Health Insurance for Colombia’s M Retiree (Pensioner) Visa (2026)
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Short answer: for the M retiree (pensioner) visa you must show a health policy valid in Colombian territory, all-risk, with repatriation and death, in force for the whole visa (Resolution 5477 of 2022). Critical point: M pensioner holders cannot enroll in Colombian social security, so a private policy is effectively mandatory.
The M retiree visa is one of the most popular routes for foreigners who choose Colombia for retirement. Health insurance is usually the most confusing requirement, because unlike a working resident, the retiree is not automatically part of the health system. Here is what your policy must meet and how to get it right.
What does this visa require?
Besides health insurance, this visa mainly requires proof of a lifelong monthly pension (the minimum amount is set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and updated periodically; check the official portal). The insurance part is what I help you solve: a policy that meets the immigration requirement.
What must the health policy cover?
- Coverage within Colombian territory.
- All-risk medical cover: illness, accident and hospitalization.
- Repatriation and death explicitly covered.
- Validity for the full length of the visa.
- A certificate listing the coverage, in your name as it appears in your passport.
Why does the retiree need a private policy? Someone entering on an M pensioner visa cannot enroll as a contributor to Colombian social security, so an EPS does not meet the requirement. The safe route is a medical assistance policy with national coverage and repatriation, valid for the length of the visa.
How much does the policy cost?
It depends on your age, the length of the visa and the coverage. Since retirees are often older, there may be an age surcharge, but it is still a fraction of the cost of medical care without coverage. Comparing insurers is the most efficient way to meet the requirement at the best price.
Advisor’s note — Mauricio Ruiz Daza. As a broker regulated by Colombia’s Financial Superintendence, I make sure the policy meets the immigration requirement and the certificate is issued correctly in your name. Confirming the coverage before you pay avoids delays in your visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory for Colombia’s M retiree visa?
Yes. Resolution 5477 of 2022 requires a health policy valid in Colombian territory, all-risk and including repatriation, in force for the length of the visa. It matters even more for retirees because they cannot enroll in Colombian social security.
Can a retiree use a Colombian EPS for the visa?
Generally no, because M pensioner holders cannot enroll as contributors to Colombian social security. They need a private medical assistance policy with repatriation that meets the immigration requirement.
Related guides: Main guide: health insurance for a Colombian visa · Insurance for the Digital Nomad visa · Insurance for the Student visa.
