Why Colombia's Medical Insurance Requirement Is More Demanding Than Most Countries
Many countries require proof of health insurance for long-stay visas. Colombia's requirement, updated in 2022, is unusually specific: it mandates seven distinct coverage categories, sets a minimum coverage amount, requires the insurance to cover the entire authorized stay, and specifies that coverage must extend internationally (with one key exception). A generic travel insurance policy rarely satisfies all seven requirements.
The 7 Mandatory Coverage Categories
| Coverage Category | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Accidents | Medical costs from bodily injuries due to accidents | Most basic coverage — required for all categories |
| 2. Illness | Diagnosis and treatment of non-emergency medical conditions | Covers the most common healthcare need for residents |
| 3. Hospitalization | Inpatient hospital stays, surgical procedures, ICU | The highest-cost single event — critical to have adequate limits |
| 4. Maternity | Prenatal care, delivery, postnatal care | Required for all applicants regardless of gender or age |
| 5. Sanitary Repatriation | Medical transport back to home country if needed | Most travel insurance omits this or severely limits it |
| 6. Death | Repatriation of remains or local burial expenses | Often absent in basic travel insurance policies |
| 7. Dental Emergencies | Emergency dental treatment | Typically limited — verify the specific coverage terms |
International Coverage: The Most Misunderstood Aspect
Resolution 5477 requires that the plan provide coverage both in Colombia and internationally. This means that if you travel from Colombia to another country (for business, vacation, or personal reasons), your CoVisas plan continues to cover you — at no additional cost.
The only exception to international coverage is your country of origin or nationality. If you are from the United States and travel from Colombia to the US, your CoVisas plan's international coverage does not apply during your time in the US. This is a specific limitation explicitly stated in the terms of the plan. For all other countries, international coverage applies.
Minimum Coverage Amount: The USD 35,000 Threshold
The Cancillería requires that the total coverage amount (suma asegurada) be sufficient to cover the risks contemplated. For the vast majority of visa categories, the market standard that the Cancillería uses as reference is USD 35,000 (or the equivalent in Colombian pesos at the exchange rate at the time of application).
This figure should not be confused with the annual premium you pay. The USD 35,000 is the maximum amount the plan will cover for medical events. Your annual premium is a fraction of that amount, determined by the plan terms.
Duration: Coverage Must Match the Visa Period
This is one of the most common errors in visa applications. A three-month travel insurance policy submitted with a one-year visa application will be rejected — or the visa will be limited to three months to match the insurance period.
CoVisas plans are available for periods up to three years — making CoVisas the first provider in Colombia to offer continuous multi-year coverage, directly aligned with the validity periods of most M (Migrant) visas.
EPS vs. CoVisas: Can Your Colombian Health Insurance Replace the Visa Requirement?
A common question: if you're affiliated to a Colombian EPS (the national health system for formal workers), does that satisfy the visa insurance requirement?
The answer is no — they serve different legal purposes. The EPS affiliation is a social security obligation under Law 100 of 1993. The medical assistance plan for the visa is a migration requirement under Resolution 5477 of 2022. Both may apply simultaneously to the same person, but one does not replace the other. For details: EPS and social security for foreigners in Colombia.
How the Cancillería Verifies Your Insurance
The visa application portal (visas.cancilleria.gov.co) requires you to upload a certificate or letter from the insurer confirming the coverage details. The Cancillería's reviewers check:
- That all 7 coverage categories are explicitly listed
- That the coverage period matches (or exceeds) the requested visa period
- That the insurer is identifiable and the document is authentic
- That the geographic scope includes Colombia