There is a consensus that healthcare in Latin America falls short of the standards set throughout Europe and the United States. This consensus is wrong.

Since the 21st Century, healthcare has been evolving rapidly throughout the region. Colombia is a poster child for that healthcare revolution.

The healthcare system in Colombia ranks as one of the best on the continent and 22nd globally. Moreover, you can find 18 of Latin America's best hospitals in Colombia.

No traveler wants to have an accident on their adventures. But they do happen. And if they do happen to you, you can't rest assured that the healthcare system in Colombia is more than up to the task of helping you.

Colombia's healthcare system is split into three tiers. The first tier is government-subsidized healthcare. The second tier is the public healthcare system. The third and final tier is the country's private healthcare system: Medicina Prepegada.

Government-subsidized healthcare exists to aid impoverished families, fulfilling their human right to access healthcare. While adequate, the healthcare quality for beneficiaries is not quite what it would be for the other two tiers. 

Next is the public healthcare system, the tier most Colombians rely on. The public healthcare system is mandatory for permanent residents of Colombia.

As a foreigner in Colombia, you can only access the public healthcare system if you hold a Colombian resident ID or a temporary resident holding, excluding a tourist Visa.

Colombia's public healthcare system operates through contracts with health insurance companies, whereby patients get referred to a network of healthcare providers.

The final tier is the one that most gringos in Colombia will rely on in the event of an emergency. 

As already alluded to, Medicina Prepegada is Colombia's private healthcare sector, though don't let the 'private' label terrify you. Private medical care in Colombia is cheap compared to private healthcare in the States and Europe. 

Consultations with a general practitioner will cost around 40,000 COP, while an appointment with a specialist will cost around 150,000 COP. 

While consultations are cheap, treatments and medicines can send costs soaring, which is why you need travel insurance!

It's also worth noting that, in an emergency, you may need to pay before a doctor sees you. Keep proof of travel insurance or a debit card handy at all times.

Vaccinations will be a controversial topic for some. So now is probably the right time to point out that in no way are we medical specialists. We offer advice on vaccines to the best of our knowledge on the back of hours of research. Still, we're no substitute for actually talking to a specialist. Always seek professional medical advice before venturing out to a new country.

Compulsory Vaccinations

COVID-19

As of Dec 14th, 2021, all foreign travelers entering Colombia must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

The Colombian government also requires that the final dose of your COVID-19 vaccine be administered at least 14 days before your arrival in Colombia.

The Colombian government will accept vaccination cards or digital certificates for vaccines recognized by the WHO to prove your vaccination status.

Either of these will need to include:

• Your full name

• Records of when you were vaccinated

• Which vaccine was administered

• The number of doses administered

  Whether you're for vaccination or against it, this is the reality we now live in.

  The bottom line is this: Unvaccinated foreign nationals who are not holders of permanent resident visas will not be allowed to enter Colombia.

Yellow Fever

Details around vaccination against yellow fever are a little complicated. It's kind of required, kind of not required. 

A vaccination certificate against Yellow Fever will be mandatory if you arrive in Colombia from Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. A vaccination certificate is also required if you have been in transit for more than 12 hours in any aftermentioned countries.

If visiting any natural parks, nature, or wildlife reserves in Colombia, a vaccination certificate against Yellow Fever is also mandatory. How officials enforce this beats us, but it's best to get the jab in any case.

Yellow fever is a nasty disease transmitted through mosquitos in tropical regions. Once infected, there is no cure for Yellow Fever. One in four who contract the disease display serious symptoms and half of those with serious symptoms will die. That's a 12.5% mortality rate if infected.

Symptoms of Yellow Fever initially include:

• A high temperature

• Headaches

• Loss of appetite

• Muscle pain and backache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Photosensitivity

In most cases, where more serious symptoms are absent, you'll make a full recovery in 3-4 days.

The more serious and potentially fatal symptoms include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears

• Vomiting blood

The antidote to all of this is the Yellow Fever vaccine. The Yellow Fever vaccine consists of one dose, and once administered, the vaccine will be effective for the rest of your life. You should be immunized against yellow fever at least ten days before traveling to Colombia. Once vaccinated, you'll receive a small yellow booklet with your vaccination details. You must keep this document safe.

In addition to being vaccinated, you can choose to take further precautions by making sure your skin is covered and stocking up on mosquito repellent spray. Both will reduce your chances of being bitten.

Recommended Vaccines

Vaccination against COVID-19 and Yellow Fever are the only requisite vaccines for entry into Colombia. However, getting several others before making the trip to Colombia is recommended.

In addition to the vaccines mentioned below, officials advise being up to date with routine vaccinations against Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Polio, Diptheria, Tetanus, and whopping cough. In some cases, your doctor might recommend top-ups of these vaccines before traveling to Colombia.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an incredibly contagious disease spread through contaminated food and water consumption.

Symptoms of the disease include:

• Fatigue

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Fever

• Joint and abdominal pain

• Yellowing of the skin

• Intense itching

• Loss of appetite

Though the symptoms of Hepatitis A can last for several months, it is unlikely to be fatal. However, the disease can bring about long-term liver damage and even liver failure. Liver Failure, in particular, is very dangerous and will leave you needing a transplant.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is a one-dose-job. Officials recommend getting the jab at least two weeks before traveling to Colombia.

Hepatitis B

Incredibly different from hepatitis A, Hepatitis B is a blood-born pathogen that can develop into a chronic, lifelong ailment.

The disease spreads through blood-to-blood contact.

The symptoms of short-term hepatitis B are identical to those of Hepatitis A. If infected, you can expect symptoms to include:

• Fatigue

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Fever

• Joint and abdominal pain

• Yellowing of the skin

• Intense itching

• Loss of appetite

If you develop chronic Hepatitis B, the symptoms can be a lot more serious, and you may not realize it's chronic until it's too late. Chronic Hepatitis B leads to Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer, of which Hepatitis B is the leading global cause.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is a three-dose-job. Officials recommend that the three doses be administered evenly over three months. You can have all three doses administered in three weeks if necessary, though this isn't recommended.

Malaria

The risk of Malaria in Colombia isn't huge, but it is there.

A parasite known as Plasmodium causes Malaria. Mosquitos that bite in the evenings and at night are responsible for transmission.

The symptoms of Malaria begin to manifest 7-18 days after infection. It is easy to mistake the early symptoms of Malaria with those of the flu. Expect a high temperature, hot and cold sweats, headaches, vomiting, muscle pain, and diarrhea.

If left untreated, the symptoms of Malaria can progress, bringing the onset of all sorts of complications, namely:

• Anemia: the Malaria parasite destroys red blood cells, meaning less oxygen is transported through your body. Anemia will leave you feeling tired, weak, and faint.

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A life-threatening symptom where the lungs can't transport enough oxygen to your body's vital organs.

• Cerebral Malaria: A rare complication where the malaria parasite attacks the brain, causing it to swell. Cerebral Malaria leads to permanent brain damage and can cause seizures and comas.

• Dehydration

• Hypoglycemia: Abnormally low blood sugar

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

• Kidney Failure

• Liver Failure

• Pulmonary Oedema: A build-up of fluid in the lungs

• Swelling and Rupturing of the Spleen

The mosquitos that carry the Plasmodium parasite can't survive at altitudes higher than 1,600 meters, meaning that Colombia's Andean regions, including major cities such as Bogotá, are Malaria free.

In Colombia's other major cities, including Cartagena, Medellín, and Calí, it is possible to contract Malaria. However, the chances of it are very slim.

You need to be particularly vigilant in Colombia's Amazonian and Pacific regions. If traveling to these regions, doctors advise taking anti-malarial tablets or getting the newly approved RTS,S vaccine.

Meningitis

The chances of contracting Meningitis in Colombia are slim. But, it is possible. For those planning an extended trip to Colombia, or more generally, South America, health officials recommend vaccination against Meningitis.

Meningitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, although bacterial infection is rarer. Typically, Meningitis is spread through coughing, sneezing, and kissing.

If you contract Meningitis, you can expect to develop symptoms that include:

• Development of a rash

• Drowsiness and unresponsiveness

• Feeling sick

• Headaches

• A high temperature

• Photosensitivity

• Seizures

• A stiff neck

The majority of these symptoms may seem quite mild. However, if not urgently treated, Meningitis can become a life-threatening illness that causes septicemia and permanent damage to the brain and nervous system.

You may even lose a limb with amputations sometimes required to halt the spread of infection.

Bacterial Meningitis infections are particularly dangerous, estimated to kill one in ten people who contract it.

Even if you survive your bout of Meningitis, the disease may onset several long-term health complications, including:

• Arthritis

• Epilepsy

• Hearing loss

• Issues with concentration, coordination, and movement

• Kidney problems

• Learning difficulties

• Vision loss

There are several meningitis vaccines currently in use. However, the one likely recommended before traveling to Colombia is the ACWY vaccine. The ACWY vaccine offers protection against four different groups of Meningitis.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted when coming into contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Saliva can be transmitted through bites, scratches, and open wounds. The most common carriers of Rabies are dogs and bats.

On a broad scale, South America has a problem with stray, feral dogs. This is considered the biggest risk of contracting Rabies on the continent.

If you become infected with Rabies, treatment is possible. Vaccinating against the disease will extend the time to receive treatment, though it does not guarantee immunization. If you start to show symptoms, typically manifesting between three and twelve weeks after infection, you will die.

Symptoms of Rabies begin with:

• Discomfort at the site of infection

• A feeling of anxiousness

• A headache

• A high temperature

The initial symptoms are mild. However, within a few days, they will progress to:

• An aversion to water

• Confusion and aggressive behavior

• Difficulty swallowing

• Frothing at the mouth

• Hallucinations

• Paralysis

If you suspect that you've come into contact with Rabies via an animal in an at-risk area, proceed to:

• Clean the wound, running it under water and soap for several minutes.

• Disinfect the wound with an alcohol disinfectant and apply a dressing.

• Make a beeline to the nearest medical center, hospital, or doctor's surgery.

• Explain that you suspect you have come into contact with Rabies and fear you may be infected with the virus. At this point, post-exposure treatment will begin.

The good news is that post-exposure treatment for Rabies is nearly always effective if it begins before symptoms develop. Post-exposure treatment involves:

• Further cleaning and disinfection of your wound.

• Administration of the Rabies vaccine.

  • If you've already had a Rabies vaccine, you'll be administered two additional doses within a few days.

  • If you've not had a Rabies jab before traveling to Colombia, you'll need four doses administered over the next month.

    Doctors may also give you a medicine known as Immunoglobin. Immunoglobin is applied to your wound and provides immediate short-term protection against the disease.

Typhoid

Typhoid – also known as Typhoid Fever – is particularly nasty. This bacterial infection spreads throughout the body and can be contracted through contact with another infected individual or contaminated food and drink.

If you contract Typhoid, the initial symptoms are relatively mild, including: 

• Aches and pains

• A fever that worsens day by day

• A persistent cough

• Constipation

• Development of a rash

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Feeling Sick

• Headaches

• Loss of appetite

• A tummy ache

Failure to seek medical help after recognizing the symptoms of Typhoid can lead to fatal health complications.

The two most common complications brought about by Typhoid Fever are internal bleeding and multiple organ failure.

With internal bleeding, you'll require a blood transfusion and surgery to halt the infection. The symptoms of internal bleeding will include feeling fatigued, breathless, paling of the skin, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting blood.

Multiple organ failure is a fatal complication of Typhoid Fever. The Typhoid bacterium in your digestive system will perforate to your Peritoneum. The Peritoneum is a lining of your abdomen that doesn't have a defense mechanism to fight disease. The Typhoid bacterium will begin spreading through your blood (Sepsis) and eventually to your organs, causing multiple organ failures and death.

Vaccinating yourself against Typhoid Fever requires a single dose. The Typhoid vaccine is commonly combined with vaccination against Hepatitis B, killing two birds with one stone. There is also the option of taking oral capsules to vaccinate against Typhoid. Whichever immunization method you opt for, health officials recommend that you are vaccinated against Typhoid no later than two weeks before arrival in Colombia.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection for which there is no known cure. The infection is carried and spread by mosquitos. Usually, the disease is not life-threatening, and symptoms will pass within a week. However, it is not unheard of for the virus to cause fatal health complications, known as severe Dengue Fever.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever initially include:

• A high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery

• A severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Muscle and joint pain

• Feeling or being sick

• A widespread red rash

• Tummy pain and loss of appetite

Severe, life-threatening Dengue fever usually only occurs when the individual contracts the virus for a second time. Signs of severe Dengue Fever can include:

• Severe tummy pain

• A swollen tummy

• Being sick repeatedly and vomiting blood

• Bleeding gums or bleeding under the skin

• Breathing difficulties or fast breathing

• Cold, clammy skin

• A weak but fast pulse

• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness

If you suspect you have severe Dengue Fever, you must immediately check in at a hospital.

The best way to prevent contracting Dengue Fever is to wear appropriate clothing in environments where mosquitos are common and to stock up on insect repellant.

Zika Virus

Yet another disease spread through mosquitos. As is the case for Dengue Fever, there is no vaccine or cure for Zika Virus.

For the vast majority, symptoms are mild and, crucially, not life-threatening. Most infected with Zika Virus will fully recover between 2-7 days of showing symptoms.

The symptoms of the Zika Virus include:

• Conjunctivitis

• Developing a rash

• Fever and high temperatures

• Headaches

• Joint and muscle pain

• Lower back pain

• Pain behind the eyes

Sadly, there is a higher risk for pregnant women infected with the Zika Virus. Scientists conclude that contracting Zika Virus can cause congenital disabilities.

For this reason, consultation with your doctor may end with being advised against traveling to Colombia altogether if you are pregnant.

The mosquitos that carry the Zika Virus are most active between mid-morning and dusk, so dress appropriately and keep some insect repellant to hand.

Influenza

In light of the COVID pandemic, we should all be familiar with the idea of Influenza. Influenza is a viral infection that spreads from person to person through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of Influenza develop rapidly and include:

• Coughing

• Fever

• Headaches

• Muscle aches

• Runny noses

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

In the northern hemisphere, Influenza is most active between October and March. In the southern hemisphere, Influenza is most active between April and September.

If traveling through Colombia during the peak Influenza months of April to September, you should take steps to avoid exposure. Luckily, these days we're all pretty well versed in what such measures look like (thanks, COVID).

Before traveling to Colombia, you should aim to get the most recent seasonal flu jab.

What is Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a response from your body when you ascend to an area of high altitude without giving your body a chance to adjust to reduced oxygen levels.

High-altitude can be divided into three distinct categories.

• High-altitude: Defined as a point between 1,500 and 3,500 meters above sea level.

• Very high-altitude: Defined as any point between 3,500 and 5,500 meters above sea level.

• Extreme altitude: Defined as any point above 5,500 meters above sea level.

How do you get Altitude Sickness?

Symptoms of altitude sickness begin to manifest at altitudes above 2,500 meters. But this isn't always the case. Altitude sickness affects everyone differently.

It's not just the altitude itself that brings about altitude sickness. It's also the speed of your ascent and your sleeping altitude.

If you do not give your body the chance to acclimatize to the reduced oxygen levels, altitude sickness will follow.

AMS, HACE, and HAPE

Altitude sickness can manifest as one of three different syndromes: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE), or High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE).

AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness is the mildest form of altitude sickness, and the most common form travelers face. Symptoms of AMS include:

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Sleep disturbance

Generally speaking, the best remedy for AMS is to stop climbing and give your body a chance to acclimatize to the altitude. However, if symptoms continue, descend to a lower altitude. Alternatively, take Ibuprofen/Paracetamol and drink lots of water. Other medicines such as Acetazolamide or Coca Leaves, revered in Andean culture, may alleviate symptoms.

In most cases, it would be hard to tell the difference between AMS and a bad hangover.

HACE

High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema is a more severe manifestation of altitude sickness and, in extreme circumstances, can be life-threatening. If you develop symptoms of HACE, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention immediately.

In addition to the symptoms of AMS, the symptoms of HACE include:

• Feeling confused

• Feeling sick

• Hallucinations

• Loss of coordination

• Weakness

The most serious issue with High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema is that your brain begins to swell, which can happen rapidly over a few hours.

To alleviate symptoms of HACE, you must descend immediately. If trekking, your guide may have a steroid called Dexamethasone to hand. Dexamethasone will reduce brain swelling, though it is no substitute for proper medical attention, which you should still seek. If available, bottled oxygen will also be a tremendous help.

HAPE

High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema can be a little harder to spot, as symptoms may take several days to manifest. As is the case with HACE, immediate medical treatment is essential to prevent your encounter with HAPE from being a fatal one.

Essentially, HAPE is a build-up of fluid in your lungs, symptoms of which include:

• A blue tinge on your skin and lips

• A persistent cough which brings up pink or white frothy liquid

• Breathing difficulties, even when resting

• Tightness in the chest

• Tiredness and weakness

To alleviate symptoms of HAPE, you must descend to a lower altitude immediately. If trekking, your guide may have a medicine called Nifedipine with them. Nifedipine will reduce chest tightness and breathing issues. You should still seek treatment at a hospital, where a doctor will deal with fluid build-up in your lungs. As is the case for HACE, if there is bottled oxygen to hand, this will be a massive help.

Preventing Altitude Sickness

As we've discussed, there is a lot you can do to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, but there are many ways to prevent it.

• Spend a few days at an altitude between 2,500 and 3,000 meters before climbing any further. Doing so will allow your body to acclimate to the reduced oxygen levels without putting it under unnecessary strain.

• Where possible, avoid travel from less than 1,200 meters to 3,500 meters in a single day. Doing so is a sure-fire way of experiencing AMS, at the least.

• Climbing above 3,000 meters should be a gradual process. Whenever possible, don't increase your sleeping altitude by more than 500 meters per day.

• Rest every three days to give your body a chance to acclimate to the new altitude.

• Take Acetazolamide and Nfideipine where necessary. Not only do these alleviate symptoms of HACE and HAPE, but they can also be used to aid acclimatization. That said, neither are a substitute for a gradual, controlled ascent.

• Where possible, avoid flying directly into cities at high altitudes.

• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

• Don't smoke tobacco.

• Take Coca leaves, the base ingredient of cocaine. While illegal in most countries, Coca leaves are revered – and readily available – in the Andes for their properties in warding off the effects of altitude sickness.

Altitude Sickness in Colombia

Within our travel guides, several locations are located at high altitudes, which could mean falling foul to altitude sickness.

We believe listing these locations below will help you prepare and plan for the ascent to those altitudes.

• Medellín: 1568 meters above sea level

• Salento: 1912 meters above sea level

• Manizales: 1935 meters above sea level

• Guatapé: 1941 meters above sea level

• Villa de Leyva: 2043 meters above sea level

• Pasto: 2569 meters above sea level

• Bogotá: 2621 meters above sea level

• Ipiales: 2954 meters above sea level

• Los Nevados National Park: A maximum of 5231 meters above sea level

Water

The sanitation of Colombia's water supply has improved rapidly in recent years. However, we'd still advise against drinking tap water anywhere outside of the major cities of Bogotá and Medellín.

Always have a Lifestraw or equivalent water purification device to hand. The importance of purifying your water wherever you find yourself in Colombia is a luxury that can't be overstated. This will save you money buying bottled water. You'll also do your bit to help the environment by reducing your reliance on single-use plastic.

Food

As for food in Colombia, the best indication that you're about to eat is safe would be how busy the place is. Restaurant, street food, or otherwise; if the locals are clamoring for it, chances are it will be safe for you to eat.

A couple of other pointers would be:

• Steer clear of anything that's been hanging around outside for a while.

• Don't touch fruit that doesn't have a peel.

• Wash your hands before you eat.

That's it, really. Colombia has some incredible traditional cuisines for the wandering backpacker to whet their appetite. The best way to enjoy that cuisine's fruits is by exercising some common sense.