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Medical insurance

I'll soon need some medical insurance in Barranquilla but, coming from France (where medical services are more or less free), I'm not at all familiar with the "private" medical system (and even less with the Colombian private medical system).

I guess I'll need some kind of cover regarding:

- Visits to the doctors
- Hospitalization
- Visits to the dentist
- Visits to the ophtalmologist
- Plus anything I may have forgotten

Can you recommend a good company to take out a private insurance (a benefit society?).

Also, do you have any ideas as to how much that would cost?

Thanks in advance!

By Darloup on Jun 25, 2009, 19:41 in Friendly Talkzone.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 25, 2009, 20:03:

Thanks Azunoman!

Does Salud Total have alist of affiliated doctors/specialists/hospistals/clinics?
And does the cover includes 100% of the costs or is there a deductible?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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Chriscan (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 25, 2009, 20:21:

I use Salud Coop. Doesn't include dental care but everything else. You pay 10% of everything (A week in the hospital and surgery cost $50). For me, my wife and her daughter, it costs 55000 COP a month but that includes some government discount because we are poor.

Beam me up Scotty; No intelligent life here.

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 25, 2009, 20:35:

Darloup, here are 3 options:

Since you will have a cedula, you can sign up for EPS (Empresa Promotora de Salud), which provides basic coverage including hospitalisation and emergency room visits, visits to a GP and he can refer you to a specialist if he thinks you need it (ophtalmologist, etc...), basic dental basic coverage. They cover all of your ongoing or known medical conditions. You always have to pay a copay for medicines (it offers only a list of limited government preapproved medicines), doctor visits, hospitalisation and any procedure in general, which is usually just $2.000. The monthly fee is $62.125 and you have to figure out a way to not pay into your retirement, either by proving you're already retired or finding the law that makes foreigners exempt from paying into retirement. Check which is the best EPS in your local area.

You can sign up for Medicina Prepagada which ranges from $80.000 to $180.000 per month per person (it declines the more people you include in your group) and you have to be registered in EPS as a prerequisite. You can choose your doctors and specialists and go directly to the specialist without being referred by a GP, they have lists of supposedly many top quality doctors and you have access to the best hospitals in the country. Medicines are not included and copays are more expensive about $15.000 to $25.000, but a lot more tests, doctor specialities are included that you would have to pay out of pocket in EPS. Checkout: http://www.colsanitas.com/medicina_prepagada_y_eps/colsanitas.html or http://www.colmedica.com.co/

You can also take private medical insurance at a company like Liberty Seguros: http://www.libertycolombia.com.co/psp/inter/CUSTOMER/CUST/s/WEBLIB_PTP...

I am not sure how their coverage works but they have different plans. Maybe another PHBer has used their services?

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Gator says on Jun 25, 2009, 20:39:

Coomeva Gold is what we have pays just about 100%. Any payment are small like Tetanus. $8.000 last fall Influenza vac was right around $25.000. tel Barranquilla: 368.3434 Wife and I $160.00 USD month. There are in and outs like EPS, your age, residency status, do you have a pension, etc.

http://eps.coomeva.com.co/

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 25, 2009, 20:47:

Is that a Prepagada? Do their cover prescriptions?

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theflatline says on Jun 26, 2009, 07:46:

All my dental care is free in Colombia

I have had really good dentist's in the US and when I am in Colombia I have a friend who is a Professor in a dental school. She is an excellent dentist, she comps me everything if I let a couple of her students watch her work on me.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:22:

As usual, thanks for your useful comments!

Viajero: So, with medicina prepagada, you have to pay the ESP subscription AS WELL?

Johnny: You have to register with EPS as well to get Cruz Blanca?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:29:

It used to be that if you wanted medicina prepagada, you had to sign up for both EPS and a pension plan. Now the pension plan is no longer a prerequisite.

Your EPS contributions will vary according to your stated income. I think I pay about 70k per month. AFAIK, EPS is a problem due to delays. You have to line up with the health insurer in order to get an appointment with one of their providers. Then the provider offers you an appointment two days later, for example. If you're in some kind of discomfort, two days isn't going to do it for you.

But I have no personal experience with EPS, and I guess it depends on the company. I just think they would logically introduce some hoops and hurdles to cut down on what they have to pay out.

I like prepagada because of their better hospital coverage, availability of the very best clinics in the city, and ease of use. I have Coomeva Oro Plus, for which I pay about 130k per month, plus another 60k to be part of the cooperativa.

Most of that 60k for the cooperativa is various insurances and contributions to a savings plan that you can withdraw after a defined number of years.

"this may seem a strange post but it is not...when in colombia men need to be aware that colombia women may try to be seductive and entice a travelling gringo to have sex with them..to be forewarned is to be forearmed..." -- pow wow

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 08:53:

It seems Cruz Blanca only operates from Bogotá, Cali and Medellín...

I checked the Salud Coop website which I found to be instructive: http://www.saludcoop.coop/index.asp

So, in short, and if I understand well, the two viable options appear to be:

1) EPS - about 60k-80k a month.
- Expect some delays in treament (surely, they wave this (2-day) delay for urgencies?)
- You have to go through a GP before seing a specialist

Is the 60k-80k a month per person or for your family as well?
What's the general competency level of GPs, specialists and hospitals?

2) Medicina prepagada - about 80k-180k a month PLUS your ESP subscription
- No delays
- Direct access to specialists
- Better hospitals/clinics

Here again, is the 60k-80k a month per person or for your family as well?

I assume that, in both cases, you have to pay a deductible for ANY service (visits to GPs or specialists, medecines, hospitalization, etc.)...

Did I get the overall picture right?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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Noelito40 says on Jun 26, 2009, 09:28:

We have prepagada with Cafe Salud (Cost $1.800.000) for the annual sub for the 2 of us, Each hospital visit charges a "bono" of $12.000. We also have our EPS with Cafe Salud ($62.200 monthly), each hospital visit $2.000, We use EPS for non emergencies medical and dental (for example my monthly scrip for omeprazol and regular teeth cleaning) Note we get a discount on the prepagada for having our EPS with them as well, there's also a discount for paying the annual fee in one go. We are in Bogotá and Cafe Salud is pretty well connected with the clinics here. (Actually I think they own or are owned by Salud Coop so as far as I know we would have access to both their clinic networks...)

Hope this helps

Noelito

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Noelito40 says on Jun 26, 2009, 09:32:

Note your EPS charge is based on your declared income from the previous year, so $62.000 (and $2.000 for visits/drugs) is the charge thereabouts for 1 minimum salary. Don't know how the monthly charge scales, but my guess is it could work out cheaper using private prepagads, anyone have more info on this particular point?

Noelito

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bickerss says on Jun 26, 2009, 09:38:

My GF was with Nuevo EPS and paid 65,000 pesos cada mes. She has to ring their 'hotline' only between the hours of 7 and 9. They never ever answer and if by some chance you do snag a line; they have certain doctors in certain places where they send you a few days later.

For the dentist the 'hotline is 2 to 230 pm.

Cheap is not good.

Investment Strategy - buying when others are crying!! Offloading when others are gloating!!!

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Londoner says on Jun 26, 2009, 10:39:

Johnny this is a continental thing,especially French,choose your own specialist.How could an ordinary person auto diagnose and know which specialist to consult?Yes,without doubt,French health service very good.But French are also able to self prescribe drugs and are big users as a result.Also,they are big hypocondriacs.Sorry,Darloup.

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jimmymcc says on Jun 26, 2009, 10:52:

i use coomeva and pay 81000 a month and also have one other person included, i foind them good but the dentist is crap,
Last week i had a hip replacement and was so impressed with everything, the only extra i paid was 300, mil for a private room with a nurse for 48 hours, the op was cool i was talking to the doctor as he was working away, then i fell alseep, i am so glad i had the op here not in London as its full of MRSA and CDIFF, thats the last thing i need,

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 11:39:

Londoner and Johnny: Yes, the French Health system is good but mainly because the quality of the care is the same for everyone whether you're rich or not. There are no "good" "average" or bad" hospitals/clinics and eveyone has access to the SAME quality of care (including to $500-an-hour specialists).

Costs are based on the famous French "solidarity" system:

- If you're very poor (earning less then 600 euros a month, everytihng is free - and I mean EVERYTHING (visits, medicines, surgery, etc.)
- If you're pretty poor (earning between 600-800 euros a month), then you pay between 10-20% of the costs.

If you're not THAT poor, you only pay for 40% of the costs, but ALL Frenchmen adhere to a Benefit Society (cost: an average of 60 euros a month) to cover this 40%...

True, the French as hypocondriacs but, contrary to popular belief, the French CANNOT prescribe themselves drugs. 99% of medicine in France is ONLY availble through prescription (the 1% being aspirin, etc...). And even aspirin must be purchased in "pharmacies" (the equivalent of chemists in the UK). The very idea of US drugstores where you can shop around with your trolley for non-prescription medecine simply does NOT exist in France.

The beauty of the French health service is that anyone has access to the SAME level of care and that we pay according to what we earn...

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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kramer says on Jun 26, 2009, 11:40:

Remember that you probably want health insurance with a high deductible (which also brings your premiums way down). This means that you do not have to mess with the bureaucracy for most things and gives you more freedom to manage your own health care. The idea behind insurance is that it is for catastrophic and non-routine costs.

Kramer

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 11:49:

Nice story Jimmy! Is there still a 8-year long waiting list in the UK for hip replacement?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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jimmymcc says on Jun 26, 2009, 12:04:

thanks Darloup, I kept asking for 25 years, and was fobbed off all the time, same old story too young Im 46 now, when i came here the doc took one look at the xrays and said yes, all in all it took 6 months here for all the paperwork to be approved and completed,

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Chriscan (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 13:20:

One thing I have to say for Salud Coop was that the hospital stay was really nice. I had a private room, private bathroom and shower and there was a futon for my wife to sleep on. This was standard issue. I like the view and it was as nice or nicer than any hotel I stayed in. They also sent nurses to my house to dress my wounds. I was really impressed with everything except the nurses. Canadian nurses are superior. I tried to do my own IV work when I could. I learned enough to be a rock star.

I've heard France's system rocks. It's great in Canada too. I'm always worried that with private insurance that they won't look for expensive problems.
I live in a place in Canada that everyone wants to, especially doctors. I can always see my doctor quickly. I usually have to wait a day here but that day makes a difference.

Beam me up Scotty; No intelligent life here.

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 13:23:

Where do you live Chriscan? Santa Marta as shown in your profile?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 15:24:

I've just talked to my favorite Barranquillera and she confirmed that Salud Coop (where she is currenly registered - as EPS) is a good deal.

She just hate the call center in Bogotá (very hard, and expensive, to reach) and the usual two-day wait before getting an appointment.

But also getting a Medicina Prepagada with them (Salud Coop) appealed to her since, as already written here, you often get an overall discount if combining your EPS subscription with the SAME Medicina Prepagada company.

Superb advice - thanks again!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 16:48:

I have Colmedica and they seem pretty good although I think Colombian doctors and Colombians take medical things too seriously!! As an American, I know NEVER to go to the doctor unless it is absolutely necessary because it is too expensive. Here I've got my boyfriend and his mom telling me to go to the hospital every time I get a sniffle and then the doctors ordering an colonoscopy (whatever it is) because of a few stomach problems. I guess its time though after being uninsured for like a year in the US.

My colmedica doesnt include dental and doesnt help with prescriptions.

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www.calirentals.net (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 16:50:

jpseast says on May 11, 2009, 07:42
I have Colsanitas prepagada costs $282,000 cop monthly plus $62,000 cop EPS Sanitas ...combined it is the best health ins. you can get here...

http://www.calirentals.net/

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 16:53:

Arthur brode: 282k (Colsanitas) plus 62k (EPS Sanitas) = 350k monthly and appears to be way above the prices mentioned here. What do you get extra for that money?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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www.calirentals.net (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 17:53:

http://www.colsanitas.com/medicina_prepagada_y_eps/colsanitas.html

http://www.calirentals.net/

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miamimike says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:00:

AB--Looks like a great Plan--with all they cover, looks like you hardly have any out of pocket expenses. Or if you do,they are minor. Not like here in the US where you get nickel-dimed to death for a simple visit.

No hay Peor Ciego que el que no quiere Ver o Sordo que el que no quiera Oir--Soy Yo, Sarah Palin, Wasilla Alaska.

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www.calirentals.net (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 18:09:

Thanks Mike.Here is some info that i copied from the website
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Nuestro compromiso por ofrecer cada día mejores servicios a todos los usuarios, nos ha mantenido a la vanguardia y liderazgo dentro del marco de la salud integral.

A partir del primer día

Consulta médica externa en diversas especialidades.
Consulta médica domiciliaria.
Consulta de psicología.
Consulta de homeopatía con profesionales adscritos a Colsanitas.
Ambulancia terrestre (perímetro urbano).
Atención de Urgencias.

Atención en accidentes de tránsito terrestre, sea peatón, conductor o pasajero.
Servicio preventivo de odontología y atención de urgencias odontológicas.
Fisioterapia y rehabilitación, sin límite.
Terapia respiratoria, sin límite.
Terapia del lenguaje, sin límite
Exámenes de laboratorio clínico, radiológico y patológico.
Electrocardiogramas y cistografías.
Oxígenoterapia.
Hospitalización para urgencias psiquiátricas (máximo 45 días al año por cada usuario).
Hospitalización domiciliaria (incluye medicamentos y materiales necesarios para el tratamiento).
Cama para acompañante para usuarios menores de 12 años y mayores de 64.
Enfermera acompañante para usuarios menores de 12 años y mayores de 64 (hasta máximo tres días y según pertinencia médica).
Diálisis y hemodiálisis (para afecciones reversibles).
Transfusiones de sangre.
Cirugía en caso de urgencia vital.
Pequeña cirugía (ambulatoria).
Tratamiento ambulatorio del cáncer (consultas, radiología y laboratorio clínico).
Atención de partos prematuros a todas las usuarias.

A partir del primer día del cuarto mes

Medios complementarios de diagnóstico.
Cirugías programadas en cualquier especialidad.
Hospitalización para tratamiento médico, quirúrgico o en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, sin límite.
Hospitalización para tratamiento psiquiátrico que no sea urgencia (máximo 45 días al año por cada usuario).

A partir del primer día del séptimo mes

Braquiterapia, radioterapia y cobaltoterapia para tratamiento quimioterapéutico del cáncer (excluidos medicamentos).

A partir del primer día del undécimo mes

Atención médica obstétrica del parto o cesárea a todas las usuarias del contrato.

A partir del primer día del trigésimo sexto mes

Stent coronario medicado y no medicado, sin límite.

A partir del primer día del trigésimo séptimo mes

Prótesis articulares de cadera, rodilla y hombro hasta un monto de 9 SMMLV al año por usuario.

Además:

Cobertura de concentrado de eritrocitos, plaquetas, crioprecipitados, plasma y sangre total, exceptuando su consecución y otros derivados de sangre y/o plasma.
Tratamiento del SIDA y sus complicaciones.
Cubrimiento de accidentes derivados de la práctica de deportes de alto riesgo.
Material de osteosíntesis.
Alimentación parenteral y enteral (intrahospitalaria).
El Anexo Bebé en Gestación, con el cual su bebé nace protegido, porque no tiene preexistencias y desde su nacimiento se le cubren enfermedades congénitas, siempre y cuando se solicite su inclusión antes de la semana 22 de gestación. En caso de no tener este Anexo, el recién nacido recibirá la cobertura total intrahospitalaria, los primeros 30 días, sin costo adicional.
La posibilidad de adquirir el Contrato de Maternidad y el Contrato Neonatal, cuando las condiciones de antigüedad de la usuaria le impiden acceder a los servicios de maternidad.
Suministro de medicamentos de uso ambulatorio para usuarios que sean dados de alta de una hospitalización para tratamiento médico o quirúrgico o de una cirugía ambulatoria, hasta una cobertura máxima de 2.75 SMMLV* por usuario durante cada año calendario y con un límite de hasta 15 días de medicación por evento.

Cama para acompañante: cobertura para usuarios menores de 12 años y mayores de 64 años.
Enfermera acompañante: cobertura para usuarios menores de 12 años y mayores de 64 años, según disponibilidad de la institución prestadora de servicios de salud y de acuerdo con la pertinencia médica, para patologías que lo requieran por un período máximo de tres (3) días.
Prótesis: desde el primer día del mes trigésimo séptimo (37) de afiliación continua en Colsanitas, cobertura de prótesis articulares de cadera, rodilla y hombro, hasta un monto de nueve salarios mínimos mensuales legales vigentes (9 SMMLV) al año por usuario, siempre y cuando no sean preexistencias.
Stent Coronario: cobertura de Stent medicado y no medicado sin límite, siempre y cuando el usuario tenga como mínimo treinta y seis (36) meses de afiliación continúa en Colsanitas. Así, hemos reducido de 50 a 36 meses de afiliación el tiempo para acceder a este beneficio.
Simultaneidad Colsanitas - EPS Sanitas: cobertura en infraestructura de Medicina Prepagada de la Organización Sanitas Internacional, dentro del territorio colombiano, para usuarios que ingresen por urgencias con preexistencias o coberturas que excedan los beneficios de la medicina prepagada, siempre y cuando estén afiliados a la EPS Sanitas y que los servicios se encuentren dentro de las coberturas del POS.
Hospitalización domiciliaria: ahora esta cobertura aplica a partir del primer día de afiliación y no desde el cuarto mes, e incluye medicamentos y materiales necesarios para su tratamiento.
Reembolso por adquisición de medicamentos formulados como consecuencia de una cirugía ambulatoria o de una hospitalización para tratamiento médico o quirúrgico, hasta por 15 días y con una cobertura máxima de 2.75 SMMLV: en los casos en que no exista red de Farmasanitas en la ciudad o en que por ser horario no hábil no sea posible obtener autorización de la fórmula médica o comprar el vale de asistencia médica; o en el evento en que el punto de Farmasanitas se encuentre cerrado. Los usuarios podrán adquirir el medicamento y solicitar por escrito a Colsanitas el correspondiente reembolso, previo cumplimiento de los requisitos establecidos para el efecto, los cuales se señalan expresamente en el contrato.
Tratamiento Ambulatorio del Cáncer: cobertura a partir del primer día de afiliación para consultas, exámenes de radiología convencional y laboratorio clínico. Adicionalmente, servicio médico especializado de braquiterapia, radioterapia y cobaltoterapia para tratamiento quimioterapéutico, a partir del primer día del séptimo (7) mes de afiliación continua a Colsanitas.
De esta manera, los usuarios ya no deben tener 13 meses de afiliación para obtener este beneficio.
Diálisis y Hemodiálisis: cobertura a partir del primer día de afiliación para casos de carácter reversible. Anteriormente se accedía a estos tratamientos a partir del cuarto mes.
Hospitalización psiquiátrica: cobertura para urgencias ahora a partir del primer día de afiliación. Si no es urgencia, a partir del cuarto (4) mes. Este beneficio está limitado a un período máximo de 45 días durante cada año de vigencia del contrato, no acumulables año a año.

http://www.calirentals.net/

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:26:

Gringoloid: Why 233k? That appears on the high side given what has already been posted here. Are you earning a lot, or does you plan include several members of your family, or do you have extra coverage?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:30:

Does anyone with a Prepagada get prescriptions covered?

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:33:

What's "prescriptions covered", viajero? Not having to pay for any of your prescribed medicine?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:35:

Exactly, not having to pay, or just a copay or deductible. My understanding, is that most, if not all, don't cover prescribed medicines.

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 20:40:

Some people wrote that, if you don't get the "prescritions covered" option, it'll only cost you 2000 pesos per medicine.

That doesn't seem THAT bad. - what do you think?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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la campiña (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 21:39:

mr frog I too thought this was a little tedious until I stubbed my pinky upon a well crafted piece of oak bedroom furniture, then when I arrived breathless in the apparent sanctuary of my abode scrabbling frantically for the official documents it suddenly dawned upon me how lightly we take these mighty A4 bits of paper.

guesthouse,dragonflycali,huge house with swimming pool,safe,quiet area minutes from restaurants,bars,boutiques,clubs.Private ensuite rooms,free laundry,internet,wifi,local calls,sat TV room,chill area with hammock,dart board,bbq,Paul 3165544187

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zed says on Jun 26, 2009, 21:47:

you've changed dude. whats up in your life?

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Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 26, 2009, 21:49:

elSapo, if you're bored about this thread (whom the mods deemed to be informative enough to become a sticky), why are you reading it and, more importantly, why do you even waste your valuable time posting a (useless) comment in it?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

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zed says on Jun 26, 2009, 21:50:

LOL.

Darloup 1
elSapo 0

2 funny, 1 helpful.

sergejf says on Jun 27, 2009, 09:43:

I'm curious: why hasn't anyone mentioned the possibility of an international expat health insurance? After all their prices are competitive and cover is often worldwide. I got a quote from http://www.goodhealthamericas.com and their Mobile Healthcare Plan Plus is only US$1474 a year with a US$2500 deductible. It covers dental and routine health checks.

If for any reason Colombia doesn't work out for me I'm still covered. The US$2500 deductible is no big deal since I'm healthy and hardly visit the doctor more than 2-3 times a year. This is just for emergency cover really. They do have a 2-year exclusion on pre-existing conditions that makes me uncomfortable but this seems to be the norm with such insurance companies. Another issue is that I couldn't get access to their list of approved hospitals and doctors in Colombia - but I'm working on it :))

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lpdiver says on Jun 27, 2009, 16:21:

sergejf...My only concern would be if the Colombian system would work with this insurance or if you have to pay up front and file on your own. I really don't know one way or the other; but, having a system already in place that has a known track record goes a long way in my book.

My work insurance covers me (supposedly); but, it is a REAL PITA to use. I have to pay and then file for reimbursement. I did so for a doctors visit for my daughter and myself on our last visit. It wasn't worth the money...but I needed to know if it worked. It does with complications.

ts

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

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kramer says on Jun 27, 2009, 22:16:

Be sure that any insurance you get is guaranteed renewable and not term insurance. This means that if you get sick and start using your insurance, your insurance company can't just dump you. Term insurance is much cheaper because you can be dropped at the end of any term (effectively, you undergo underwriting again at each renewal date). Some people may not even realize that they have term insurance until they really need insurance.

Guaranteed renewability is defined as the insurance company has to keep rates the same (or at least age-adjusted rates) for everyone who has the same policy. So if the rates change, they change for all policy holders. And if they decide to dump the policy and no longer offer policy holders insurance, they have to dump everyone, they can't pick and choose to dump certain customers (this is one reason to choose a larger company and a popular policy, to make sure there is critical mass in your particular policy insurance pool).

In the USA, almost all insurance is guaranteed renewable in all 50 states unless it explicitly states that it is term insurance. This is one reason why "travel insurance" often seems cheap: it usually does not cover pre-existing conditions and it is usually strictly term insurance.

sergejf, I could not tell if that insurance that you mentioned was guaranteed renewable after looking at the web site.

Kramer

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aztec says on Jun 28, 2009, 05:25:

If this is to be a "sticky" why not go back and attach the many useful posts already made here about health and medical insurance. The current comments hardly cover the surface of contributions already provided over the last few years on the subject.

Some of us spent many hours talking with industry experts in Colombia about requirements for insurance. Personal family situations can enormously complicate any decision. Individual needs are so different from on another that there is no one size fits all insurance program.

Gator for example has an insurance program that seems to fit his profile well. I am not sure if his insurance covers catastrophic or major medical. As a persons whose first wife was diagnosed with leukemia, I can guarantee you there are diseases whose treatment costs can run in the millions of dollars. It is not the cost of the normal doctors visit for the flu or other minor illness one needs to worry about.

Unfortunately one cannot simply place the word "insurance" in search at top of page and find a coherent and logical sequencing.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

Gator says on Jun 28, 2009, 09:20:

Aztec, correct you MUST sit down with a company rep. and ASK questions-too many variables to snswer here.

Gold Program 2005
Coberturas Coverages (When you see SMLV that means the Colombian miminum wage-2009 is $496.900 pesos)
Spanish is first english second confusing but you should get the general idea.

Servicio cubierto (translation) Covered service Cobertura Coverage
Consulta mÃ©dica (Translation) general General medical
100% 100%

Consulta mÃ©dica especializada Medical specialist 100% 100%

Consulta mÃ©dica de urgencias Medical emergency 100% 100%

Consulta domiciliaria en horario hÃ¡bil (Diurno) Consultation home schedule wise (Daytime) 100% 100%

Consulta domiciliaria nocturno y festivos Consultation home at night and holidays 100% 100%

Consulta mÃ©dica alternativa (MÃ©dico general) Alternative doctor (general practitioner) 100% 100%

Consulta mÃ©dica alternativa (MÃ©dico especialista) Alternative doctor (specialist) 100% 100%

Consulta de PsicologÃa Consultation Psychology Hasta 10 consultas/usuarios/aÃ±o Up to 10 queries / users / year

Consulta de PsiquiatrÃa Psychiatric consultation Hasta 10 consultas/usuarios/aÃ±o Up to 10 queries / users / year

Consulta de Nutricionista Nutritionist Consultation Hasta 10 consultas/usuarios/aÃ±o Up to 10 queries / users / year

Servicio OdontolÃ³gico Dental Service
AtenciÃ³n de urgencias del dolor Emergency care pain 100% 100%

Control preventivo Salud Oral Oral Health Preventive control 100% hasta un (1) control semestral 100% to (1) semi-annual monitoring

Examen clÃnico odontolÃ³gico general y especializado Clinical examination and dental specialist Una vez aÃ±o/especialidad/usuario Once year / specialty / user

Ayudas diagnÃ³sticas (RadiografÃas periopicales de urgencia) Diagnostic aids (radiographs periopicales emergency) 100% 100%
Ayudas DiagnÃ³sticas - PerÃodos de Carencia Diagnostic aids - waiting periods
A partir de la fecha de inicio del servicio (escala de valor). From the date of commencement of service (scale value). Hasta 50Þ un (1) SMMLV Up to 50% of one (1) SMMLV
A partir del primer dÃa del sÃ©ptimo (7) mes de la fecha iniciaciÃ³n del servicio (escala de valor). From the first day of the seventh (7) months from the commencement date of service (scale value). MÃ¡s del 50% de un (1) SMMLV Over 50% of one (1) SMMLV
hasta el 100% de un (1) SMMLV up to 100% of one (1) SMMLV
A partir del primer dÃa del dÃ©cimo tercer (13) mes de la fecha de iniciaciÃ³n del servicio From the first day of the thirteenth (13) months from the date of commencement of service
(Ayudas diagnÃ³sticas de alta complejidad) (escala de valor). (Highly complex diagnostic aids) (scale value). MÃ¡s del 100Þ un(1)SMMLV Over 100% of one (1) SMMLV
A partir del primer dÃa del vigÃ©simo quinto (25) mes de la fecha de iniciaciÃ³n del servicio (otras ayudas diagnÃ³sticas de alta complejidad: Resonancia Nuclear MagnÃ©tica, CardioangiografÃas y Vasculares Complejas, Cateterismo Cardiaco y Estudios ElectrofisiolÃ³gicos Cardiacos). From the first day of the twenty-fifth (25) months from the date of commencement of service (other diagnostic aids of high complexity: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, CardioangiografÃas and Complex Vascular, Cardiac Catheterization and Cardiac Electrophysiologic Studies). 100% 100%
Incluyendo el medio de Contraste Including the contrast
Tratamiento MÃ©dico y/o QuirÃºrgico Medical Treatment and / or Surgical
Ayudas diagnÃ³sticas intrahospitalarias Diagnostic aid intrahospital 100% 100%

Gastos hospitalarios Hospital 100% 100%

Honorarios mÃ©dicos y/o quirÃºrgicos Medical fees and / or surgical 100% 100%

HabitaciÃ³n hospitalaria individual sencilla, sin lÃmites de dÃas Simple individual hospital room, with open days 100% 100%

Material de osteosÃntesis (escala de valor) Osteosynthesis material (scale value) Hasta 5 SMMLV aÃ±o/usuario/contrato Up to 5 years SMMLV / user / contract

Se cubrirÃ¡n dos (2) Coils o Stenst convencionales(no medicado) a partir del vigÃ©simo quinto (25) mes It will cover two (2) Coils Stenst or conventional (not medicated) from the twenty-fifth (25) months
de la fecha de iniciaciÃ³n del servicio the date of commencement of service 100% 100%

Tratamiento hospitalario psiquiÃ¡trico, crisis agudas hasta 20 dÃas Psychiatric hospital treatment, acute to 20 days 100% 100%

Unidad de cuidado intensivo y/o cuidados intermedios, sin lÃmite de dÃas Intensive care unit and / or intermediate care, unlimited days 100% 100%

Terapias Complementarias de Tratamiento Complementary Therapies Treatment
Terapias fÃsica, foniÃ¡trica, ortÃ³ptica, respiratoria y de lenguaje Physical Therapy, Speech Pathologist, Orthoptics, respiratory and speech therapy 40 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 40 years sessions / user / contract

Terapia Esclerosante Sclerosing therapy 10 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 10 years sessions / user / contract

Terapia Cardiaca Cardiac Therapy 20 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 20 years sessions / user / contract

Terapia Ocupacional Occupational Therapy 20 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 20 years sessions / user / contract

Puvaterapia Puvaterapia 20 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 20 years sessions / user / contract

Psicoterapia realizada por PsicÃ³logo Psychotherapy by Psychologist 20 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 20 years sessions / user / contract

Psicoterapia realizada por Psiquiatra Psychotherapy performed by psychiatrists 20 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 20 years sessions / user / contract

Terapias Alternativas Alternative Therapies
Acupuntura Acupuncture 20 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 20 years sessions / user / contract

HomeopatÃa Homeopathy 10 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 10 years sessions / user / contract

Medicina BioenergÃ©tica Bioenergetic Medicine 10 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 10 years sessions / user / contract

Terapia Neural Neural Therapy 10 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 10 years sessions / user / contract

Terapias con filtros Therapies filters 20 sesiones aÃ±o/usuario/contrato 20 years sessions / user / contract

Otros Servicios Other Services
Urgencias Emergencies 100% 100%
Reembolsos (Previa autorizaciÃ³n de la auditorÃa mÃ©dica) Repayments (With the permission of the medical audit) Igual o superior al 10% de un(1) SMMLV conforme a las coberturas Equal to or greater than 10% of one (1) SMMLV under the coverages
del servicio ya tarifas de Coomeva Medicina Prepagada Service and Prepaid Medical tariffs Coomeva
Coberturas Especiales Special Coverage
Terapias y medicamentos para tratamientos del CÃ¡ncer Therapies and drugs for cancer treatments
(Quimioterapia, cobaltoterapia, radioterapia, y hormonoterapia). (Chemotherapy, cobalt, radiotherapy and hormone therapy). 100% 100%
Tratamiento del SIDA y sus complicaciones (medicamentos de uso hospitalario y hospitalizaciÃ³n). Treatment of AIDS and its complications (hospital medicines and hospitalization). 100% 100%
Maternidad: gastos clÃnicos, honorarios mÃ©dicos, 2 ecografÃas nivel II, 1 ecografÃa nivel III y analgesia obstÃ©trica. Parenting: clinical expenses, medical fees, 2 ultrasound level II, level III and 1 ultrasound obstetric analgesia. 100% 100%
AtenciÃ³n intrahospitalaria del reciÃ©n nacido durante los primeros 15 dÃas del periodo neonatal y atenciÃ³n pediÃ¡trica intraparto. Intrahospital care of the newborn during the first 15 days of the neonatal period and pediatric care Intrapartum. 100% 100%
Transplante de Ã³rganos (No incluye la consecuciÃ³n de Ã³rgano). Organ Transplant (Not including the achievement of organ). 100% 100%
Servicio de ambulancia terrestre (bajo modalidad de reembolso). Land ambulance service (under reimbursement arrangements). Hasta 50% de un (1) SMMLV Up to 50% of one (1) SMMLV
DiÃ¡lisis renal (en el padecimiento reversible). Kidney dialysis (in the reversible condition). 100% 100%
NutriciÃ³n parental y alimentaciÃ³n por sonda. Parental nutrition and tube feeding. 100% 100%
AtenciÃ³n hospitalaria domiciliaria conforme a las coberturas del servicio. Hospital care at home under the cover of the service. 100% 100%
Intoxicaciones agudas involuntarias por escopolamina y alcoholismo. Unintentional poisoning by alcohol, and hyoscine. 100% 100%
TransfusiÃ³n de sangre fresca total, concentrado globular (glÃ³bulos rojos empacados), concentrado de plaquetas. Transfusion of fresh whole blood, concentrated globular (packed red blood cells), platelet concentrate. Hasta 5 SMMLV Up to 5 SMMLV

Todos los servicios son por aÃ±o, contrato y por usuario All services are per year per user and contract

.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

0 funny, 1 helpful.

aztec says on Jun 28, 2009, 15:12:

Gator what is the life time maximum the insurance company will pay to one subscriber?

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Chriscan (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 28, 2009, 20:30:

I pay 2000 a prescription with Salud Coop. I'm told it includes everything except narcotics.

Beam me up Scotty; No intelligent life here.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

sergejf says on Jun 29, 2009, 09:26:

Just an update: Goodhealth (mentioned earlier in this discussion) has no restriction regarding hospitals in Colombia and their policy is guaranteed renewable.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 29, 2009, 09:48:

Aztec: I'm aware that the overall monthtly fees depend on individual circumstances (income, age, medical history, plus many other circumstances).

But, at the end of the day, this thread has the merit of teaching us the basics.

Prior to posting my OP, I had absolutely NO IDEA of what was available in Colombia. Now, I've learnt (and no doubt many others have as well) about the BASIC three choices:

1) BASIC EPS
2) MEDICINA PREPAGADA (plus your ESP subscription)
3) PRIVATE INSURANCE outside the ESP system

As far as I am concerned, that's VERY useful info.

Plus many posters posted about specific plans/companies they knew about.

That's ALWAYS very useful to know although, quite naturally, and as you rightfully wrote, the specific premiums will be based upon your specific individual circumstances.

But, as a "newbie" on this subject, I've certainly learnt a lot - thanks for all the useful contributions!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on Jun 29, 2009, 10:01:

That's ALWAYS very useful to know although, quite naturally, and as you rightfully wrote, the specific premiums will be based upon your specific individual circumstances.

When buying insurance that's a given. "Gator what is the life time maximum the insurance company will pay to one subscriber?" Since I don't sell insurance call and ask because it all depends on about six factors and since my circumstance and family situation is likely different than your you could nit pick ad infinitum

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

1 funny, 0 helpful.

viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 29, 2009, 10:05:

It is important to clarify that EPS and Medicina Prepagada are not health insurance in a strict meaning despite their services being very similar almost undistinguishable. Only private insurance is insurance. Therefore EPS and Prepagada services are regulated by the National Health Ombudsman (Superintendencia de Salud), whereas insurers are regulated by the National Financial Ombudsman (Superintedencia Financiera)

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Aji1 says on Jun 29, 2009, 11:23:

Has anyone here had, or reliably heard of, new applicants being turned down for coverage by some of these different Colombian coverage plans being discussed because of preexisting conditions? I am just curious because many of us with preexisting conditions, regardless of your present health status, are taking it on the chin here in the USA. My wife and her family says it is not that way in Colombia, not yet anyway. We have both been turned down reportedly here in the states because of preexisting conditions, even though we are both the picture of health now and have been for many years. It would be nice to know if Colombia is a nicer environment with regards to this issue.

Any comments or feedback?

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 29, 2009, 11:41:

Since the EPS is a public system (doesn't mean it's free or publicly operated) no one can be denied admission due to preexisting conditions and these conditions will be covered.

In regards to Prepagada, they can decide whether or not to take you since this is a contract between two private persons. Yet, most will take you but they will not cover treatment for preexisting conditions. Their usual method of detecting preexisting conditions is by asking you about them in your application, but occasionally they can make you take a medical exam if they think you might have hidden something in the application.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

pobrecito says on Jun 29, 2009, 11:56:

Darloup, why do you not consider the CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Etranger) with a complementary insurance (like Assur Travel or April Mobilité) ?

http://www.cfe.fr/

http://www.assur-travel.fr/

http://www.aprilmobilite.com/

No mas Tasco66 !

2 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 29, 2009, 13:43:

Pobrecito,

I'll check the three links you posted, but I was the assumption (perhaps mistakenly) that I'd get the same coverage much cheaper in Colombia.

Plus I'd naturally like to include Nelly and her son in the package (Nelly, because of her job, is already with the Coop Salud under the basic "package").

I'm just trying to square the circle on that one, Pobrecito!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

aztec says on Jun 30, 2009, 04:30:

Gator, hope you didn't take my question as a jab or criticism. Rather a genuine inquiry about an insurance item I can't seem to remember.

I wonder now if it was one of the reasons I favored the offerings of Liberty, a US company provider operating in Colombia. I believe the cost was somewhere in the range of $1400 - $1500 US.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Aji1 says on Jun 30, 2009, 07:47:

Thanks gringoloid and viajero. I am glad this thread got going, probably one of the more helpful threads to float around here in a while along with the gringo in Colombia VISA thread a little while back

I could see Bogota giving you BP trouble, it is a workout for those not accustomed to the altitude, that is for sure. I personally am /- 7 years in remission for a low grade lymphoma. My Colombianita has very mild epilepsy, but it is very easily controlled with medication. She is allowed to drive and everything. We are both the picture of health for our ages if you saw and was to meet us. However when anyone sees our medical history we get slapped with the "uninsurable" tag. It eventually pushed me to give up being self employed and get a job with insurance that would cover us. Now, not being self employed is burning an absolute hole in my soul. I hate insurance, I just want health care when I need it, which is very rarely.

Ok, "no llores mas nena"! Thanks for the feedback.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 30, 2009, 09:11:

I was told not to write anything under pre-existing conditions, previous surgeries etc. "It'll only complicate things".

They even went to get me another blank form/contract to fill in. lol

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Cali2005 says on Jun 30, 2009, 10:38:

suramericana in medellin is the best. if you have a cedula extranjeria you dont need to pay the ips, which some people dont realize, then you can just go for the premium insurance.

40 years old you pay 140,000 pesos a month. check it out. new clinics, great service

Medellin Apartments and Tours http://www.ParadiseRealtyMedellin.com

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Vadoom says on Jun 30, 2009, 20:56:

Assalam wa aleikum wa rahmatoullahi wa barakatouh.

I knew only three things about Colombia before I came in here. These are - guerilla, cocaine, coffee.
As for medical insurance this has been organized for me by the company I work for. EPS is CafeSalud and plan - one of Excelco - covers I guess almost everything. As far as I know cancer is also covered. I pay about $100USD per month and company's share is about twice this amount. The "bono" is 12,000-13,000 Cop per visit but this is not a big deal I would say. My colombiana companera with exactly the same plan got the 20,000,000 COP bill from hospital (kind of surgery) and paid off 12,000COP "bono" only. First 12 months you can go to any of Cafesalud, SaludCoop and CruzBlanca clinics. Afterwards, you have to stick with one of the above. Yet, the plan covers all 3 of us - wife, daughter, myself.

http://www.cafesalud.com.co/
http://www.cafesaludmp.com/

2 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 09:46:

Keeping on reading this thread, I STILL don't understand the huge difference in monthly premiums (premia?) that have been mentioned here...

I can understand gringoloid's case, since he had a serious pre-existing condition - and I'm glad that he managed to eventually get a nice cover...

OK, let's accept that your age and your income will affect your premiums - which seem normal to me.

Most of the replies in this thread seemed to state that a basic EPS program costs less than 100K pesos a month. Plus a MAXIMUM of 200K pesos to upgrade to prepagada (the average premiums appearing to be far less than 200K pesos).

Yet, many posters have mentioned monthly premiums WAY above this level of premiums. I assume we're exclusively talking about private insurance here, right?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 10:01:

Darloup, EPS costs 12.5% of the salary that you declare to the company. So most people just declare a minimum wage, hence they pay $62.125/month.

In understanding the costs of Prepagada, they all have rates for under 60's and over 60's, and then they give you better rates if you include your family members and more people in your contract, lowering the price per person. So you have to make sure that the costs people write here can sometimes include family members. And coverage also influences the level of cost. Most Prepagada companies have different coverage plans that vary in cost.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 10:24:

Thanks for the clarification viajero!

As has already been written here, I guess it's all a question of understanding the BASIC principles/rates THEN adapting them to one's personal circumstances (your age, any pre-existing conditions, how many family member you include, the actual extent of the coverage, etc...).

Johnny: "I am loving the healthcare here based on EPS and still don't get the private insurance angle."

That's the basic EPS care or EPS plus prepagada?

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 11:10:

Keep us posted johnny! I mean it!

Nelly has also been very pleased with her basic EPS cover, her main complaint being that she has to call a call-center in Bogotá (specific hours - and they never answer) and that she normally has to wait 2-3 days to get an appointment...

This is fine with MOST health problems, but it doesn't solve IMMEDIATE problems (like when, last week, her son developped a very high fever - in these particular cases, a parent can't really take the risk to wait for 2 days in order to get an appointment with a doctor. This is why I thought the prepagada option would solve this short-coming).

Hey Johnny, I hope those pesky gallbladders don't hurt too much - they're normally a pain in the a*se (well, in the bladder, but then yoiu get my meaning) and usually VERY painful. I sympathize - I do!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on Jul 1, 2009, 11:22:

Darloup, your best bet is to stop wandering through the field of insurance hell, wait until you get to Barranquilla, then make an appointment with the representatives from several of the leading companies and ask. It will very helpful if you have a request drawn up in Spanish of course) to hand over during the meeting. Unless it it a TRUE emergency that will be determined by the company you will not be fully covered for a "pop in" visit.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 11:27:

Johnny: "Notwithstanding, there are 24 hour emergency clinics too if Nelly's son needed to go urgently then they would accommodate."

Free? (under the basic EPS Coop Salud plan, that is). If so, she definitely has to look into her rights under the plan...

"but to highlight the thoroughness of the healthcare that i receive here. It was detected routinely"

That's always the kind of positive information that everyone living in Colombia wants to hear. Plus you'll get 5 Brownie Points from Simon ;-)

"if i was in the UK then it would have gone unnoticed until I collapsed in agony."

Yep; no doubt. Like 10-year waiting list for a hip replacement...

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Noelito40 says on Jul 1, 2009, 12:40:

I am very happy with EPS for non emergencies, but I can tell you from our painful experience that if any of you have need for emergency maternal care, you had better have prepagada!!

Noelito

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 13:29:

Hey Noelito, that's the kind of testimonies which will enrich this thread... Now, I'm afraid to ask you: "What happened" in your own, and apparently sorry, experience of ESP emergency maternal care?!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

srobledo says on Jul 1, 2009, 13:43:

Whew I came really late into this thread, anyway my two cents:
I used to work for an insurance company for some time here in Colombia and learned a bit about the differences between EPS, Prepagadas and Polizas, not that I am an expert or anything but the general coverage of Polizas (insurance) is much wider than prepaids and greatly wider than the basic coverage that EPS can provide.

For Colombians it is a must to have an EPS if they want to acquire a Prepagada or a Poliza but for foreigners just the C.E (cedula de extranjeria) will do to register.

The market leaders nationwide in insurance are Suramericana and Liberty Health which have coverages for almost all ages (up to 60 yrs old for an individual, unless there is more than 3 family members getting covered by the insurance).

Colsanitas, Coomeva and Cafesalud offer pretty good service and they can be good $ but the cost/benefit ratio is much better with insurance plus insurers cover extras like travelling abroad that might interest some members of PBH.

Both Liberty and Sura offer Polizas with and without deductibles (the price w.o deductible will obviously rise but is a good deal all in all.

I have received both kind of treatmens with EPS and with my Insurance, the difference is just heaven-hell (EPS being hell), but well you are paying for better service with the insurance.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 14:00:

Hey Gator: "your best bet is to stop wandering through the field of insurance hell, wait until you get to Barranquilla, then make an appointment with the representatives from several of the leading companies and ask."

You're right on that one. Last time I was in Barranquilla, I spent the best part of 2 weeks finding a place where I could change my AMEX travelers cheques (issued in euros).

Let's just say that I don't wish to waste too much time on that one, and the pertinent advice provided in this thread will assist me a lot.

I'm not after the ideal Colombian coverage. Just a "fair" and reasonably-priced coverage. REASONABLE being the key word.

" It will very helpful if you have a request drawn up in Spanish of course) to hand over during the meeting"

My request drawn up in Spanish is called "Nelly". She is the one who will negotiate :-)

Thanks for the feedback!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 1, 2009, 14:43:

Johnny: That's wonderful news! You're thus now going to become such a NICER person knowing you avoided surgery ;-)

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Jul 2, 2009, 09:38:

I had a post about medical insurance 2 years ago, it might help.
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/usted-puede-comprar-un-excelente...

Vive la vida y deja vivir!.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Vadoom says on Jul 2, 2009, 10:42:

With prepagada you can bring a medic to your home in emergency. We had such experience calling a pediatrician due to daughter having high temperature. First time pediatrician came within 15 minutes, second time within half an hour.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 5, 2009, 14:19:

Vadoom: "With prepagada you can bring a medic to your home in emergency."

That's very useful to know. Is that the case with most prepagadas? At times, it just simply impossible to wait 2 days to get an appoinment or a visit.

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Noelito40 says on Jul 5, 2009, 15:21:

Yes we have the same service with Cafe Salud, Doctor comes (it's also good in that the doctors cover a local area so you get the same doctor each time) We've used this service 3 times in the past 6 months, once for the wife and twice for me, each time we paid the normal bono for our prepagrada plan, $12.900. (I understand that the EPS are also promoting this same system "Toc, toc, llego el doc")

Another service you should ask about is whether am ambulance and paramedics will be sent to your house if you need it. (Again I knwo that our Cafe Salud Plan (Cereza Excelso Plus) includes this

Noelito

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Darloup (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 5, 2009, 15:26:

Noelito: "I understand that the EPS are also promoting this same system "Toc, toc, llego el doc"".

Great!

Better to have tried and failed than having regrets all your life about what you MIGHT have missed

1 funny, 0 helpful.

cvivaspoorbuthappy says on Jul 6, 2009, 07:10:

I am a Canadian Expat and I have expat insurance through etfsinc.com It is about US$300 per month but that covers my wife, baby and I for private doctors with no deductible, for up to 1 million per illness, dental (30% deductible), travel insurance up to 3 weeks, maternity, cancer, etc. I do not trust EPS's at all, I have a few doctor friends and they tell me that they are required to see a number of patients per hour and have a limit on how many prescriptions they can prescribe per day, so sometimes even if someone needs a prescription, they won't give it because their quote would be exceeded, etc.

When going to a private doctor, he/she takes about 30-45 minutes to discuss what is the matter, to advise, analyze and finally to prescribe or refer if necessary. EPS doctors will see you for a few minutes and send you on your way. Prepagada is not as bad but they also have quotas, etc.

My baby was born in Bogota and the experience was excellent, always first in line, etc. I pay for it, but for me, I think it is worth it.

I am not sure what the US offer, but Canada offers that and I like it. If I go back to Canada, it covers free of charge the 3 month wait period before we can get our provincial insurance card.

Just a thought.

CV

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Aji1 says on Jul 6, 2009, 07:21:

In the US they will send you a bill for scraping your dead carcass off the front steps after you are denied coverage and/or treatment.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

winsurfer says on Jul 6, 2009, 07:50:

My dead brother was sent a bill for $800 just for pronouncing him dead. I am still trying to decide whether to pay it or refer it to a lawyer. Medical inflation is just one of many reasons why I'd rather retire in Colombia than in the US.

"In the US they will send you a bill for scraping your dead carcass off the front steps after you are denied coverage and/or treatment."

1 funny, 0 helpful.

El Expatriado says on Jul 11, 2009, 15:22:

OK You guys, know of anything that covers

-All medical, including emergency, not dental
-SOS emergency evacuation to Canada or US
-For someone is in country for 3 weeks , out for 7, on a 30 day tourist visa each time
-Probably something on a monthly basis

Maybe i'll try the cvivasporrbuthappy guy's suggestion

Please advise

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