Health in Colombia
Are there any health risks in Colombia?
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to health conditions in Colombia! Whether you're an intrepid adventurer or a traveler seeking cultural discoveries, it's essential to be well-informed about potential health risks before you fly to this beautiful South American country.
Whether you plan to explore lush jungles, immerse yourself in rich colonial history or relax on sunny beaches, this article is your ideal companion for a safe and enjoyable Colombian experience.
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Yellow fever alert
Since the end of 2024, Colombia has seen a significant upsurge in cases of yellow fever (39 deaths identified as of May 12), particularly in the departments of Tolima and Putumayo. The north of the country has so far been spared this upsurge.
Although yellow fever vaccination is not compulsory for entry into Colombia, it is strongly recommended. The Colombian Ministry of Transport now requires all travelers using roads or rivers to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate, in order to limit the spread of the disease in high-risk areas. Passengers must provide this certificate when purchasing their ticket – either in a terminal or online. Failing this, they must sign a sworn statement confirming that they have been vaccinated at least ten days prior to travel. Those who have not been vaccinated must sign a document assuming responsibility for any possible contagion, for themselves and for others (in theory, after all, these measures are more or less applied in practice).
Vaccinations are available free of charge at the country’s main airports and bus terminals. One dose is enough, and is valid for life. In addition, theuse of mosquito repellents, covering clothing and mosquito nets are highly recommended to guard against the bites of mosquitoes, vectors of yellow fever and other diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya.
The Colombian healthcare system
The health care system in Colombia can vary from region to region. In the big cities, you’ll find well-equipped health establishments, while in rural areas, the medical infrastructure may be less developed. It is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover medical care and evacuation in case of need.
- Access to healthcare: Colombia's healthcare system is made up of both public and private establishments. Major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cali have modern hospitals and private clinics offering high-quality medical services. In rural areas, medical infrastructures may be more limited.
- Medical emergencies: in the event of a medical emergency in Colombia, dial 123 to contact the local emergency services. Major cities also have private ambulance services that can be quickly mobilized. It is advisable to have the contact details of your embassy or consulate at hand in case you need assistance.
- Medical consultations: to consult a doctor in Colombia, you can go to private clinics, medical centers or hospitals. Private clinics often offer walk-in services. It's a good idea to take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses (contact your insurance company before visiting a doctor or hospital!). For example, a consultation in a private clinic costs around 80,000 to 150,000 COP, and a specialized consultation costs around 120,000 to 200,000 COP.
- Pharmacies and medicines: Pharmacies in Colombia are widespread and well-stocked with medicines. Most common medicines are available without a prescription. However, it is advisable to have a prescription for specific medicines, especially if they are subject to strict regulation in your home country.
The main health risks in Colombia
When traveling to a country as exotic as Colombia, it’s essential to be aware of the country’s main health hazards. Remember, in the end, the only real risk is falling in love with Colombia!
- The following list is intended to raise awareness of the various health issues you may encounter in Colombia. The travel itinerary, duration and time of year have a major influence on the extent of these risks. But rest assured, few tourists are affected by these risks. There's no need to be paranoia.
Mosquito-borne diseases
Various diseases can be transmitted by mosquitoes in localized areas. Fortunately, contraction of these diseases by tourists is low, due to the generally short exposure time and the need to travel to these high-risk areas. To sum up, at altitudes of over 1,800 m, there are no more mosquitoes, and the risk of contracting a disease also disappears.
Food risks & Traveler's diarrhea
In Colombia, as in many other countries, it's important to take food precautions to avoid the risk of food poisoning (the famous exotic country turista). Here are a few points to bear in mind about food risks in Colombia.
Mountain sickness (soroche)
Mountain sickness, also known as altitude sickness or soroche, can be a problem for people traveling in the Colombian Andes.
Other miscellaneous risks
Below is a non-exhaustive list of minor risks.
Practical information about Colombia
Vaccines in Colombia
Colombia’s climate, tropical in many parts, and the precarious hygiene in remote areas, are conducive to the development of tropical diseases (and the profusion of mosquitoes). No vaccinations are required if you are leaving from Europe. But let’s take a look at the recommended vaccines.
- Consult a health care professional: It's important to note that these recommendations are general, and it's best to consult a health care professional before you leave. They can assess your specific needs based on your state of health, your travel itinerary and current official recommendations. It's then a personal decision whether or not to take a particular vaccine (no debate, everyone should be responsible for their own health...).
Universal vaccines
Make sure your basic vaccinations (also known as "universal vaccines") are up to date, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis A, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. These vaccines are regularly re-evaluated and adjusted according to public health recommendations. It is important to consult the official vaccination schedules.
Yellow fever
Colombia is currently experiencing an increase in cases of yellow fever. Vaccination is recommended, as the disease is present in certain regions of the country. One dose is sufficient. Remember to check whether the vaccine is covered by social security and/or your health insurance. Please note that the vaccine is compulsory if you are coming from Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Angola, as well as for Colombian national parks (in theory).
Typhoid fever and hepatitis B
Vaccine recommended for long stays and/or "adventure" travel (isolated, less-developed areas), reducing the risk of contracting these water-borne infections or through contact with contaminated blood.
Rage
Vaccine recommended for prolonged stays in the countryside. Transmitted by the bite or lick of an infected animal. In the absence of prompt medical attention, rabies has a high mortality rate. There is no curative treatment.
Malaria
Vaccine recommended for long stays and/or "adventure" trips. Rabies can be transmitted all year round in rural or jungle areas, even at altitudes of up to 1,600 metres. Few cases of infected people.
Covid-19
Since April 5, 2023, sanitary measures for entry into Colombia by air, land and sea have been suspended. In other words, it is no longer necessary to present a vaccination record or PCR/antigen test to enter Colombia.
Advice and prevention
Adopting the right precautions and preparing as little as possible in advance can greatly reduce health hazards in Colombia. Here are a few simple tips for a pleasant stay.
- Consult a healthcare professional: this blog is intended to raise your awareness, and provides information for informational purposes only. For all questions relating to vaccines, consult your GP.
- Use a mosquito repellent: to protect yourself, use repellents containing DEET and IR3535, recognized at European level, such as Paranix, Marie Rose or Stay OFF! directly from pharmacies in Colombia.
- Altitude and acclimatization (generally 3,000 m): take the time to acclimatize gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous physical exertion and stay well hydrated.
- Sun protection: use at least SPF 50 sunscreen, wear hats and long clothing. Beware: the sun in the Andes is more dangerous because of the higher intensity of ultra-violet rays.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: if you're staying in a tropical zone where mosquitoes are present, it's advisable to wear light-colored, body-covering clothing treated with a textile insecticide.
- Accommodation with mosquito nets: if you're going to mosquito-infested areas, select accommodation with a bed net to stay protected at night. Most decent accommodation has one.
- Food hygiene: be careful what you eat and drink. Choose sealed bottled water and avoid ice cubes in drinks. Avoid eating street food. Wash your hands or use disinfectant.
- Travel insurance: better safe than sorry. Taking out travel insurance before you leave is a guarantee of security and peace of mind.
- A few photos from Colombia to take the edge off the mosquitoes and turista 😉
Travel insurance in Colombia
Travel insurance is a valuable investment to protect you and ensure a worry-free experience in Colombia. We encourage you to consider this essential step in your travel planning to minimize financial risk and unnecessary stress.
Below is a simulation with 4 major insurers for short-duration trips (a short-duration trip is considered to be a trip of less than 2 months or 3, depending on the insurer). In each case, we have quoted the basic package, without adding any options. Prices and coverage vary according to the insurance selected. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, we invite you to make an online quotation tailored to your situation directly on the insurer’s website, and to read in detail all the coverages included or not, to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Remember to take out your insurance before you start your trip, as it’s difficult or impossible to do so once your stay has begun.
For a long-haul trip lasting more than 2 or 3 months, you should take out special insurance such as Cap Aventure by Chapka or Marco Polo by AVI.
- Bank card insurance: top-of-the-range bank cards such as Mastercard Gold, Mastercard Platinium, Mastercard World Elite and Visa Premier, Visa Platinum, Visa Infinite also offer travel insurance. Talk to your banker to find out what cover you have and whether it's right for your situation.
ACS
Globe Traveller Insurance-
Medical expenses: up to €150,000
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Luggage insurance up to €2,000
-
Medical repatriation included
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Optional cancellation insurance
-
COVID-19: cover included
AXA
Formula 1 insurance-
Medical expenses: up to €500,000
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No baggage insurance
-
Medical repatriation included
-
Optional cancellation insurance
-
COVID-19: cover included
CHAPKA
Cap Assistance insurance-
Medical expenses: up to €200,000
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Luggage insurance up to €3,000
-
Medical repatriation included
-
Optional cancellation insurance
-
COVID-19: cover included
AVI
Routard Classique insurance-
Medical expenses: up to €300,000
-
Luggage insurance up to €2,000
-
Medical repatriation included
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Optional cancellation insurance
-
COVID-19: cover included
- Simulation made for 2 people living in France, born in 1983, and traveling to Colombia for 3 weeks in August/September.
Practical travel guide Colombia
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