What Are the Best Travel Insurances for Colombia in 2025?
- The best travel insurances for Colombia
- Is it currently safe to travel to Colombia?
- Is travel insurance required for the visa to Colombia?
- Why take out travel insurance for Colombia?
- The coverage included in travel insurance for Colombia
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Colombia
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Colombia?
- Your current insurance coverage in Colombia
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Colombia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Colombia covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Warning: The U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Colombia due to crime and terrorism.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is crucial for covering potential high medical costs and emergencies.
4. Healthcare cost: Quality private healthcare is available but can be costly, averaging $200-$500 per night.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Colombia typically costs between $25 and $50.
6. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers adventure sports if you plan activities like hiking or paragliding.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Colombia.
The best travel insurances for Colombia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1M | The highest protection for trips to Colombia. - strong medical and evacuation limit - all major risks insured - modern guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1M | Ideal for secure travel in Colombia, especially in cities. - 24/7 support - covers cancellation - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $500k | Useful for tourism, events, or business trips. - robust core coverage - emergency help line - competitive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $700k | Balanced option for travelers looking for solid support. - hospital and repatriation included - broad international scope |
| Globe Partner | $300k | Practical for longer stays or students abroad. - essential medical coverage - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $500k | Suitable for low-risk and short stays in Colombia. - rapid reimbursement - basic medical cover - limited maximum |
- strong medical and evacuation limit
- all major risks insured
- modern guarantees
- 24/7 support
- covers cancellation
- no deductible
- robust core coverage
- emergency help line
- competitive pricing
- hospital and repatriation included
- broad international scope
- essential medical coverage
- repatriation
- civil liability
- rapid reimbursement
- basic medical cover
- limited maximum
Is it currently safe to travel to Colombia?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to reconsider travel to Colombia due to high levels of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and risk of kidnapping. Several regions, such as Arauca, Cauca (except Popayán), Norte de Santander, and the Colombia-Venezuela border, are under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and homicide, remains a significant threat, especially in rural areas and certain cities. The Darien Gap at the Panama border is well-known for criminal activity and hazardous crossings.
- Health risks: diseases such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever, and Zika virus are present, particularly in tropical and lowland areas. Medical care is adequate in large cities but limited in rural regions, with payment usually required up front.
- Legal constraints: travelers must avoid illegal drugs of any kind, as penalties are severe. Carrying more than $10,000 in cash when entering or leaving the country is strictly controlled and subject to declaration.
- Cultural norms: street protests are common and sometimes violent. Avoid large gatherings, and do not display valuables publicly in cities like Bogotá or Medellín.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Colombia.
Is travel insurance required for the visa to Colombia?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens traveling to Colombia for short stays or tourism.
However, it is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before your trip. Healthcare in Colombia can be expensive for foreigners, and private hospitals may require payment up front. Insurance is especially important due to regional security risks and the possibility of medical evacuation.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Colombia. This high rate reflects concerns about medical costs, crime, and unpredictable emergencies.
Why take out travel insurance for Colombia?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Colombia.
In Colombia, foreigners often turn to private hospitals in major cities such as Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá or Clínica del Country, where treatment costs can be high. Public hospitals may lack resources or English-speaking staff, and advanced care is mainly available in private clinics in Bogotá or Medellín. Medical bills for hospitalization, surgeries, or emergencies can quickly add up, especially in private facilities.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the United States 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 | 5,500,000 COP (approx. $1,400 USD) | up to 100% according to the plan |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 3,200,000 COP (approx. $800 USD) | up to 100% according to the plan |
| I need to be repatriated | 65,000,000 COP (approx. $16,600 USD) | up to 100% according to the plan |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 13,000,000 COP (approx. $3,300 USD) | up to 100% according to the plan |
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.
The coverage included in travel insurance for Colombia
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, private clinics, hospitalization, surgery and prescription drugs. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $100,000. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Pays for transport to a medical center or repatriation to the U.S. if necessary. Choose at least $100,000 in coverage for safe evacuation. |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal effects | Reimburses for loss, theft, or damage to luggage and valuables during your trip. At least $1,500 coverage is recommended for peace of mind. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds pre-paid trip costs if you must cancel or cut your trip short for valid reasons. Minimum recommended limit: $2,000. |
| 💊 Emergency dental care | Covers emergency dental treatment during your trip. Look for plans covering at least $500 per dental emergency. |
| 🧑⚖️ Civil liability | Protects you if you accidentally cause injury or property damage to others. We recommend at least $50,000 third-party liability coverage. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance | Provides round-the-clock telephone support for emergencies, translation, or legal help. Opt for policies with multilingual support. |
| 👩⚕️ Pre-existing conditions | Some policies may cover unexpected acute episodes of chronic illnesses. Be sure to declare pre-existing conditions and check coverage and exclusions. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $100,000.
Choose at least $100,000 in coverage for safe evacuation.
At least $1,500 coverage is recommended for peace of mind.
Minimum recommended limit: $2,000.
Look for plans covering at least $500 per dental emergency.
We recommend at least $50,000 third-party liability coverage.
Opt for policies with multilingual support.
Be sure to declare pre-existing conditions and check coverage and exclusions.
Travel insurance from bank cards or local providers usually offers low maximums and many exclusions. It is safer to select a reputable insurer with full coverage. Compare the best plans on HelloSafe and subscribe 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 | $21 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $42 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $65 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $120 |
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 policy will depend on several key factors: your age, the length of your trip, your destination, the amount of coverage you select, and any optional riders like a 'cancel for any reason' benefit. It's important to keep these variables in mind to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
💡 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🛡️ Level of coverage | Tailoring coverage ensures you avoid overpaying for unnecessary benefits in Colombia. | Select only essential benefits you truly need, like emergency medical and medical evacuation, to lower cost. |
| 🧑 Age of traveler | Travelers over 60 often pay higher premiums, which can be a major factor. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, so consider this insurer for senior travelers. |
| 💲 Deductible choice | Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket expenses if you make a claim. | Adjust your deductible upward if you are willing to cover smaller expenses yourself and want to reduce your premium. |
| 📅 Trip duration | Insurers price by the number of travel days, so trip length impacts your premium. | Insure only the actual days you are abroad and avoid round-up extensions for unnecessary durations. |
| 🗺️ Multi-trip coverage | Frequent travelers can save compared to buying insurance separately for each trip. | Check if multi-trip annual insurance to Colombia and other destinations offers better value for money. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travelers | Group or family policies may provide per-person discounts for the same coverage level. | Compare bundled group options, which are often cheaper than separate individual policies for each person. |
| 🕒 Advance purchase | Buying early can be less expensive and sometimes gives broader coverage, especially for trip interruption. | Purchase your plan as soon as you book flights since some options may be cheaper in advance and cover pre-trip risks. |
Important
No travel insurance is required for U.S. citizens to visit Colombia as a tourist for up to 90 days. However, having insurance can help you access quality care and cover emergencies in areas with limited medical services.
Your current insurance coverage in Colombia
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public or private health insurance—can protect you during a trip to Colombia. However, these types of coverage are usually limited or insufficient abroad and may not cover serious medical emergencies, repatriation, or trip interruptions.
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 | No, never | No coverage for medical care, hospitalization, or emergency evacuation outside the US. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in medical care, hospital stay, and evacuation. |
| Private health insurance | Yes, partly | Some plans may reimburse emergencies abroad, but typically capped under $10,000 and exclude evacuation and ongoing care. | Travel insurance includes medical expenses up to $100,000+, evacuation, and 24/7 local assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Discover) | Yes, partly | Limited medical emergency reimbursement, often under $5,000. Little or no baggage/trip delay coverage. | Travel insurance covers medical care to $100,000+, trip interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Signature, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold) | Yes, partly | Medical coverage up to $25,000, some trip delay, but rare for repatriation or continuous treatment. | Travel insurance often covers $100,000+ in medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and direct local support. |
Example
While hiking near Medellín, Sarah contracted Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, requiring intensive care. The private hospital bill reached $30,000. Her American Express card’s travel protection had a $2,500 limit, and her US health insurance considered the foreign hospital 'out-of-network,' leaving her responsible for the massive remaining balance.
Expert advice
Always check your existing insurance for its terms, exclusions, and limits. Critical events, like trip interruption due to a relative's illness or death, are often excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist travel to Colombia for stays of up to 90 days, provided they have a valid U.S. passport. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your trip, ideally with at least 6 months' validity remaining. You must complete the online Check-Mig form before travel. A return ticket may be requested by immigration authorities.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Colombia?
To purchase travel insurance for Colombia, first compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best offers. Carefully review all coverage details and exclusions, paying close attention to medical evacuation, theft, and health risks specific to Colombia. Purchase your chosen plan directly online and, upon confirmation, receive your insurance certificate by email within minutes.
What does travel insurance for Colombia typically cover?
A standard travel insurance policy for Colombia usually covers emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, medical evacuation, trip interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and personal liability. Additional coverage can include adventure sports, early trip cancellation, or extended stay, depending on the insurer and policy. Always check policy limits for each guarantee to ensure sufficient coverage.
Are there specific health risks or situations I should consider when visiting Colombia?
While major cities in Colombia offer adequate healthcare, medical facilities can be limited in rural areas. Risks include mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria, and vaccinations may be required for some regions. It is important to ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and treatment for illnesses common in Colombia.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Colombia?
Most insurers offer the ability to extend your travel insurance as long as you have not made a claim or your policy has not lapsed. You should contact your insurer before your current policy ends to arrange an extension and ensure uninterrupted coverage. Extensions may require proof that you are still eligible and meet all terms and conditions.
What should I do in case of an emergency while in Colombia?
In the event of an emergency, contact your travel insurance provider’s emergency assistance hotline as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on where to seek medical care, arrange for evacuation if necessary, and advise on required documentation for claims. Keep all relevant documents, receipts, and reports to support any insurance claims upon your return.
Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist travel to Colombia for stays of up to 90 days, provided they have a valid U.S. passport. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your trip, ideally with at least 6 months' validity remaining. You must complete the online Check-Mig form before travel. A return ticket may be requested by immigration authorities.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Colombia?
To purchase travel insurance for Colombia, first compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find the best offers. Carefully review all coverage details and exclusions, paying close attention to medical evacuation, theft, and health risks specific to Colombia. Purchase your chosen plan directly online and, upon confirmation, receive your insurance certificate by email within minutes.
What does travel insurance for Colombia typically cover?
A standard travel insurance policy for Colombia usually covers emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, medical evacuation, trip interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and personal liability. Additional coverage can include adventure sports, early trip cancellation, or extended stay, depending on the insurer and policy. Always check policy limits for each guarantee to ensure sufficient coverage.
Are there specific health risks or situations I should consider when visiting Colombia?
While major cities in Colombia offer adequate healthcare, medical facilities can be limited in rural areas. Risks include mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria, and vaccinations may be required for some regions. It is important to ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and treatment for illnesses common in Colombia.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Colombia?
Most insurers offer the ability to extend your travel insurance as long as you have not made a claim or your policy has not lapsed. You should contact your insurer before your current policy ends to arrange an extension and ensure uninterrupted coverage. Extensions may require proof that you are still eligible and meet all terms and conditions.
What should I do in case of an emergency while in Colombia?
In the event of an emergency, contact your travel insurance provider’s emergency assistance hotline as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on where to seek medical care, arrange for evacuation if necessary, and advise on required documentation for claims. Keep all relevant documents, receipts, and reports to support any insurance claims upon your return.
