City in Magdalena, Colombia
Healthcare in Santa Marta: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Santa Marta
Basic care in private clinics; serious cases are transferred to Barranquilla, Medellín or Bogotá. Buy insurance with medical evacuation, especially for the Lost City trek.
Hospitals for foreigners in Santa Marta
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Hospital Universitario Fernando Troconis | Main public hospital with emergency room |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: $100,000–220,000 ($30–66) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Colombia: Private hospitals in Bogotá and Medellín are excellent and affordable by Western standards; rural care is limited. Travel insurance is recommended.
- Pharmacies: Droguerías are everywhere, many open 24 h with home delivery; many medicines are sold without a prescription.
- Health spending: US$644 per person a year (2024); 2.5 doctors per 1,000 people (2023), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Colombia, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Santa Marta for foreigners?
Hospital Universitario Fernando Troconis: Main public hospital with emergency room
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Santa Marta?
About $100,000–220,000 ($30–66) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Colombia?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Colombia expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Santa Marta
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Colombia
- Parques Nacionales Naturales (Tayrona)
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.