Colombia Forum

fecherklyn
Joined 2015
Posts: 1385

4 years ago

Prepada, is it worth it?

4 years ago

Is it worthwhile subscribing to a Medicina Prepagada (In addition to the basic EPS coverage) if you reside in Colombia? This subject comes up regularly but the new 2020 tariffs have just been issued and it gives us another opportunity to review the subject.

What will I pay in 2020?

At 77 years of age my Prepagada tariff with Colsanitas will be COP 919,000 per month IF I DECIDE TO RENEW IT.

Colsanitas have generously allowed me a COP 10,000 discount on the above tariff IF I SIMULTANEOUSLY USE THEIR SANITAS EPS coverage.

Then the net monthly cotisation (COP 909,000) will be subject to Iva @ 5% = Cop 45,450 per month.

Thus total Prepagada per month is COP 954,450.

On top of this I also pay the basic EPS cotisation, which in my case is a multiple (I will keep this multiple to myself), of the rate charged for persons on an income no greater than the Monthly Minimum salario…….which all added together makes a significant packet!!!

So, why do I pay this? Basically because my family unit is elderly and our need for medical attention is getting greater, not less.

But the logic gets muddy when one takes into account WHAT the Prepagada is prepared to pay for. Have you heard of “Pre-existing Medical Conditions” In summary, any medical condition you had AT THE MOMENT YOU SIGNED YOUR PREPAGada CONTRACT WILL NOT BE COVERED!!! Accordingly, it will always be best to take the Prepagada at a moment in time when the heavy medical cost ailments have not yet appeared. For instance, I had a stent last year, and Cataract surgery this month WHICH WERE COVERED BY COLSANITAS because they did not figure as “Pre-Existing when I originally signed the contract some years ago.

I will stop there because for those of you who are not aware of the issue, that was already enough to digest.

Just for info, my cataract surgery, both eyes, with I understand the best optical surgeon in Medellin cost COP 5,000,000 which was well beneath what it would have cost in the USA, or Europe.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Additional Information:

Visit our Colombia Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.