The healthcare system in Santa Marta is a mix of public and private providers. The public system, known as the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS), is available to all residents, including foreigners, while the private system offers a range of services for those who can afford it.
Colombia’s Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Colombia, the General System of Social Security in Health (SGSSS), is used by both locals and foreigners. It is generally recommended for minor health issues, but for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, private hospitals are often preferred. Public hospitals in Santa Marta, like most public hospitals in Colombia, can be crowded and have long wait times. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Colombia, but many choose to use private hospitals due to the higher standard of care and shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Santa Marta offer a high standard of care, with modern facilities and English-speaking staff.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Santa Marta
- Clínica Mar Caribe – A private hospital located in the city center.
- Clínica La Milagrosa – A private clinic specializing in maternity and pediatric care.
- Clínica Santa Marta – A private hospital offering a range of services.
- Hospital Universitario Fernando Troconis – A public hospital affiliated with the University of Magdalena.
Emergency Services in Santa Marta
There are ambulance services in Santa Marta. In case of an emergency, you can call 123 to request an ambulance. The response time can vary depending on the location and time of day, but generally, the service is reliable.
Health Insurance Companies in Santa Marta
There are several popular private health insurers in Santa Marta, including Seguros Bolívar, Colpatria, and Sura. These companies offer a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Many expats and digital nomads choose to use these local companies, but some prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers that offer coverage in multiple countries.
Insider Tips from Expats in Santa Marta: Health Care
“I’ve been living in Santa Marta for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many parts of the world, especially if you’re coming from a developed country. For instance, a nice one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood will cost you around $500 to $700 a month. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like El Rodadero or Bello Horizonte, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. But these areas are more touristy and have more amenities. On the other hand, if you want to save money, you can consider neighborhoods like Los Alpes or San Fernando. These are more local neighborhoods, but they are safe and you can find a nice apartment for around $300 to $400 a month. When it comes to food, eating out is quite affordable. You can have a decent meal for around $5 to $10. If you prefer cooking at home, groceries are also cheap. I spend around $200 a month on groceries. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite affordable. I pay around $100 a month for all of these. Transportation is also cheap. You can take a taxi for a few dollars or use public transportation for less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $500 a month. Healthcare is also affordable and good quality. A visit to a doctor will cost you around $30 to $50. If you need to buy medicines, they are also quite cheap compared to prices in developed countries. So, if you add up all these expenses, you’ll see that you can live quite comfortably on $5,000 a month. You won’t have to make any major sacrifices. You can enjoy modern amenities, eat out regularly, and even have money left for traveling and entertainment. However, keep in mind that while Santa Marta is cheaper than many places, it’s still more expensive than other parts of Colombia. If you’re willing to live in a smaller city or a rural area, you can live on even less. But if you want a city with modern amenities, Santa Marta is a great choice,” commented an expat living in Santa Marta.
