Expatriate insurance in Colombia
Colombia is an attractive destination, attracting more and more foreigners every year. We've put together some advice to help you prepare for your expatriation to Colombia and make the most of your stay.
Colombia has a sulphurous reputation due to its assassination and terrorism cases, which often make the headlines. However, the country’s situation has changed considerably in recent years, with the economy and tourism continuing to grow, making the country the3rd largest economy in South America. If you’re thinking of moving to Colombia, you may find this information useful. Don’t forget your expatriate health insurance Colombia!
Expatriate insurance Colombia Gold Nomad Expat
Our policy with good levels of cover, suitable for your expatriation to Colombia.
From
74€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Repatriation assistance
- Civil liability
- Individual protection
Expatriate Insurance Colombia Gold Expat Access
Economical international health insurance tailored to your expatriation plans.
From
93€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 80% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €750,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Free choice of practitioners and hospitals abroad
- Optional dental and optical care
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance Colombia Gold Expat Safe
Health insurance with a good cover/price ratio. It offers effective cover against accident and illness.
From
107€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 90% of common medicine
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,000,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,000
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance Colombia Gold Expat Premium
Our most comprehensive expatriate health insurance plan in Colombia.
From
138€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €6,000
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Any questions? Need advice?
Working in Colombia
To be able to work in Colombia, you must first have a CV in Spanish. Job offers can be consulted online on specialized websites and company websites. The French-Colombian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CDCCI) also offers French nationals a job search assistance service.
Above all, you need to be dynamic and proactive. Don’t wait for someone to come looking for you, and don’t hesitate to approach companies.
Schooling in Colombia
There are many private schools in Colombia, often run by religious organizations.
A number of schools in Colombia offer courses in French. The Lycée Français Louis-Pasteur in Bogotá, the Lycée Français de Pereira and the Lycée Paul-Valery cover all sections, from nursery school to the baccalauréat.
Higher education in Colombia is divided into two stages:
“Pregrado”, which includes: technical vocational education, technological education and university vocational training.
Posgrado”, which includes specializations, advanced or research masters, doctorates and post-doctorates.
Colombian universities are autonomous and create à la carte university courses to meet their internationalization requirements.
In February 2010, France and Colombia signed an agreement on the mutual recognition of university diplomas.
There are over 90 double degree programs, as well as numerous cooperation programs with French higher education institutions. These programs are linked to the creation of French-speaking courses in 16 Colombian universities.
Accommodation in Colombia
Neighborhoods are divided into social strata numbered from 1 to 6, with classes 1 and 2 often corresponding to shantytowns. For safety reasons, we recommend living in a class 4 to 6 neighborhood.
You can easily find a 2-room apartment for €800 in Bogotá or a beautiful apartment with swimming pool for €1,500 in Cartagena.
Tenants most often go through specific classified ads. Lease contracts are for a minimum of one year, and most landlords require a deposit of between 1 and 3 months’ rent or insurance against unpaid rent.
Cost of living in Colombia
In Colombia, the cost of living is 2 to 3 times lower than in France. Self-cooking with classic local products costs around 4 euros per person per day. Public transport costs an average of €0.50 per journey, and a 20-minute cab ride will set you back around €2.
Driving in Colombia
For the first three months, French visitors can drive with an international driver’s license.
Those wishing to settle in Colombia must have a Colombian driver’s license. This permit will be issued by the Colombian Ministry of Transport after theoretical and practical evaluation. Please note that French licenses are no longer interchangeable.
Hygiene and eating habits in Colombia
Poor hygiene in restaurants, markets and stores. Tap water is not drinkable. Prefer bottled water, whether local or imported.
Choosing health insurance in Colombia
As an expatriate, you will no longer be covered by the French health and welfare system, and will therefore lose your rights to L’Assurance maladie. To be on the safe side, it is essential to purchase good expatriate health insurance in Colombia. In fact, as Colombia’s public sector remains inadequate, expatriates turn to the private sector (which enjoys a higher quality of care thanks to the advanced techniques of its practitioners, on a par with the quality of the most developed countries), which explains the high cost of medical expenses.
