Prepaid medical care for retirees in Colombia: these are the costs, options, and coverage available.

The crisis in Colombia's healthcare system has been one of the main reasons behind the growing interest among citizens in private healthcare services. With the progressive deterioration of health insurance companies—marked by delays in medical appointments, problems with medication delivery, and the increasing judicialization of access to services—many people have opted to seek alternatives that offer greater speed, quality, and coverage. This phenomenon has been directly reflected in the rise of prepaid medicine and health insurance policies.

Particularly among the retired population—men aged 62 and older and women 57 and older, according to Colombian law—the need for consistent and timely medical care has also driven a shift toward private services. Many retirees, with the growing health needs associated with aging, find these plans a way to address the shortcomings of the public health system.

In fact, according to projections from the Colombian Federation of Insurers (Fasecolda), the number of prepaid medical insurance members will increase from 3.8 million in 2024 to 4.25 million by the end of 2025, reflecting sustained growth of nearly 450,000 new users in just one year. This increase is due not only to a greater demand for quality care, but also to fears that the public system will continue to deteriorate.

Although there are more than ten companies offering this type of service in Colombia, we'll tell you about some of the most recognized companies for their coverage and long history in the country: Colsanitas, Sura, Coomeva, and Seguros Bolívar. Below are the terms, estimated costs, and coverage options available specifically for the retired population:

In the case of Colsanitas Prepaid Medicine, this insurer allows seniors to enroll without an age limit. The plans available to those over 64 include "Esencial" starting at $67,000; "Salud Activa" starting at $349,000; "Medisanitas" starting at $700,000; and "Colsanitas Integral" averaging $1,108,000, designed to adapt to every medical and financial need.

Some of its most notable programs for those over 64 include its exclusive 24/7 support lines that guarantee continuous support, such as the Roble Club, for patients with multiple pathologies; the Memory Clinic, focused on cognitive disorders and neuropsychological deterioration; Oncology Support; and Palliative Care.

Colsanitas also has a robust portfolio of care for seniors that, in a preventive and personalized manner, focuses on the most common conditions in old age with an interdisciplinary and humane approach. This portfolio includes:

In the case of Seguros Sura, the company offers a portfolio of plans tailored to the needs of this segment of the population. Among its options is the "Health Plan for Two," starting at $65,000 per month, which prioritizes outpatient care and early diagnosis. It also offers alternatives such as the "Health Plan for All," starting at $222,849, with coverage for single rooms in the event of hospitalization, therapies, and medications.

Additionally, for those seeking more robust protection, Sura offers policies such as Salud Clásico and Salud Global, which provide comprehensive care, specialized benefits, hospitalization, emergency care, surgery, and international coverage. This offering seeks to support seniors with solutions that allow them to live with peace of mind and reliable medical support.

For its part, Coomeva Medicina Prepagada offers health programs open to members up to age 79. These programs focus on senior care, providing well-being and support with quality medical care, a national network, digital channels, and guidance in general medicine, psychology, and nutrition.

In this regard, Cooomeva Medicina Prepagada offers the "Preferente" program, with rates starting at $617,715, with an exclusive medical network and coverage for outpatient services, emergencies, hospitalization, and surgery. Also available are the "Tradicional Especial" program, starting at $130,095, with direct access to nine specialties and emergency care; the "Ambulatory Especial" program, starting at $229,320; and the "Ambulatory Esencial" program, starting at $194,250, with unlimited specialist, dental, and basic therapy care; and the CEM program, starting at $56,910, with 24/7 home health care and ambulance transfers.

Finally, Seguros Bolívar, through its "Custom Health Insurance," allows you to choose coverages such as virtual and in-person consultations in a plan starting at $34,800 pesos per month, which includes a doctor at home, dentistry, ambulance transfers, among others.

Prices vary depending on individual profiles and needs. This is why 'Health to Your Measure' was created as a complement to the EPS (Health Insurance Company). You can view details of coverage and plans, as well as calculate the cost based on age and the inclusion of family members.

Additionally, Seguros Bolívar offers the 'Plan M' starting at $93,900, and you can also get a quote for the 'Plan L' starting at $350,700. Each of these options also has a Plus option that is tailored to the individual's needs.

Environment and Health Journalist