What to consider before purchasing a prepaid medical plan? Here's what you should evaluate before deciding.
Many people with a good income like to have a prepaid medical plan , which is in addition to their membership in a Health Promotion Entity (EPS). Several factors should be taken into account when choosing one of these plans.
Much of the decision to adopt a prepaid health plan is due to the current health system crisis, which is reflected, in some cases, in the government intervention of some health insurance companies. In fact, it is estimated that some 450,000 Colombians will migrate to these plans during 2025.
According to QueSeguro.co, there are three reasons to have a prepaid medical plan. They are as follows:
- Expanded Coverage : Although the EPS Health Benefits Plan covers essential medical services, it is not always sufficient to cover all health needs. Prepaid medical plans offer broader coverage, including specialist consultations, advanced treatments, and hospitalizations.
- Access to better services : With a prepaid medical plan, users have access to a broader, higher-quality network of clinics and hospitals, ensuring better medical care.
- Fast and efficient care : Prepaid medical plans typically offer faster appointments and shorter wait times for consultations and treatments. Avoiding long waits is one of the main advantages.
Prepaid medical care has been gaining popularity in Colombia in recent months. Photo: Courtesy
QueSeguro.co defines four criteria to consider when choosing a prepaid medical plan. They are as follows:
- Coverage Needed : Evaluate your and your family's medical needs. Do you require specialist consultations, chronic treatments, or international coverage? This is a question you should ask yourself.
- Provider Network : Check the network of clinics and hospitals associated with the plan. It's important that they include quality providers close to your home or workplace.
- Additional benefits : Some plans offer additional benefits such as home care, telemedicine, and wellness programs. Consider these extras when choosing your plan.
- Cost: Analyze the monthly cost of the plan and compare it with the benefits offered. Make sure the plan fits your budget without compromising the quality of care.
Prepaid medicine is an option in these times of healthcare crisis. Photo: iStock
The newspaper La República , citing figures from the Colombian Federation of Insurers (Fasecolda), stated that the number of people who will take out prepaid medical plans "reflects a sustained increase in demand for private alternatives, driven by patient dissatisfaction with access to and quality of care in the traditional system."
According to Fasecolda projections, the number of prepaid medical enrollees will increase from 3.8 million in 2024 to approximately 4.25 million by the end of 2025. This represents an increase of approximately 450,000 new users in a single year.
Doctors' appointments can be faster with prepaid medicine. Photo: iStock
Among additional health services, this segment leads with a 51.8% share . It is followed by health insurance (31.9%), supplementary plans (around 12%), and private ambulance services (4.5%).
There are 19 companies offering one of these services in Colombia. Although prepaid medicine maintains the lead in coverage, health insurance has the highest percentage growth: 14% annually.
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