Colombia - Health

Colombia Health for Visitors

There are many excellent hospitals and clinics around Colombia offering high-quality healthcare. There is a public health plan available to residents and private healthcare. A consultant with a specialist should cost around $50 and you will get an appointment within a couple of weeks.

Dental work is also very reasonable in Colombia and many dentists speak English.

It is highly recommended to purchase international medical insurance in case you need care.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip.

Hepatitis A and B as well as Typhoid vaccinations are advised.

Visitors are advised to take a prescription malaria preventative before visiting Colombia.

Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended especially if you are going to visit tourist sites. This vaccine is mandatory if you are sailing to Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada area. The vaccine must be applied at least 10 days before your trip.

For further details, see the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection

Food and Water Concerns:

Tap water in Bogota is safe to drink. In rural areas, tap water may not be potable. Bottled water is widely available.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

A dengue outbreak has been reported in Colombia this year (2023). For more information, see the webpage of the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

Colombia has a history of previous Zika Virus transmission. There is currently no evidence of an ongoing Zika Virus outbreak in the country.

Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin.
• Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Other Diseases:

Cases of Oropouche virus (OROV) disease have been reported. Transmission of OROV occurs in forested areas between mosquitoes and non-human vertebrate hosts (e.g., sloths, non-human primates, domestic and wild birds, and rodents). Humans can become infected while visiting forested areas and are likely responsible for introducing the virus into urban environments.

Prescription Drugs:

Pharmacists are more than just prescription fillers and in Colombia are trained to listen to your symptoms and make recommendations, often saving a visit to the doctor. Many medications don’t require a prescription and can be bought over the counter at very modest prices.

The majority of medications are available at pharmacies in big cities, although medication for complicated medical conditions may not be available in rural or small communities. For some regulated medications, you might require a prescription from a local doctor.

If you are bringing prescription medication, only bring sufficient quantities of your medication and make sure it is in the original container.

Emergency Numbers:

See Emergencies.

Last updated:  September 2024