The health insurance and medical care i had been lacking in the United States has been made up for here in Colombia. Doctors earn good money here if they are specialists, but they do not make crazy money like in the United States. I believe the doctors here enjoy their jobs more and are less stressed out. If you do not have health insurance its advisable to seek basic medical assistance in a estracto 4 neighborhood in Belin or Laureles, otherwise you will notice general medical visits are 2 times more expensive in El Poblado for example. I must tell you that a health insurance in Medellin is very much worth the costs. With and without insurance you will find fees much cheaper than in other developed countries. With a good insurance company like Suramericana you will be very surprised with the new clinics (hospitals) and great scheduling availabilites of medical specialist. Health care is an important factor to consider when looking for your new place to live. You can find more information about Suramericana here http://www.suramericana.com, and i make no money off of this, I am just extremely happy to get good care here in Medellin after living through a decade of declining health care in the United States. Of course to get the good health care here in Medellin you have to have a premium policy (IPS) or Policy with a company like Suramericana. Suramericana i chose for the new clinic, and for the help i received from my asesor. You see if your a foreigner you dont need to have the basic insurance (EPS) as required by law for all Colombians. What does this mean, foreign residents are not required to pay for the basic insurance in order to get the premium, that cuts Medical costs in half if you can do it. Of course your age, current health, and preexisting conditions may force you to get the EPS before getting the premium IPS insurance.

First case of food poisoning after 4.5 years living here, ended up in the hospital for 3 days, they put me in a hospital room that was like a hotel suite. I came out without owing anything, thats right paid for 100% of the stay. I dont recommend staying at a hospital over a hotel room but i was suprised that everything was covered. I will be posting further personal experiences on surgery, and some of my favorite doctors at the Suramerica and partner clinics shortly.

Quality of medical care has a big part to do with quality of life when you choose a new home. Its affect on me long term has been unexpected, but pleasant in comparison to if i had stayed in the United States. My personal health issues would have showed up regardless of where i lived, and thank god i was here in Medellin. The care here that i received was far better than what i would have had in the United States.

For more information:
Please feel free to contact James for help on setting up a new life in Medellin Colombia. We have great resources available in the expat community for setting up residency, new businesses, and buying properties legally so you dont get bit in the butt later. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it about relocation help and services if your thinking aobut moving to Medellin.