Why Colombia?
What they're Saying
In yet another sign that Colombia is probably the hottest travel destination in the world right now, TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice awards for 2018 had Medellin coming in first overall. Lonely Planet named it the 2nd best country to visit in 2017, while CNN has named Colombia one of the 17 best places to visit in 2017. In addition, media outlets The Guardian, Bloomberg, Condé Nast, Foder's, Frommers, The Daily Telegraph, The Economist and others are championing the country to potential visitors. In 2017, it was voted as the "best emerging LGBT destination" by FITUR - a well-respected tourism authority.
International Living August 2016:
If the high quality of Colombia’s healthcare system was news to you, you’re not alone. But word of the country’s excellent, affordable healthcare is getting out. Between 2012 and 2013, medical tourism in Colombia increased by over 60%. In 2013, 50,000 medical tourists pumped an estimated $216 million into the Colombian healthcare system. For decades, North Americans have come to Cali and Medellín for cosmetic surgery—a tummy tuck here, a facelift there, and a few implants to round things out. But today, people come to Colombia for all sorts of complex medical treatments. Eight of Medellín’s hospitals ranked among the top 43 in all of Latin America last year. That’s according to the prestigious financial publication América Economía, which assembles an annual list of the region’s top medical facilities. In most cases, Americans are able to save 40% on healthcare in Colombia, and in many cases, even more. “I speak from experience when I say I’m impressed by the healthcare in Medellín,” says Nancy Kiernan, International Living’s Colombia correspondent. “My husband and I have lived here for over four years, and we are very satisfied with the city’s health and dental-care systems. From something as simple as getting a blood test or your teeth cleaned, to surgery and root canals, healthcare professionals in Medellín provide excellent service,” says Nancy. Thanks to all this excellent care, medical tourism is booming in Medellín. Each year, more and more foreigners come here for that very reason. It’s not hard to see why. MedicalTourism.com does price estimates on various medical procedures. In 2015 the cost of a hip replacement in the U.S. averaged just over $40,000. In Colombia, the same procedure averages only a little over $8,000.Medellín is committed to making access to care easier for international patients. The San Vicente Fundación Hospital recently built a second site only two miles from the Río Negro International Airport. Being only a stone’s-throw away from the arrival terminal means that patients have only a five-minute drive to the hospital for their care. Dentists here provide fantastic care at a fraction of the U.S. cost. A crown in the U.S. will cost you between $1,000 and $3,500. “My English-speaking dentist here will do the same procedure, using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, for $250 to $480,” says Nancy. “Even if you just want to brighten your smile, a one-hour session that includes an ultrasonic cleaning, tooth polishing, and two cycles of whitening gel costs only $150. In the U.S., you’d easily be looking at four times that amount for the same service. ”The Colombian government has taken notice and made promoting medical tourism a top priority. New clinics and hospitals are popping up everywhere. Medical tourism travel agencies are working hand-in-hand with medical institutions to provide complete packages that include travel arrangements and medical care.