Cartago has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Colombian Health System (Sistema de Salud Colombiano). It is available to all Colombian citizens and foreigners, although it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery.
Colombia’s Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Colombia is available to all citizens and foreigners, although it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. Public hospitals in Cartago are often overcrowded and understaffed, and the quality of care can be inconsistent. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Colombia, but most opt to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Cartago are generally well-equipped and offer a higher quality of care than public hospitals. Expats typically use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are more reliable and offer a higher quality of care.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Cartago
- Clinica San Rafael: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
- Clinica San Vicente: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
- Clinica Santa Maria: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
- Clinica San Jose: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
- Clinica San Juan: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
- Clinica San Lucas: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
- Clinica San Pablo: Private hospital located in the center of Cartago.
If there are few or no hospitals in Cartago, expats in Cartago often go to hospitals in nearby cities such as Medellin, which is approximately two hours away by car.
Emergency Services in Cartago
Cartago has ambulance services, which can be called by dialing 123. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency.
Health Insurance Companies in Cartago
The most popular private health insurers in Cartago are Sura, Colseguros, and Seguros Bolivar. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although there are also specialized expat health insurance providers available.
Insider Tips from Expats in Cartago: Health Care
“I’ve been living in Cartago for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here. In fact, you’ll probably find that your money goes a lot further than you might expect. There are some sacrifices you’ll have to make, but overall, I think you’ll find that the quality of life is quite good.One of the first things you’ll need to consider is where you want to live. There are some more expensive neighborhoods in Cartago, like El Prado and Ciudad Jardin, where you might find more modern amenities and larger homes. However, these areas can be quite pricey, and you might find that your $5,000 a month doesn’t stretch as far as you’d like. On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like San Nicolas and La Pradera, where you can find decent housing at a much lower cost. I’d recommend looking into these areas if you want to make your money go further.As for sacrifices, you might find that some of the modern amenities you’re used to aren’t as readily available here. For example, high-speed internet can be a bit spotty in some areas, and you might not have access to all the same streaming services you’re used to. Additionally, while there are plenty of grocery stores and markets in Cartago, you might not find all the same products and brands that you’re used to back home. That being said, there are plenty of local alternatives that are just as good, if not better, so it’s just a matter of adjusting your expectations.Another thing to consider is transportation. While Cartago does have a public transportation system, it’s not as extensive or reliable as you might be used to. Many people here rely on taxis or their own cars to get around. If you’re planning on living here long-term, you might want to consider investing in a car to make getting around easier.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Cartago on $5,000 a month is more than doable. You’ll need to make some adjustments and be willing to adapt to a different way of life, but the cost of living is quite low, and you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank,” commented an expat living in Cartago.
