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Colombia Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
Sometimes |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Sometimes |
| Typhoid |
Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever |
Yes * |
Healthcare standards in Colombia are generally good in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and other major cities, where modern private hospitals and clinics provide a wide range of medical services. Facilities are more limited in rural areas, particularly in remote parts of the Amazon, Pacific coast and eastern plains, where serious illness or injury may require evacuation to a major city.
Private medical facilities generally expect payment or confirmation of insurance before treatment. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, particularly for travellers visiting remote regions.
Pharmacies are widespread in cities and larger towns, and many are open for extended hours. Travellers who require regular prescription medication should carry an adequate supply in its original packaging, together with a copy of the prescription where appropriate.
For medical emergencies, call 123, Colombia's general emergency number.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and many other major cities, although water quality varies across the country. Bottled or properly treated water is advisable in rural and remote areas and in places where the reliability of the local supply is uncertain.
Food hygiene standards are generally good in established hotels and restaurants. Greater care should be taken with street food, raw or undercooked meat and seafood, and food that has been left unrefrigerated. Fruit and vegetables should be washed or peeled where water quality is uncertain.
Mosquito-borne diseases are an important health consideration in Colombia. Dengue occurs in many warmer lowland areas, while malaria is present in parts of the country below approximately 1,700m (5,577ft), particularly in rural and forested regions. Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena have no malaria transmission. Travellers visiting risk areas should seek medical advice about antimalarial medication and take precautions against mosquito bites.
Yellow fever occurs in parts of Colombia. Vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting high-risk areas and should be given at least 10 days before travel. It is generally not recommended for travel limited to Bogotá, San Andrés and Providencia or high-altitude areas where there is no risk of transmission.
Dengue, chikungunya and Zika are also transmitted by mosquitoes in parts of the country. Travellers should use insect repellent, wear clothing that covers the arms and legs where practical, and use screened or air-conditioned accommodation in mosquito-prone areas.
Rabies is present in Colombia, and travellers spending extended periods in remote areas or likely to have contact with animals should seek advice about pre-exposure vaccination. Any animal bite or scratch should be washed thoroughly and medical advice sought promptly.
Altitude sickness can affect visitors travelling rapidly to higher elevations, including Bogotá at approximately 2,640m (8,661ft). Taking time to acclimatise, remaining well hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity immediately after arrival can help reduce symptoms.
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