Colombia's Public Healthcare Is Better Than You Think
The EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud) is Colombia's mandatory public health insurance system. For long-term expats with a visa and cédula de extranjería, enrolling in an EPS gives you access to a healthcare system ranked among the best in Latin America — at a fraction of US or European costs.
Who Must Enroll and How
All foreign residents holding a cédula de extranjería are legally required to enroll in the EPS system. The contribution is 12.5% of your declared income. If you're self-employed (as most expats are), you pay the full 12.5%. Employees split it: the employer pays 8.5%, the employee pays 4%.
The minimum monthly health contribution in 2026 is COP 218,863 (~$60 USD), based on the minimum wage. Most self-employed expats declare income at or slightly above this level, making their EPS cost approximately $85–$100/month.
EPS Providers in Medellín
| EPS | Strength in Medellín | Hospital Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SURA | Strongest — #1 recommendation | Clínica SURA, IPS SURA network | Best network in Antioquia. Required for SURA prepagada. |
| Sanitas | Good | Clínica Colsanitas affiliates | Strong nationally, solid in Medellín |
| Coomeva | Good | Broad network | Cooperative model, good coverage |
| Nueva EPS | Adequate | Public hospital network | Budget option, longer wait times |
What EPS Coverage Includes
- General practitioner visits (copays COP 5,000–20,100 / $1–$5)
- Specialist referrals (requires GP referral first)
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medications (subsidized formulary)
- Lab work and diagnostics
- Maternity care
- Mental health services
Enrollment Process
- Choose your EPS provider (SURA recommended for Medellín)
- Visit the provider's enrollment office with your cédula de extranjería, passport, and visa
- Complete the affiliation form and declare your income
- Begin monthly contributions (via bank transfer or Nequi)
- Receive your EPS card (typically within 1–2 weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All foreign residents with a cédula de extranjería are legally required to enroll in the EPS system. The contribution is 12.5% of your declared income, with a minimum of approximately COP 218,863 (~$60 USD) per month.
SURA is the strongest EPS in Antioquia/Medellín with the broadest hospital and clinic network. It's also required if you want to add SURA prepagada (private insurance) later.
Copays (cuotas moderadoras) range from COP 5,000 to 20,100 ($1–$5) per visit in 2026, depending on your income bracket. Medications on the formulary are heavily subsidized.
For most general consultations, yes. However, some procedures and specialist services have waiting periods. Emergency care is available immediately regardless of enrollment date.