Staying healthy in South America is easy!

Let's talk health insurance, and how reasonable it is here in Colombia. Let's also talk about not having health insurance in Colombia vs the USA.

I left the USA without health insurance because I could not afford it after my divorce. My premium was 700
dollars and that did not include the co-pays or prescriptions. In my mind, way to much! I took this expense into account when making my decision to move to South America. Hey, a girl has to live and have some spending money! That was not possible for me in the United States. I had health insurance through my ex husband's employer and that was gone the minute I
signed on the dotted line. What to do? I needed insurance because of a persistent and painful back problem, I also need my regular check ups, for all the well care that keeps us healthy. I read up on the healthcare system in Colombia before I moved, and it is highlighted as a great reason to live here. I left the USA with  all my check ups and dental cleanings done, but I still had a back problem and would need my
regular check ups within a few months of living there.

I arrived in Colombia and focused on getting settled with my menagerie of animals, and thought I would
tackle the healthcare in a couple months. I was healthy, with only my persistent back pain. In Colombia if
you get an infection, all that is needed is a local pharmacy for small sicknesses which we all can diagnose
ourselves. YES, I KNOW when I have a respiratory infection, a bladder infection, a common cold! Pharmacists are as educated as doctor's here and ask your symptom's and give you medicine. Simple! The cost of a prescription here is negligible,only about 2$ to 5$ per prescription US. I , however, did not take in
account that my back would really flare up due to all the moving. I had to see a specialist, but visit a doctor in the emergency clinic first to be referred. Sound familiar? It is, but the one thing missing is it was fast, and
cheap. The emergency visit and the specialist came out to less than 100$ and that was with an injection included!

My next encounter with a healthcare provider was a teeth cleaning. A dental facility was nearby and  the
price was 10$ US. The offices are all white , clean and have sparse decor. The rooms where the exam
or in this case dental  cleaning take place , very simple with the equipment, and the doctor. I have had my
teeth cleaned so many times, I knew he did a good job and I am about to get my next 6 month cleaning
at the same place. In the USA you call and get a switchboard for appointments. In Colombia, most of
the time you just drive to the office and see if they can take you. If they can not take you they give you an appointment for the next day. Simple and efficient , not expensive, and this is without insurance.
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I was able to get a policy after living here for a few months by getting my Colombian ID card. This card is
necessary for all aspects of life, it must be shown for a bank account, at the doctor's, for buying a car or motorcycle, it is your identification in Colombia as a member of the country. I got mine after I received my
Visa. All Colombians have country run insurance that they have to buy for hospitalization, doctor visits, and all health needs. It is basic and not expensive. It costs around 15$ per month per person US$ (the money

is pesos here) and all of the country is covered for their health needs. Once I got this simple policy , I upgraded to the VIP policy that gives me private hospitalization if needed, a book of specialists in my area, and many other perks. I have a co pay of around 12$ US if I use a specialist. I start that plan in January 2012, and for a 6 month premium for one person is around 260$ plus the other insurance of 15$ per month.
Affordable insurance with doctors just as educated and professional as the doctors of the United States. I could not be more pleased with these options, and I do not have to break my budget or lifestyle!!!!

Another way to go is the small town doctor. I found this out in the last two weeks. I had some pain in my abdomen due to a small infection. My manicurist told me to go to the little clinic in my town. I did not know
we even had one! If you get there first thing in the morning with a copy of your ID, you are seen without
insurance for 5$ US, I kid you not! My visit involved a pap smear for 5$ US too. Here in Colombia if
you get a test like that, you buy your own kit at the pharmacy and give to the doctor or nurse who see's  you. The kit is also really inexpensive. I also had an injection , which you buy at the pharmacy with the syringe, and the doctor or nurse injects you.  So you see, you are the middleman, and the costs are kept low. I had blood work drawn, and that was done in my town by a nurse who has a business in her home.
She had the results that same afternoon. The blood work was a complete work up and was around 10$ US and then I had to see the doctor again with results. She sent my to the city to get a sonogram, which was the most expensive at 40$ US. I have had this sonogram in the United States before and it was NOT inexpensive but ridiculously expensive! My care was wonderful, and the same as the United States, and
once again the professionals here are not to be questioned. I was told I was AOK before she finished, as
like most of the Doctors here she spoke some english.

I will start my well care in the New Year with health insurance, peace of mind, and no worries. What more could a girl ask for? I can live well , free of worry from health issues that might come up in the future. I have thought since I have lived here, this is a simple uncomplicated system, that appears to work well with other entities. People in the USA would find it the same but different. I embrace the difference because I am well taken care of!