Colombia Travel Insurance Plans

In this article:

• Travel Insurance Plans for Colombia
• Colombia Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Colombia FAQs

Travel insurance is not a requirement for entry to Colombia; however, it can be a good idea to get coverage when traveling out of the country as many U.S. health insurance plans do not include international coverage. Travelers should consider a travel insurance plan that includes medical expense coverage as well as flight delay, trip cancelation and lost baggage coverage.

Travelers can start by looking at our Preferred Plan since it includes coverages for certain unexpected events and inconveniences, which may include trip cancelation, trip interruption, lost or delayed baggage and more. However, our Deluxe Plan might be the better fit for you if you are looking for higher coverage options. Since Colombia offers ample opportunities for tourists to explore nature, you may consider adding our Adventure Sports Bundle to get certain coverage against losses from activities like mountain climbing, cliff diving and more.

Travel insurance plans typically cost between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Several factors come into play when it comes to pricing your plan, which may include the product you choose and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

To ensure travelers to Colombia are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard compiled some popular questions asked by tourists visiting the country.

For the latest information related to COVID-19 travel requirements for Colombia, please visit the official U.S. Embassy website for Colombia.

While Colombia is a beautiful destination for tourists to explore, travelers should take extra security precautions throughout their trip. Both petty and violent crime are serious concerns – especially in major cities. Criminals are often armed and have also been known to pose as police officers or to drug their victims. Civil unrest, kidnapping and, in some areas, domestic terrorism are also significant issues.

Before you travel, make sure you research areas of Colombia to avoid, including specific neighborhoods within your planned destinations. Do not carry large amounts of cash, wear valuables or use electronic devices in public. Be wary of strangers and do not accept food, drinks or other items from anyone or leave food and drinks unattended. If using taxis, book in advance instead of hailing rides on the street. Stay away from protests and avoid walking alone or after dark.

Finally, traveling between cities or to tourist destinations in rural areas can be dangerous due to criminal activity. Travel issues can also arise from flooding and mudslides, especially from April to June and October to December, and rural locations may be more vulnerable to damage from earthquakes. Traveling by plane and/or booking activities in advance through a trusted tour operator will help minimize risks.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travelers to Colombia.

All U.S. travelers should consider enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy as well as helps the embassy contact you in an emergency.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso. Travelers can exchange currency at most U.S. banks before their travels or at an airport kiosk before or after arrival. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, just be sure to alert your bank of your travels to best avoid interruption.  If planning on visiting smaller or local markets, carry a small amount of cash on you in case your card is not an accepted form of payment.

Spanish is the official language of Colombia. Though you may find English speakers throughout Colombia, it’s best practice to learn common sayings and phrases before leaving for your trip. Additionally, it can be beneficial to download a translation app that works without Wi-Fi.

Visas are not a requirement for tourists visiting Colombia for fewer than 90 days. Travelers will need a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay as well as one blank page for the entry stamp.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombia is in Bogotá. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Colombia has a tropical climate making the temperatures hot year-round except for the area of the Andes mountains where the country has a cold, mountainous climate. Precipitation levels vary throughout the country so be sure to research the area you intend to visit to ensure you can pack accordingly.

Winter is a popular time of year as Colombia has popular festivals and celebrations that draw in citizens and tourists alike. Additionally, this is the time of year when the temperatures are most pleasant as the seasons are reversed to the ones we experience in the U.S. This makes the months of December to March the busiest season for tourists. If you’re hoping to experience fewer crowds, consider visiting in Colombia’s off season from August to November.

Colombia’s dial code is +57 which can be used to reach landlines and cellphones in the country. When calling from the U.S. to a residence in Colombia, be sure to use the exit code of +11 and the area code for the number you’re trying to reach. When calling back home from Colombia, use the U.S. dial code of +1 plus the ten-digit number to contact your loved ones. Contact your phone company before your travels to avoid interruption and unexpected fees.

Power transformers are not necessary for tourists traveling to Colombia as the country uses a similar voltage to the U.S. However, a plug adaptor is necessary to use your electronics as normal. For this reason, we recommend a universal charger which can be used on other trips in the future.

Yes, it is very popular to travel by bus in Colombia as it is an affordable and cheap way to travel between destinations.

Travels will need a yellow fever vaccination depending on where they intend to visit and the country they are entering from. For a complete list of entry and exit requirements visit the official U.S. Department of State website.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Colombia. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!