have EPS (I’ve read those arguments also). Your experience may be different than mine (yep – read them too).

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