Do You Need Travel Insurance for Colombia?

Although travel health insurance for Colombia isn't mandatory, it's still highly recommended that visitors get Colombia travel insurance. Because there are areas of the country that present more risks, or are a bit off the grid, obtaining health insurance for Colombia is a smart move that can protect you during your trip.

With a wide range of plans on the market, it may be difficult to find the best travel insurance for Colombia. To find the plan that's best for you, first assess the condition of your health then take a look at your travel plans. From there, you can compare plans side by side with our compare tool. For travelers with pre-existing conditions, senior travelers and those looking for more complete coverage, a comprehensive plan is the best option. If you are looking for basic coverage at an affordable price, a limited plan may be the way to go.

For the most up-to-date information on travel entry requirements for Colombia, please visit this tourism page. If you're traveling to Colombia, here are some Covid safety precautions to take. For the most up-to-date information on Covid restrictions for traveling, please follow CDC guidelines.

Do you know the Covid situation for your destination? Keep up with country-specific advisories and notifications.

Colombia has a history of violence and drug trafficking, but the region has become much safer for tourists in recent years. There are a few unwritten rules that will help to avoid conflict, however. Do not flash money or valuables around, as that will make them easier for pickpockets to steal and make you a more appealing target for kidnappers. Also, do not travel alone after dark and avoid dark alleys and illegal taxis. If you, your family or your company has a lot of money, it may be prudent to purchase kidnap and ransom insurance just in case. However many large cities (including Bogat) and the coffee regions of Colombia have been internationally recognized to be safe for tourists.

Although not required, Colombia highly recommends that you take out an international medical insurance plan to ensure you are covered if you need medical attention while in the country.

Staying well-hydrated is very important, particularly at higher altitudes. In certain parts of the country, it is inadvisable to consume tap water. In these areas, you will need to purchase bottled water, which will be easy to find at any store selling food.

Apply sunscreen and bug spray liberally and often. Mosquito bites, in particular, can transmit disease. To keep your trip enjoyable, stock up on bug spray before you arrive in Colombia and be sure to reapply bug repellent often.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip. Here are some common vaccination recommendations for Colombia.

For the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations and other health requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

If you're traveling to Colombia for less than 90 days, you may not need to obtain a visa depending on your citizenship. If you require a visa, there are different types of visas available to you depending on your purpose of travel and length of stay. Generally, foreign nationals will need to apply for The Colombia electronic visa, or eVisa. This can be obtained online. Those who require to obtain this visa simply need to fill out the form and submit for authorization.