Colombia has been exempt from the Schengen visa since 2015, but EPS does not work outside the country. Learn why you need voluntary travel insurance from {{schengen_price}}/day and how to choose the right plan.
⚠️ Important: The Basic Plan (USD 20,000) is not offered for travel to Europe. The Schengen area requires a minimum coverage of €30,000. We recommend the Standard, Essential Plus, or Premium plans.
## Colombians in Europe: Travel without a visa, but never without insurance
Since **December 2015**, Colombia has been part of the list of countries exempt from **Schengen visa**, which allows its citizens to travel to 29 European countries for up to **90 days within any 180-day period** with only their passport.
This is excellent news for the thousands of Colombians who visit Spain, France, Italy, or Germany every year. **But there's a dangerous myth**: many believe that since they don't need a visa, they don't need insurance either. **This is a mistake that can cost millions of pesos.**
This guide explains why your EPS doesn't protect you, how much a real emergency in Europe costs, and how to travel with peace of mind from **{{schengen_price}} USD/day** with Baraglo.
## Colombian EPS does NOT work in Europe
Your usual health plan becomes invalid when you cross the border. Here's the detail by entity:
- **Contributory EPS (Sura, Sanitas, Compensar, Famisanar, Nueva EPS, Salud Total)**: Coverage **only in Colombian territory**. Zero protection in Europe.
- **Prepaid Medicine (Colmédica, Colsanitas, Coomeva, Sura Prepagada)**: Some premium plans include "international assistance", but with maximum coverages of USD $25,000-$50,000, high deductibles, and broad exclusions. **Does not always meet European standards**.
- **Health policies (Allianz, Mapfre, Liberty)**: Check if you have an explicit international clause. Generally, they require additional contracting.
- **Credit cards Visa Signature/Infinite, Mastercard Black**: Include basic travel insurance, but insufficient coverage (USD $10,000-$50,000) and slow reimbursement processes —not immediate assistance.
> ⚠️ **Reality**: If an EPS doesn't even cover a minor urgency in Cartagena when you're out of your city, much less will it cover a hospitalization in Rome or Paris.
## Real costs of medical emergencies in Europe
Verified data from European hospitals for uninsured tourists:
### Case 1: Fall with fracture in Barcelona
- Ambulance and emergency room: €750
- Minor surgery + cast: €1,800
- Hospitalization 1 night: €1,200
- **Total: ~€3,750 (~$17,000,000 COP)**
### Case 2: Severe infection (sepsis) in Amsterdam
- ICU 4 days: €18,000
- Specialized IV antibiotics: €2,500
- Additional hospitalization 5 days: €7,000
- **Total: ~€27,500 (~$125,000,000 COP)**
### Case 3: Hiking accident in the Swiss Alps
- Helicopter rescue: €8,000
- Traumatology surgery: €15,000
- Hospitalization 7 days: €12,000
- Medical repatriation to Bogotá: €40,000
- **Total: ~€75,000 (~$340,000,000 COP)**
### Case 4: Heart attack in Lisbon
- Catheterization + stent: €20,000
- ICU 5 days: €18,000
- Medicalized repatriation: €45,000
- **Total: ~€83,000 (~$377,000,000 COP)**
All these cases would be **100% covered** with the Baraglo Schengen plan from **{{schengen_price}} USD/day** up to **{{schengen_coverage}}** in coverage.
## Favorite European countries for Colombians: risks by destination
| Country | Main risk | Average medical cost | Recommended plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Robberies, heatstroke, urban accidents | €300 – €2,000 | Schengen ({{schengen_price}}/day) |
| 🇫🇷 France | Subway accidents, tourist falls | €500 – €5,000 | Schengen ({{schengen_price}}/day) |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Gastrointestinal problems, robberies | €200 – €2,500 | Schengen ({{schengen_price}}/day) |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Cycling accidents, sports injuries | €1,000 – €15,000 | Standard ({{standard_price}}/day) |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Skiing, hiking, extreme sports | €2,000 – €60,000 | Standard ({{standard_price}}/day) |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Surfing accidents, falls | €400 – €3,500 | Schengen ({{schengen_price}}/day) |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Urban cycling | €300 – €2,500 | Schengen ({{schengen_price}}/day) |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | Sunstroke, island accidents | €300 – €3,500 | Schengen ({{schengen_price}}/day) |
## Baraglo plan comparison for Colombians
| Feature | Europe Plan | Standard Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Daily price | **{{schengen_price}} USD** | {{standard_price}} USD |
| Medical coverage | {{schengen_coverage}} | {{standard_coverage}} |
| 24/7 assistance in Spanish | ✅ | ✅ |
| Repatriation to Colombia | ✅ | ✅ |
| COVID-19 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Luggage and flights | ✅ | ✅ |
| Adventure sports | Limited | ✅ |
| Meets Schengen Agreement | ✅ | ✅ |
## ETIAS 2026: the new permit for Colombians
From **2026**, all Colombians —and citizens of the 60+ countries exempt from Schengen visa— must register with **ETIAS** before traveling to Europe. It will cost approximately **€7** and will be valid for 3 years.
Although ETIAS **does not require mandatory insurance**, immigration authorities may deny entry to anyone who appears to pose a financial risk —and not having insurance is a red flag.
### Document checklist for Colombians heading to Europe:
1. ✅ Valid Colombian passport (minimum 6 months)
2. ✅ Round-trip air ticket
3. ✅ Accommodation reservations or invitation letter
4. ✅ Economic support (estimated USD $80-100/day)
5. ✅ **Travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000** (recommended)
6. ✅ ETIAS authorization (mandatory from 2026)
7. ✅ Yellow fever vaccine (if coming from an endemic Colombian area)
## Typical costs of a trip to Europe with Baraglo
| Trip duration | Europe Plan | Standard Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days (Madrid + Barcelona) | ~$21 USD | ~$35 USD |
| 15 days (backpacking through Europe) | ~$45 USD | ~$75 USD |
| 30 days (full Eurotrip) | ~$90 USD | ~$150 USD |
| 90 days (maximum Schengen stay) | ~$270 USD | ~$450 USD |
It's **less than 1% of the total cost of your trip** —and the difference between enjoying Europe or returning indebted.
## Why choose Baraglo as a Colombian?
- 🇨🇴 **24/7 assistance in Spanish** from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali
- 💳 Payment in Colombian pesos with national card or PSE
- ⚡ Policy issued in minutes by email
- 🏥 Network of clinics throughout Europe
- ✅ Officially complies with the **Schengen Agreement** (valid even if you don't need a visa)
- 💰 100% refund if you cancel before the trip
## Frequently asked questions
### Is medical insurance mandatory for Colombians in Europe?
It is not legally mandatory since 2025, but it is **highly recommended**. Some airlines and immigration authorities may request it.
### Does my prepaid medicine Sura/Colsanitas cover me in Europe?
Only if you have an explicitly contracted international plan. Most standard plans do not cover international emergencies.
### What happens if I get COVID-19 in Europe?
All Baraglo plans cover consultations, hospitalization, and quarantine for COVID-19.
### Can I extend my insurance if I decide to stay longer?
Yes, you can extend it from your Baraglo portal before it expires.
### Does it cover sports like skiing or snowboarding?
The Standard Plan and higher cover adventure sports. For skiing in the Alps, we recommend the Standard Plan from {{standard_price}}/day.
---
**Quote your Europe insurance in less than 60 seconds** — [Europe Plan from {{schengen_price}} USD/day →](/seguro-viaje-europa?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2)
Baraglo
