What actually happens to travelers here.
Required for Amazon and Los Llanos departments. Recommended for all travelers.
Mild AMS common on arrival. Avoid alcohol first 24 hours.
Private hospitals (Fundación Valle del Lili, Hospital Pablo Tobón) offer world-class care at a fraction of US prices. Popular for medical tourism.
The system.
System: Mixed public/private (Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud — SGSSS). Tourists can access private healthcare which is of high quality in major cities.
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
Private healthcare in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena is excellent and affordable. Public hospitals can be overcrowded and have longer wait times. Many doctors speak English in private clinics. Pharmacies (Droguerías) are widely available.
Colombia is a growing medical tourism destination, particularly for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and weight loss procedures. Costs are 40-70% lower than in the US. Popular destinations include Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Choose JCI-accredited hospitals.
Where to actually go.
JCI-accredited. One of Latin America's best hospitals.
Top hospital in Medellín. International patient services.
JCI-accredited hospital in Cali.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies open 7am-10pm; some 24-hour pharmacies in major cities; chains include Cruz Verde, Droguerías Olimpica, and Farmatodo
Prescription rules: A Colombian prescription is required for prescription medications. Foreign prescriptions are generally not accepted. Antibiotics and many other medications are available OTC without strict enforcement. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.
Many medications available over-the-counter that require prescription in the US (antibiotics, steroids). Pharmacists are helpful and knowledgeable. Bring a list of medications with generic names. Some medications may not be available — bring a supply.
Available over the counter
- acetaminophen/paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- antacids
- antibiotics (often available OTC)
- antihistamines
- rehydration salts (Suero Oral)
- basic first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Necesito medicina para el dolor de cabeza
- Necesito un médico
- ¿Dónde está la droguería más cercana?
Chains you'll see
- Cruz Verde — Green cross in name and signage (Throughout Colombia)
- Cafam — Local supermarket-pharmacy chain (Bogotá and major cities)
- Drogas la Rebaja — Discount pharmacy chain (Throughout Colombia)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Tylenol or paracetamol generic
Tylenol is widely available; locals often ask for 'paracetamol' or 'acetaminofén'. - ibuprofen → Advil or Motrin
Advil is the dominant retail brand. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter in Spanish or English listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. For controlled substances, obtain a permit from INVIMA (Colombian FDA equivalent) in advance if possible. Carry a doctor's note explaining the medical necessity.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Sudafed · Codeine · Xanax
Stimulant medications require a prescription from a Colombian physician. Bring documentation: original prescription, doctor's letter in Spanish or English, and carry only what you need.
Codeine is a controlled substance. Some codeine products may be available with prescription. Bring alternatives if possible or obtain a local prescription.
Benzodiazepines and other psychotropic drugs require strict documentation. Bring a doctor's letter and only the amount needed for your stay.
Pseudoephedrine is regulated. Some products available behind the counter. Best to bring alternatives or use phenylephrine-based decongestants.
If something breaks.
Availability: Colombia is a major dental tourism destination. Excellent care at 50-70% less than US prices.
Cost range: $20-50 for consultation; $30-100 for fillings; dental implants from $800
Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena have excellent dental clinics. Many dentists trained in the US.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $25-50/week
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare is affordable (doctor visit $20-50, hospital day $200-500), but serious medical emergencies can cost thousands. Medical evacuation coverage is important if traveling to remote areas (Amazon, Sierra Nevada). Comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation is advisable given occasional strikes and travel disruptions.
Filing a claim
Colombian private hospitals are experienced with international patients. Keep facturas and historias clínicas. Fundación Santa Fe can provide English documentation. Public hospitals provide free emergency care.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $25-60 |
| ER visit | $80-300 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $150-500 |
| Ambulance | $30-150 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: São Paulo
Secondary destination: Buenos Aires or Miami
Typical cost band: $30,000-100,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. São Paulo (Hospital Albert Einstein, Sírio-Libanês) is the leading South American medical hub. Buenos Aires and Santiago handle southern-cone cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Yellow Fever (required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries; recommended for travel to Amazon and some rural areas)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP)
- COVID-19
Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from endemic countries (many South American and African countries) and is strongly recommended if visiting jungle areas. Check current requirements before travel.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution — Tap water is generally safe in Bogotá and major cities, but bottled water is recommended in smaller towns and rural areas. Avoid drinking tap water in coastal areas and rural regions. Use bottled or purified water when in doubt.
Food safety
Be cautious with street food in informal settings. In restaurants and hotels, food is generally safe. Avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruits from street vendors in rural areas. Stick to cooked foods served hot. In cities like Bogotá and Medellín, restaurants maintain good hygiene standards.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Línea de la Vida: 01 8000 113 113
English-speaking therapists: Available in Bogotá and Medellín, especially in areas with large expat communities.
Colombia's mental health services are growing. Private therapy: $25-60 per session.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility varies widely. Modern areas in Bogotá and Medellín are improving. Cartagena's old city has cobblestones and steps.
Hospital accessibility: Major private hospitals are accessible.
Accessible transport: TransMilenio in Bogotá has accessible stations. Medellín's Metro and cable cars have accessibility features. Taxis are the most flexible option.
Medellín's Metro system is one of the most accessible in Latin America. Bogotá's altitude (2,640m) requires acclimatization.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID requirements.
Mask policy: No mandates.
Testing availability: Available at pharmacies and clinics.
Colombia removed all COVID restrictions. Altitude sickness in Bogotá and dengue in lowland areas are more relevant concerns.
Colombia travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Colombia
- Colombia Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health