Health Insurance for a Colombian Visa: A Complete Guide for Foreigners (2026)
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Short answer: yes. Several Colombian visas require you to show a health insurance policy valid throughout Colombian territory, covering all risks —illness, accident, hospitalization, repatriation and death— and in force for the entire length of the visa. This is set out in Resolution 5477 of 2022 issued by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As an insurance broker regulated by Colombia’s Financial Superintendence, I help you get a compliant policy with the certificate ready for your application.
If you are a foreigner applying for or renewing a visa in Colombia, health insurance is one of the most confusing requirements. It is not a minor detail: a policy that does not meet the required coverage can delay or affect your visa. This guide, written from the experience of a Colombian insurance advisor, explains which visas require it, what the policy must cover, how much it costs and how to get it right the first time.
Which Colombian visas require health insurance?
Resolution 5477 of 2022 includes proof of health insurance as a requirement for several visa categories. In practice it is most often requested for:
| Visa type | Health policy usually required? |
|---|---|
| V Visa — Digital Nomad | Yes |
| V Visa — Student | Yes |
| V Visa — Tourism (case by case) | Yes |
| V Visa — Volunteer | Yes |
| M Visa — Retiree / Pensioner | Yes |
| Other categories (M and R) | May be required, case by case |
The exact requirement may vary by visa and by updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Always confirm the specific requirement for your visa on the official Cancillería portal before buying a policy.
What coverage must the policy have?
Not every insurance plan qualifies. To meet the immigration requirement, the health policy must include:
- Coverage within Colombian territory (not only abroad).
- All-risk medical cover: illness, accident and hospitalization.
- Repatriation and death explicitly covered.
- Validity for the full length of the visa (ideally from your entry date).
- Issued by a formal insurer, with a certificate that lists the coverage.
Does a Colombian EPS or prepaid plan work? In some cases enrollment in the Colombian health system may be accepted, but it does not always include repatriation or the format immigration asks for. In addition, M retiree/pensioner visa holders cannot enroll in Colombian social security, so for them a private policy is effectively mandatory. For that reason, a medical assistance policy with repatriation is usually the safest way to meet the requirement.
How much does it cost and what coverage amounts are required?
Visa-oriented plans typically carry medical coverage of between USD 35,000 and USD 100,000. The price depends on your age, the length of the visa and the coverage level. The goal is not the cheapest plan, but the one that meets every required coverage and whose certificate is accepted without issues.
How to get your policy, step by step
- Identify your visa requirement. Confirm with Cancillería what your specific category must prove.
- Compare options. As an independent broker, I compare insurers to find the compliant policy at the best price.
- Check the key coverage: Colombian territory, repatriation, death and full validity.
- Issue the certificate with your details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Attach it to your visa application on the Cancillería portal.
Advisor’s note — Mauricio Ruiz Daza. The most common mistake I see among foreigners is buying a policy that does not cover Colombian territory or does not include repatriation, and only finding out after they have filed the application. My advice: confirm the required coverage before you pay. As a broker regulated by the Financial Superintendence, I make sure the certificate meets the requirement and is issued correctly in your name.
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory for a Colombian visa?
For several visas, yes. Resolution 5477 of 2022 requires proof of a health policy valid in Colombian territory, covering all risks and including repatriation, in force for the length of the visa. It is commonly requested for the Digital Nomad, Student, Tourism and Volunteer V visas and the Retiree/Pensioner M visa. Check your specific visa requirement with Cancillería.
What coverage must the policy have for the visa?
It must cover Colombian territory, all risks (illness, accident, hospitalization), with repatriation and death included, and be valid for the whole visa. The certificate must list that coverage and match your passport details.
Does a Colombian EPS or prepaid plan work for the visa?
In some cases health-system enrollment may be accepted, but it does not always include repatriation or the format immigration requires. M retiree/pensioner holders cannot enroll in Colombian social security, so they need a private policy. A medical assistance policy with repatriation is the safest option.
How much does health insurance for a Colombian visa cost?
It depends on your age, the length of the visa and the coverage. Visa plans usually offer coverage of USD 35,000 to 100,000. The most efficient approach is to compare insurers with an advisor to meet the requirement at the best price.
