Redpoint Destinations

Colombia

Travel Insurance for Colombia

Discover Colombia, where culture meets adventure, protected by Redpoint

Between the historic walled city of Cartagena, the modern capital of Bogotá, and the unparalleled coffee culture of the Eje Cafetero, Colombia has tons to offer international visitors.

Known as the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, the country is home to some stunning landscapes as well, from the unspoiled Tayrona National Natural Park to gorgeous coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. So if you want a trip that blends vibrant cities, diverse culture, and natural wonders, it's a perfect South American getaway.

Like many destinations, however, Colombia doesn't come without its risks, which is why it's essential to take out travel insurance. Colombia has an elevated risk level, according to the U.S. State Department, so comprehensive coverage can be a back-up in cases where something unforeseen happens, from needing medical care to requiring emergency evacuation. You don't want to head to Colombia without it

Medical, Health, & Safety in Colombia

Colombia has some important health and safety considerations for travelers to keep in mind.

Crime can be an issue in Colombia — including violent crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest — which is why the U.S. Department of State has an elevated Level 3 travel advisory for the country, with a Level 4 threat for certain regions. Be sure to stay alert to these advisories, and don’t travel to areas that are particularly risky. It’s also wise to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive up-to-date alerts.

While there are no required vaccinations for travel to Colombia, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers be up to date on all routine vaccinations, as well hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.

In addition, the CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medication to prevent malaria, and take precautions to avoid insect bites to prevent other mosquito-borne illnesses.

For more travel tips and health advisories, consult the State Department and CDC websites before your departure.

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to an astonishing array of wildlife, thanks to its rainforests, mountains, grasslands, and coastlines. The Amazon rainforest in the south is home to jaguars, pink river dolphins, and vibrant toucans, while the Andes are a haven for spectacled bears and unique hummingbirds.

In all of these places, there are risks of inclement weather, such as flooding in the rainy season, and natural disasters, like earthquakes and landslides. Dangerous wildlife encounters are also a risk if you’re not with knowledgeable guides. Always listen to local guides and safety advisories, and be adequately prepared with gear, hydration, first-aid kits, and food before you head out in remote locations.

Finally, driving in Colombia involves varied road conditions, unpredictable driving behavior, and mountainous terrain, as well as potentially unfamiliar rules and regulations. While highways connecting major cities are generally well-maintained, rural roads can be narrow, unpaved, or affected by landslides, especially during the rainy season.

Urban traffic can be particularly congested and chaotic. For that reason, it’s often safer to rely on intercity buses, private drivers, or ride-hailing apps, like Uber, in major cities. If you do plan to get behind the wheel in Colombia, avoid driving at night and map out safe routes ahead of time.

Insurance Benefits and Coverage for a Trip to Colombia

From trip cancellation benefits to lost luggage to medical treatment, the best travel insurance coverage should include some crucial components and protect your non-refundable trip expenses. Before you purchase travel insurance for Colombia, you want to make sure your policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared — no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to Colombia is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons — typically unexpected events or unforeseen circumstances, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. If you need more flexibility in your trip cancellation coverage, you can usually opt to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage for an extra cost.
Travel medical insurance: Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. Foreign citizens traveling in Colombia commonly seek out private care if they fall ill or have a medical emergency and need to see a doctor. Those medical costs can be expensive, which means having Colombia travel medical insurance is essential. Keep in mind that your health insurance from home will not be accepted in most cases, and if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll also need to apply for a waiver.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to your home country in extreme or emergency situations. If you’re doing any adventurous travel, such as trekking in the Amazon rainforest, emergency evacuation coverage is essential.
Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip, including lost baggage and delayed luggage.
Trip delay insurance: Travel delay benefits provide coverage for additional expenses if your trip is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

For adventure travelers, Ripcord is the best Colombia travel insurance. An extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, its benefits include emergency medical evacuation and search and rescue, as well as a generous per-person maximum for health coverage and unexpected medical emergencies.

Redpoint’s other travel insurance plans, Cavalry and Harbor, provide international coverage and comprehensive protection for a wide range of situations as well. If you’re sticking to the major metropolitan hubs, like Medellín, Bogotá, or Cartagena, Cavalry is particularly suited for city exploration and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler.

FAQs for Colombia Travel Insurance

Las Lajas riverside church in Ipiales, Colombia

Do I need travel insurance for Colombia?

While travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Colombia, it is highly recommended. It's a risk to travel anywhere without coverage, particularly a foreign country, where you could face medical emergencies — and as a result, exorbitant medical expenses — without a good travel insurance plan.

How much is travel insurance for Colombia?

The cost of trip insurance for Colombia varies based on several factors, such as your age, length of stay, and the coverage options selected. Most of Redpoint's travel insurance policies range from 6% to 15% of the total trip cost.

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Colombia?

For an international trip, it's important to select a quality plan. A comprehensive Colombia travel insurance policy should include medical care and emergency medical coverage (at least $100,000 for medical emergencies and unexpected costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellations and trip interruptions, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Colombia?

COVID-19 entry requirements for Colombia have relaxed in recent years, and travelers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. However, if you are worried about a coronavirus infection upsetting your travel plans, it may be a good idea to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your travel insurance policy.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Colombia?

Many urban areas in Colombia, like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, have modern hospitals and clinics with qualified English-speaking doctors. However, if you're visiting more rural or remote areas, you may have to travel a bit farther for high-quality medical care.

In any situation where you might need medical care, travel insurance is essential, as it can cover the costs of emergency care, doctor consultations, or even evacuation if necessary. Keep your policy details handy, and call your provider’s assistance line for guidance on approved medical facilities. Redpoint's 24/7 assistance line can also provide help at +1-415-481-0610.

Are the hospitals good in Colombia?

Yes, Colombia is known for its high-quality healthcare, especially in major cities, like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Many hospitals and clinics meet international standards, and Colombia is even a popular destination for medical tourism.

However, rural areas may lack advanced medical facilities, so having travel insurance that includes evacuation coverage is recommended. If you are having trouble finding adequate healthcare, contact Redpoint's 24/7 emergency assistance line and our team will help you locate care that's covered by your insurance for Colombia.

What documentation is needed to visit Colombia?

U.S. travelers visiting Colombia need a valid passport with one empty page, which is required for entry. A visa is not required for visits less than 90 days, though you may be asked for proof of onward travel (i.e., a flight home) as well as travel insurance.

The U.S. State Department also advises that travelers have a yellow-fever vaccination certificate as it may be required, depending on where you've transited through or where you're visiting in Colombia.

Is Colombia safe to visit?

Colombia has historically been safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations, like Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, and the Coffee Region.

Currently, however, the U.S. Department of State has assigned the country a Level 3 travel advisory, which means visitors should "Reconsider Travel" — in this case, due to an increased risk of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and unrest.

The State Department also advises avoiding certain areas altogether: the Colombia-Venezuela border and the Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments.

Is Colombia safe for female travelers?

Many female travelers travel to Colombia without incident, but they should exercise all the normal precautions, including avoiding traveling or walking alone at night, avoiding protest areas and crowds, not using unregistered taxis or rideshares, and keeping someone aware of your itinerary or any changes to your plans.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombia?

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá can help with a range of issues, from lost passports to emergency situations. There is also a consular agency in Barranquilla. You can contact the main embassy at the address and phone number below:

Carrera 45 No. 24B-27

Bogotá, D.C. Colombia

Tel: +57-601-275-2000

For emergencies, U.S. citizens can call the embassy’s 24/7 emergency line: +57-601-275-4021

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Redpoint is known for comprehensive, easy-to-understand travel insurance policies that can suit any type of trip, from an adventure through the Amazon to a cultured tour of the coffee region. Explore our three international travel insurance plans — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote today.