Colombia Travel Insurance Requirements

Key Takeaways

• Our analysis shows that Travel Insured International, IMG, and Tin Leg offer the best travel insurance for Colombia.
• Due to crime, civil unrest, and sporadic violence, travel insurance with Emergency Medical and Non-Medical Evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for trips to Colombia.
• Travel insurance for Colombia can start at just $3.38 per day for medical-only coverage. Comprehensive plans that include Trip Cancellation coverage average around $18.99 per day, but offer broader protection.
• We recommend getting custom quotes for your trip with our online travel insurance comparison tool. The tool lets you compare plans and prices from over 20 travel insurance companies.

Our Top Recommended Colombia Travel Insurance Plans

1. Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX because it offers strong all-around coverage with customizable benefits.
2. IMG – iTravelInsured Choice because of its extensive medical coverage for international travel and the option for Non-Medical evacuation.
3. Tin Leg – Gold because it offers high medical limits and cancellation coverage and offers protection for adventurous trips with activities like skiing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Colombia?

While travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Colombia, it is strongly recommended.

Travelers may face unexpected challenges, like medical emergencies in remote areas and civil unrest, especially in rural destinations. Private hospitals will have highly respected physicians who may not speak English. Also, they often require proof of insurance or upfront payment for treatment, which can be costly without coverage.

Colombia features vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and diverse terrain, yet this beauty also brings unpredictability. Travel insurance covers delays and cancellations due to weather. At the same time, a policy that includes Adventure Sports and Activities coverage protects against mishaps during outdoor pursuits like paragliding or jungle hikes.

For peace of mind, we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides financial protection against cancellations, medical emergencies, delays, and other common trip disruptions.

Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Colombia

Medical Emergencies and Hospital Costs

While Colombia has modern healthcare facilities in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, rural and remote regions may lack sufficient medical infrastructure. Private hospitals often require proof of insurance or upfront payment before treating foreign travelers. According to the U.S. Department of State, a medical evacuation from Colombia can cost upwards of $250,000, depending on your condition and location.

✅ Travel medical insurance ensures access to private care, covering emergency expenses like hospital stays, physician visits, ambulance transport, and air evacuation to a better-equipped facility or back home.

Altitude Sickness and Tropical Illnesses

Colombia’s geography includes high-altitude spots like Bogotá and Manizales, where altitude sickness may occur. Travelers in lower regions like the Amazon or Caribbean coast face mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, malaria, and Zika. The CDC warns about foodborne diseases linked to varying sanitation and water treatment nationwide.

✅ Travel insurance can help pay for treatment if you become ill due to contaminated food, unsafe drinking water, or insect bites.

Crime, Theft, and Civil Unrest

While popular tourist areas are generally safer, pickpocketing, scams, and theft are common in crowded cities and transit hubs. Sporadic demonstrations can also disrupt travel plans or lead to localized violence.

✅ Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost or stolen belongings, including passports, electronics, and baggage. Some plans also include Non-Medical Evacuation benefits if you’re advised to leave an area due to civil unrest or security concerns.

Flight Delays and Natural Disasters

Colombia’s equatorial location causes temperatures to vary with altitude rather than the time of year, making almost any season a good time to visit due to the country’s diverse landscapes. However, a rainy season (April–June and October–November) can make travel more difficult, creating a higher risk for travel mishaps, like flight delays, airport closures, road disruptions, and floods.

✅ Comprehensive travel insurance helps cover expenses if your trip is delayed, interrupted, or canceled due to natural disasters or severe weather. It can also reimburse for extra hotel nights, meals, or rebooking costs

Injuries from Adventure Activities

From trekking through the Andes and exploring the Amazon jungle to whitewater rafting and ziplining in San Gil, Colombia offers many outdoor activities to thrill-seeking travelers. However, these can also increase the risk of injury, especially in more remote regions with limited emergency services.

✅ Many travel insurance plans cover injuries sustained during adventure sports, including medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Be sure to choose a plan that explicitly lists the activities you’re planning to do.

Road Safety and Transportation Risks

Driving in Colombia can be hazardous due to poor roads, limited signs, and unpredictable local behavior, especially outside cities. While buses and taxis are common, scams and overcharging may occur. In rural areas, breakdowns or poor cell service can worsen emergencies.

✅ Travel insurance can cover medical treatment after a road accident and may offer Rental Car Damage protection if you’re driving. It also provides peace of mind with 24/7 travel assistance to coordinate help in transit-related emergencies.

More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Colombia

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Travel Insured International

• Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
• Emergency Medical: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Great for add-ons and coverage upgrades

Get Quotes

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

IMG

• Recommended Plan: iTravelInsured Choice
• Emergency Medical: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Reliable coverage for pre-existing conditions

Get Quotes

Best Luxury Travel Insurance

Tin Leg

• Recommended Plan: Gold
• Emergency Medical: $500,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Covers a wide-range of adventure sports & activities

Get Quotes

How Much Does Colombia Travel Insurance Cost?

The average cost of comprehensive travel insurance for Colombia in 2025 is $18.99 per day, based on internal sales data from travelers who used Squaremouth to protect their purchased trips to Colombia over the last 12 months. That said, medical-only travel coverage can provide more affordable options for travelers who don’t need cancellation coverage, averaging just $3.38 per day.

The average traveler spent $170.91 on a comprehensive travel insurance plan to cover an average stay of 9 days in the country, significantly shorter than the average trip length of travelers to other destinations, such as Brazil, where the stay averages 18 days. In addition, the average trip cost is $4,074.50, which is significantly more than the average cost for longer trips.

Quote Colombia Travel Insurance

What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Colombia?

We recommend purchasing travel medical insurance when visiting Colombia. A comprehensive policy is preferred due to the country’s complex terrain, security risks, and healthcare access challenges.

Here are the key benefits to look for when buying travel insurance for Colombia:

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Consider adding Trip Cancellation coverage if you’re traveling to Colombia with prepaid flights, tours, or accommodations. This coverage will protect your investment in trip costs if you need to cancel. Trip Interruption coverage reimburses unused expenses and assists with transportation home if you cut your trip short due to emergencies.

✅ Travel insurance plans can reimburse 100% of trip cancellation costs and 150% for ending a trip early due to illness, injury, or severe weather.

Travel medical coverage

Private hospitals in Colombia provide good care, especially in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, but international patients must pay upfront. Also, remember that U.S. health insurance and Medicare do not cover medical expenses in Colombia.

✅ A travel medical insurance plan can cover emergency treatment for accidents, illnesses, infections, and other unforeseen issues. We recommend selecting a policy with a minimum of $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, particularly if traveling to high-altitude areas or more remote regions.

Medical Evacuation coverage

Colombia’s natural beauty is breathtaking yet isolating, particularly for visitors. Whether hiking in the Andes, exploring the Amazon, or visiting a coastal town far from a major hospital, you may need an emergency Medical Evacuation to receive appropriate care.

✅ Medical evacuations can cost over $250,000 based on your condition and location. Choose a plan with at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage. Most plans also include medical repatriation, which is helpful in extreme cases.

Insurance for baggage and personal items

While Colombia’s major tourist areas are typically welcoming, petty theft and baggage mishaps can happen in crowded markets, transit stations, or buses. Typical targets include items like passports, phones, and cameras.

✅ Baggage protection can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged items and assist with essentials if your bags are delayed. Be sure to review the reimbursement limits and deductibles of each policy. When possible, leave high-value items at home.

What Isn’t Covered by Colombia Travel Insurance Plans?

Travel insurance can provide valuable protection but doesn’t cover every situation.

Here are standard exclusions travelers should be aware of when heading to Colombia:

• Alcohol or Drug-Related Incidents: Claims involving injuries or accidents that occur while intoxicated are typically excluded from coverage.
• Unapproved Adventure Sports: While many plans offer optional adventure or sports upgrades, activities, like hang gliding, deep jungle trekking, or scuba diving may not be covered by default.
• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Unless you purchase a plan with a Pre-existing condition waiver shortly after your first trip payment, any complications tied to existing health issues may not be eligible for coverage.
• Civil Unrest and Travel Warnings: The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning.

✅ Always read the full Certificate of Insurance (COI) to understand what’s included and isn’t.

Tips to Finding the Best Travel Insurance for Colombia

Use a Comparison Tool

With numerous travel insurance providers and plan options available, a comparison tool like Squaremouth allows you to filter policies by price, benefits, and reviews, simplifying the process of finding the right fit for your adventure in Colombia.

Read the Fine Print and Policy Exclusions

Each policy comes with its list of benefits and exclusions. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or plan to do adventure activities. Read the policy’s Certificate of Insurance to avoid surprises.

Consider Your Specific Travel Risks

Altitude sickness, mosquito-borne illness, petty crime, and regional unrest are all risks specific to travel in Colombia. When choosing a policy, consider where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re exploring Tayrona National Park or paragliding in San Gil, you’ll want a plan including evacuation and sports coverage.

Is Travel Insurance for Colombia Worth It?

Yes, it is worth it to buy travel insurance for Colombia. Whether you’re strolling through Cartagena’s historic walled city, trekking the Cocora Valley, or flying into the Amazon, Colombia is full of experiences—and unpredictability. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and protects your wallet when the unexpected happens.

You can safeguard your trip investment and access emergency help when needed for just a few dollars a day.

FAQ: Colombia Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance required to visit Colombia?

No, travel insurance is not required to enter Colombia as a U.S. citizen. However, due to the U.S. Department of State’s Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, it is strongly recommended. Travel insurance can help protect you from medical emergencies, theft, trip cancellations, and evacuation needs in the event of civil unrest or other unexpected risks.

Why is Colombia under a Level 3 travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department currently lists Colombia as a Level 3 advisory due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest in certain regions. While many tourist areas—such as Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá—are considered safer for visitors, other regions can be unstable. Demonstrations, armed groups, and violent crime are still risks in some rural and border areas.

Does travel insurance cover theft or pickpocketing in Colombia?

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans provide baggage and personal item protection, which can reimburse you if your phone, passport, or electronics are stolen. Pickpocketing and petty theft are prevalent in crowded areas such as transit stations, buses, markets, and tourist spots. Look for plans with low deductibles and higher reimbursement limits if traveling with valuables.

Will my U.S. health insurance cover me in Colombia?

In most cases, U.S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, does not cover medical treatment while you are abroad. Even private plans with limited international coverage may require you to pay out-of-pocket initially.

A travel medical insurance policy ensures you’re covered for hospital stays, urgent care visits, and prescriptions—without massive bills. Many plans also arrange direct medical facility payments, so you cannot cover expenses upfront.

What happens if there’s civil unrest or a natural disaster while I’m in Colombia?

Suppose political protests, violent outbreaks, or a natural disaster (like a landslide or flood) occur during your trip. In that case, some travel insurance plans include Non-Medical Evacuation, which covers the cost of transporting you to a safer location or back home.

Do I need special coverage to visit remote or rural areas?

You don’t need special coverage, but you should be sure to look for a policy that includes Medical Evacuation coverage. While Colombia’s major cities have adequate hospitals, rural and remote areas often lack access to modern medical care. If you become seriously ill or injured in these regions, you may need to be evacuated to a hospital in another city or country. Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage is critical for travelers venturing off the beaten path, including areas like the Amazon basin, Tayrona National Park, or Cocora Valley.