- The best travel insurance plans for Colombia
- Is it currently safe to travel to Colombia?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Colombia?
- Why take out travel insurance for Colombia?
- What should travel insurance for Colombia cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Colombia
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Colombia
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Colombia?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Colombia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Colombia covers unexpected medical expenses, repatriation, and assistance during emergencies abroad.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended to cover potential medical costs and emergencies.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is available but costly; a hospital stay can exceed $300 CAD per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Colombia typically costs between $25 and $50 CAD.
5. Good to know: Canadian citizens must pay a mandatory entry fee of approximately $85 CAD upon arrival in Colombia.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Colombia.
The best travel insurance plans for Colombia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | For travel to Colombia, strong limits and well-rounded guarantees. - top medical cover - repatriation included - reliable in emergencies |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Well suited for Colombian travel. - 24/7 assistance - covers cancellation - no deductible on medical claims |
| Tourist Card | 0.75M CA$ | Focused protection for tourism in Colombia. - good medical ceiling - fast emergency support - practical for short trips |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | Valuable for longer or adventurous trips. - full medical benefits - hospital and repatriation included - suitable for remote regions |
| Globe Partner | 0.45M CA$ | Coverage for longer stays. - essential medical care - civil liability included - repatriation provided |
| Globe Traveller | 0.75M CA$ | Simple solution for basic needs in Colombia. - covers main risks - quick reimbursement - straightforward policy |
- top medical cover
- repatriation included
- reliable in emergencies
- 24/7 assistance
- covers cancellation
- no deductible on medical claims
- good medical ceiling
- fast emergency support
- practical for short trips
- full medical benefits
- hospital and repatriation included
- suitable for remote regions
- essential medical care
- civil liability included
- repatriation provided
- covers main risks
- quick reimbursement
- straightforward policy
Is it currently safe to travel to Colombia?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia, based on security risks and recent regional incidents affecting personal safety.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: armed violence, gang crime, and terrorist acts are frequent, especially in border areas and rural regions. For example, attacks occurred in Cauca and Valle del Cauca in June 2025, including in the city of Cali.
- Health risks: infectious diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Zika are present in several regions. Medical care is reliable in major cities like Bogotá but may be deficient in remote areas, and advance payment at private clinics is often required.
- Legal constraints: the use of certain medications, including some over-the-counter drugs from Canada, is restricted. Penalties for drug offences are severe, and all visitors must complete the Check-Mig immigration form before travel.
- Environmental and urban risks: petty crime, pickpocketing, and scopolamine drugging target foreigners, especially in large cities such as Medellín and Cartagena. Taxi scams and online dating application fraud have resulted in assaults and fatalities.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Colombia.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Colombia?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Colombia.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended due to the variable quality of medical care, the high cost of private clinics, and the risks associated with unpredictable health and safety situations. Comprehensive coverage provides financial protection for medical emergencies, evacuation, and theft.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Colombia. This is due to medical expenses, evacuation costs, and the overall security context in the country.
Why take out travel insurance for Colombia?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Colombia.
In Colombia, while some public hospitals exist, foreigners are most often directed to private facilities such as Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá or Clínica del Country, where care is of high quality but can be very expensive and must be paid in advance. In smaller cities, high-standard medical infrastructure is limited and costs for specialized care or emergency evacuation quickly increase.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Colombia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 7,000,000 COP (2,400 CA$) | up to 100% of eligible expenses |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 5,000,000 COP (1,700 CA$) | up to 100% of eligible expenses |
| I need to be repatriated | 45,000,000 COP (15,200 CA$) | up to 90-100% of actual costs |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 15,000,000 COP (5,100 CA$) | up to 100% of eligible expenses |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Colombia cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Pays for doctor visits and private clinic bills in cities like Bogotá or Medellín. We recommend a limit of at least 200,000 CA$. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Covers repatriation to Canada in case of accident or sudden illness. Minimum suggested coverage: 250,000 CA$. |
| 🏨 Hospitalization | Includes surgery, stay, and specialist care in quality private hospitals. Look for coverage over 150,000 CA$ per event. |
| 💊 Outpatient treatment | Protects against costly prescriptions and routine care. Recommended ceiling: 10,000 CA$. |
| ✈️ Trip interruption | Refunds for cancelled flights or trips due to serious emergencies. Prefer limits above 5,000 CA$ per trip. |
| 🦬 Adventure activity cover | Needed if visiting rainforest or doing outdoor sports. Ensure policy covers local risks and medical evacuation. |
| 🛡️ Civil liability | Covers damages or injuries you unintentionally cause to others. Minimum advisable: 1,000,000 CA$. |
| 🛄 Baggage and valuables | Compensates for lost or stolen goods during travel. Suggested limit: 3,000 CA$ per insured person. |
We recommend a limit of at least 200,000 CA$.
Minimum suggested coverage: 250,000 CA$.
Look for coverage over 150,000 CA$ per event.
Recommended ceiling: 10,000 CA$.
Prefer limits above 5,000 CA$ per trip.
Ensure policy covers local risks and medical evacuation.
Minimum advisable: 1,000,000 CA$.
Suggested limit: 3,000 CA$ per insured person.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually offers limited protection, low reimbursement ceilings, and many exclusions. It is far safer to opt for a reputable insurer with comprehensive coverage. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and buy online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Colombia
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 34 CA$ |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 52 CA$ |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 76 CA$ |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 175 CA$ |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for Colombia depends on several factors: your age, the duration of your trip, specific destinations within the country, desired coverage limits, and optional add-ons like medical evacuation. Considering these elements is key to finding the right policy that provides adequate protection for your journey without overpaying.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Colombia
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Colombia while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧳 Trip duration | Longer trips increase insurance costs due to prolonged exposure to risks. | Shorten your trip if possible or pay only for the exact travel days needed. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Older travelers may pay more due to higher health risks. | Compare offers, as prices vary widely. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Extensive coverage offers peace of mind but can increase premiums. | Opt for essential medical coverage and limit optional extras to reduce your premium. |
| 🌍 Geographical coverage | Some policies cover multiple countries, affecting the total cost. | Select a plan that covers only Colombia if you are not visiting other countries. |
| 💉 Medical history | Pre-existing conditions can raise premiums significantly. | Declare only necessary medical conditions to avoid unnecessary surcharges. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travelers | Family and group policies can offer better rates per person. | Look for family or group deals to get reduced rates for everyone. |
| 📱 Insurer and purchase channel | Online insurers may offer special discounts and price adjustments. | Always compare online quotes and take advantage of temporary promotions or multi-policy discounts. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Colombia?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as public health insurance or your credit card insurance, can protect you during a trip to Colombia. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for international trips. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Colombia? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (provincial health plan) | Never | No coverage abroad. Does not reimburse for health expenses or hospitalization in Colombia. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical care and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May reimburse certain expenses after return, low limits, usually excludes repatriation and advance payments. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000 and includes hospital and evacuation costs. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Medical fees often CA$10,000–25,000, excludes repatriation, minimal baggage or cancellation coverage. | Travel insurance provides up to CA$1,000,000 and full support, including 24/7 helpline. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, World Elite) | Limited coverage | Medical fees CA$50,000–150,000, trip delay, limited baggage loss coverage, gaps for pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+, including cancellation, emergencies, and lost baggage. |
Example
In Medellín, Mark contracted severe dengue fever, leading to a $15,000 CAD hospital bill. His RBC Avion card’s insurance had a $5,000 limit and his provincial plan offered little. Lacking comprehensive travel insurance, he was personally liable for the remaining $10,000—a costly consequence of an unexpected mosquito bite.
Expert advice
Many credit cards and provincial health plans exclude crucial coverage like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Carefully review your existing policies to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, purchasing dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days in Colombia for tourism or business purposes. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. An entry fee of CA$85 applies and is payable by credit card upon arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Colombia?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool for a quick overview of plans and prices.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies in Colombia and review exclusions, especially regarding adventure activities or pre-existing conditions.
3/ Buy online: Select and purchase your policy through a secure website.
4/ Receive your certificate: You’ll get your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical costs high in Colombia for Canadians?
Healthcare costs in Colombia can vary widely. While public health services are available, private clinics and hospitals usually require advance payment and can be costly for foreigners. Travel insurance helps you manage unexpected expenses and avoid large out-of-pocket costs in case of emergencies or hospitalizations.
Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in Colombia?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before you leave Canada, but some providers offer plans that can be purchased while already abroad. However, coverage may be limited or have a waiting period, so it is always best to arrange insurance before your departure.
Is travel insurance valid everywhere in Colombia?
Travel insurance is generally valid throughout Colombia, but you should check your policy for exclusions. Some policies may not cover travel to areas under government advisories, such as regions near the Venezuelan, Panamanian, or Ecuadorian borders. Always read your insurer’s terms to ensure your destinations are covered.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance in Colombia?
If you have a medical or other emergency, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance number as soon as possible. Canadian citizens can also reach the Embassy of Canada in Bogotá or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa for further support. Keep your insurance details handy during your trip.
Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days in Colombia for tourism or business purposes. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. An entry fee of CA$85 applies and is payable by credit card upon arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Colombia?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool for a quick overview of plans and prices.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies in Colombia and review exclusions, especially regarding adventure activities or pre-existing conditions.
3/ Buy online: Select and purchase your policy through a secure website.
4/ Receive your certificate: You’ll get your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical costs high in Colombia for Canadians?
Healthcare costs in Colombia can vary widely. While public health services are available, private clinics and hospitals usually require advance payment and can be costly for foreigners. Travel insurance helps you manage unexpected expenses and avoid large out-of-pocket costs in case of emergencies or hospitalizations.
Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in Colombia?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before you leave Canada, but some providers offer plans that can be purchased while already abroad. However, coverage may be limited or have a waiting period, so it is always best to arrange insurance before your departure.
Is travel insurance valid everywhere in Colombia?
Travel insurance is generally valid throughout Colombia, but you should check your policy for exclusions. Some policies may not cover travel to areas under government advisories, such as regions near the Venezuelan, Panamanian, or Ecuadorian borders. Always read your insurer’s terms to ensure your destinations are covered.
What should I do if I need emergency assistance in Colombia?
If you have a medical or other emergency, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance number as soon as possible. Canadian citizens can also reach the Embassy of Canada in Bogotá or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa for further support. Keep your insurance details handy during your trip.
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