Personal Health Insurance in Colombia

aztec says on Dec 2, 2006, 08:05:

As Rubito suggests... ...do a search of this site. Some of us have visited with several insurance agents in Bogotá. There are issues you need to be familiar with so you can make wise choices. As in many cases there is no one format that fits each persons insurance needs.

On the surface the different approaches appear confusing. Just don't take the first thing that comes along. Investigate the different offerings and how they all fit together.

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ColombiaBoard says on Dec 2, 2006, 12:00:

Medical Insurance Get a "Medicina Prepagada" health insurance plan. There are many types of plans, some cover just the basics, others cover even very expensive treatments, hospitalization costs, medicines, etc.
Find some good insurance agent. Remember that they usually work with one company so they'll recommend only one health insurance company, there are several good ones in Colombia.

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arthur brode says on Dec 2, 2006, 13:49:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/21001 .

http://www.calirentals.net/

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Lisa Zee says on Dec 2, 2006, 21:27:

Health Insurance You can write to: sierrarestrepo at une.net.co----- In English or Spanish (better), and this is in Medellin, maybe it is all over the coutry??. Up to 40 years of age, it costs about $80.00 dolaras per month, and covers, hospitals, doctors,etc. and if you need a dentist?, you can write about ifo at the same e-mail. I hope this helps.

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aztec says on Dec 3, 2006, 05:25:

In my search ... ...for adequate insurance coverage the best price I was able to manage was about $1500 per year just for me. It included catastrophic or major medical. Of course I am over 65 and that impacts price and availability. Even then I would need to pass a physical examination. Since I had just completed one that should not have been a problem.

No way I could have afforded the same coverage in the States. Incidentally the best price offering was from a company that is also licensed in the USA.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 3, 2006, 21:14:

Blue Cross PPO covers Colombia, BTW, however only in the major non-coastal cities...

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...Listo!! Libertad!!!...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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aztec says on Dec 4, 2006, 10:51:

You are correct about... ...BC/BS. I already have it and that is why I stopped looking for a carrier in Bogotá. Didn't believe they would cover me there. Turns out they will but you have to pay the bill and submit it for reimbursement.

That may not be entirely right because on their World site they list La Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá as an approved provider. Believe you can get pre-approved.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Dec 4, 2006, 13:46:

Aztec, i was told last month by BC/BS that coverage is provided and reimbursement not necessary.....any experience with them in Colombia? They also list numerous providers in Cali, Medellin, Bogota, but none along the coast......

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...Listo!! Libertad!!!...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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aztec says on Dec 4, 2006, 16:21:

Thanks!

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aztec says on Dec 4, 2006, 16:32:

My wife... ...had major surgery a few years ago at La Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. We paid the bills and submitted to BC/BS on our return with no problems. I believe you have one year.

They probably were happy to pay the bills because the cost was significantly less than if it had been done in the States.

We did not think to ask about filing at the hospital.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Dec 4, 2006, 16:34:

Interesting I just plugged in my BCBS number and searched for hospitals in Bogota. It came back with six hospitals and about 65 named physicians. The other cities in the drop down menu were Cali and Medellin.



Clinica De Marly

General Hospital

Calle 50 #9-67

Bogota, Colombia



Clinica Del Country

General Hospital

Carrera 16 #82-57

Bogota, Colombia



Clinica Shaio

General Hospital

Avenida 54, No. 104

Bogota, Colombia



Fundacion Santa Fe De Bogota

General Hospital

Calle 116 #9-02

Bogota, Colombia



Hosp Univ Clinica San Rafael

General Hospital

Carrera 8, #17-45

Bogota, Colombia



Clinica Reina Sofia

General Hospital

Carrera 31

Bogota, Colombia

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miamimike says on Dec 4, 2006, 18:40:

Beleive BS/BS operates Like Mail Handlers Health Insurance here in Colombia. MailHandlers is a US Based Insurance company BTW. I Actually had procedures performed in Colombia and I had to Prepay. My Doctor filled out the Mail Handler Forms and when I was back in the usa, I submitted the claim forms and 6 weeks later I was payed. That is how it works, you Must prepay!

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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