Over the last decade, Colombia has exploded in popularity for tourists looking for an exotic and exciting location. In what is a drastic turnaround from the bad reputation it had during the 80s and 90s as a hub for narcotrafficking. The Colombia of today has gone through an incredible renaissance.
From Medellin to Cartagena, Colombia is developing a very different reputation as a medical tourist hotspot. Why? Keep reading to find out more.
In this article, we’ll examine why medical tourism in Colombia is on so many people’s minds. As they plan their next international excursion. From affordable plastic surgery and high-quality doctors. You won’t just get procedures done, you’ll also recover in paradise with excellent food. There are also a ton of reasons why you should consider Colombia as your next medical tourist destination.
Medical Tourism in Colombia: Overview
According to the World Health Organization, Colombia has the best healthcare in all of South America. Its medical system ranks 22nd globally. Catching up fast to industrialized countries that traditionally hold the global standard for medical care.
Why Do People Go to Colombia for Health Care?
Aside from its high quality of care. The Colombian medical system is very affordable compared to other developed countries, especially if you don’t have insurance. For example, a simple medical procedure may cost thousands of dollars in the United States. While it may only cost a few hundred dollars in Colombia.
When patients land in Colombia, they’re often treated much better than in their home country. Depending on which hospital they have chosen for their procedure, they may be provided accommodation and transport upon arrival.
When you’re already managing the logistics of a medical procedure, having these things already set up can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Not to mention that recovery in paradise doesn’t seem like a bad deal.
Is Colombia Good for Plastic Surgery?
Colombia is one of the best medical destinations for plastic surgery worldwide. Both the quality of the medical treatment and aftercare are next to none. Especially in the Western Hemisphere.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Colombia is seventh in the world for plastic surgery procedures. Compared to many other countries that offer plastic surgery tourism, you can be sure that the quality of care in Colombia is top-notch.
The most popular plastic surgery procedures in Colombia are liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, and abdominoplasty. People flock to Colombia for these procedures because of it being a fraction of the cost of what it would be like in the US.
Is Colombia Good for Dental Care?
Colombian dental clinics offer some of the best dental care globally for prices far below what you might find in industrialized countries like the United States. Especially for U.S. citizens, where dental care is absurdly expensive and often not covered by their insurance. Traveling to Colombia is often seen as the better option.
For example, the cost of a dental crown might be $800 to $900 less in Medellin than in San Antonio. Considering the flight from San Antonio to Medellin and accommodation costs much less than that. Who would say it isn’t worth it?
Where Do Medical Tourists Go in Colombia?
Medical tourists typically go to one of two places in Colombia for medical procedures or plastic surgery: Bogota or Medellin. These are the two major medical destinations in Colombia and feature some of the best doctors and hospitals in the country and Latin America.
Health Tourism in Bogota
The capital of Colombia, Bogota is well known around the world for cardiovascular surgical procedures. The city has some of the best heart doctors in Latin America. Not to mention the best hospitals specializing in these medical procedures.
One example of this is the Foundation Cardioinfantil, a top-notch hospital specializing in child heart procedures and treatment.
Health Tourism in Medellin
Medellin is more well-known for cosmetic and non-life-threatening procedures. If you want elective surgery done in Colombia. You would probably book a flight to Medellin.
You can find cheap, high-quality specialists in laser eye surgery, dentistry, and elective plastic surgery in Medellin. While you can also find specialists in other medical areas in Medellin, these three are the most popular and what the city is well-known for.
Health Tourism in Cartagena
Cartagena, a city located along the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia, is a growing destination for medical tourism. While the city has numerous high-quality medical facilities available now, there is still a ton of medical sector construction.
In the next few years, Cartagena should be on par with Medellin and Bogota in different areas of medical expertise. Cartagena is slightly more dangerous than the other major Colombian cities, but this will most likely change as more and more tourism comes in.
Is Colombia Dangerous for Tourists?
While Colombia may have had a reputation for being dangerous in decades past, nowadays, the country has made great strides in public safety. The history of narcotrafficking in Colombia attracted the wrong kind of tourist looking to take advantage of the illegal drugs that were easily available. Today, tourists are really only in more danger in Colombia if they engage in the illegal drug trade.
International tourists who stay away from narcotics will find Colombia to be just as safe as any other country. However, traveling outside of Medellin or Bogota during your trip may put you at an increased risk of robbery or other crimes. Always check your accommodation about how safe an area is and what specific safety procedures they may have in place.
As with any other country, remain vigilant of your surroundings, avoid deserted areas, and keep your belongings close. Also, it might be a good idea to take a few Spanish lessons before you head down to Colombia.
Conclusion
Ready for your next medical procedure in Colombia? We are, too! Whether you’re traveling to Colombia for heart surgery, breast augmentation, or anything in between, you can be sure that you’re in good hands. As you can see, Colombia features some of the best plastic surgeons, dentists, and medical doctors in the world!
Here at Medellín VIP we have a network of doctors in a plethora of different fields to aid in your search for your next medical procedure. Be sure to contact us today to learn more about medical tourism Colombia. We’ll set you up with everything from quotes from the clinics, to recovery as well as accommodations.
