Colombians are exempt from Schengen visas, but your EPS doesn't work in Europe. Discover why you need travel insurance and how much it costs.
⚠️ Important: The Basic Plan (USD 20,000) is not offered for trips to Europe. The Schengen Area requires a minimum medical coverage of EUR €30,000 (approximately USD $32,000). We recommend our Standard, Essential Plus, or Premium plans, which meet and exceed this requirement.
Colombia is one of the fortunate Latin American countries whose citizens are exempt from Schengen visas for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that as a Colombian, you can enter the 27 Schengen Area countries by simply presenting your valid passport and meeting the entry requirements. However, there's a critical misconception that can turn your dream trip into a financial nightmare: being visa-exempt doesn't mean you're medically covered. Your EPS, your prepaid medical plan, and Colombian supplementary plans are not valid nor do they have agreements with hospitals in Europe.
Why your Colombian EPS is useless in Europe?
It's a reality many travelers discover the hard way. Health Promoting Entities (EPS) like Sura, Sanitas, Nueva EPS, Compensar, Famisanar, or Coomeva are designed, by law and by operation, to offer coverage
exclusively within Colombian territory. There is no "Sura-Germany health agreement" or "Sanitas-Italy agreement."
Even high-level prepaid medical care in Colombia (like Colsanitas, Colmédica, or Medisanitas) does not operate with a direct payment system in European hospitals. If you face a medical emergency in Barcelona, Rome, or Paris, the standard procedure is that you, the patient, must pay the entire bill out of your own pocket. The cost of a simple appendicitis can amount to over €10,000. Then, upon returning to Colombia, you might initiate a cumbersome reimbursement request process, which is usually slow, bureaucratic, and, in most cases, only covers a minimal fraction of the actual expense, if it covers it at all.
Case study: Ana's sprained ankle in Paris
Imagine Ana, a traveler from Medellín excited about her first trip to Europe. While climbing the stairs of Montmartre in Paris, she missteps and sprains her ankle. The pain is intense, and she needs medical attention. Without travel insurance, Ana faces this scenario:
- Language barrier: She calls emergency services but struggles to explain the situation in French.
- Ambulance cost: An ambulance takes her to the nearest hospital. This trip alone can cost between €800 and €2,000.
- Emergency care: At the hospital, she gets an X-ray and a splint. The emergency consultation, X-rays, and treatment add another €700.
- Immediate payment: The hospital demands full payment of the bill, about €2,700 (more than 11 million Colombian pesos) before discharging her. Ana has to use the credit card limit she had set aside for the rest of her trip.
With Baraglo travel insurance, the situation would be different. Ana would call our 24/7 assistance line in Spanish. We would coordinate the ambulance, direct her to a hospital in our network, and manage direct payment of covered medical expenses. Ana would only worry about her recovery, not the bill.
Real medical costs in Europe for a Colombian (without insurance)
To put the numbers into perspective, we have converted average costs in Europe to Colombian Pesos (COP), based on an average exchange rate. These numbers demonstrate why traveling without insurance is a risk not worth taking.
| Medical Service |
Average Cost in Europe (EUR) |
Approx. Equivalent in Pesos (COP) |
| Simple emergency consultation for stomach virus |
€200 – €500 |
$880,000 – $2,200,000 |
| Urban ambulance transfer |
€800 – €2,000 |
$3,520,000 – $8,800,000 |
| Hospitalization (1 night, without treatment) |
€1,500 – €4,000 |
$6,600,000 – $17,600,000 |
| Emergency surgery (appendicitis) |
€5,000 – €30,000 |
$22,000,000 – $132,000,000 |
| One day in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) |
€3,000 – €6,000 |
$13,200,000 – $26,400,000 |
| Medical repatriation to Colombia (medicalized flight) |
€10,000 – €50,000+ |
$44,000,000 – $220,000,000+ |
💡 A single night of hospitalization in Germany can cost you more than a whole year of EPS contributions in Colombia. An emergency appendicitis surgery in Switzerland or France can easily exceed $100 million Colombian pesos.
Detailed Comparison: Which Baraglo Plan to Choose for Your Trip to Europe?
Choosing the right plan is key to traveling with peace of mind. All our recommended plans for Europe exceed the minimum €30,000 requirement. The choice depends on your trip type, budget, and the level of protection you desire.
| Baraglo Plan |
Standard |
Essential Plus |
Premium |
| Medical Coverage |
USD $35,000 |
USD $50,000 |
USD $100,000 |
| Price per day* |
$4.99 |
$5.29 |
$8.99 |
| Cost for 15 days |
USD $74.85 (~$299,000 COP) |
USD $79.35 (~$317,000 COP) |
USD $134.85 (~$539,000 COP) |
| Trip Cancellation |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Lost Luggage |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
✅ Included |
| Recreational Sports |
✅ Limited |
✅ Comprehensive Coverage |
✅ Superior Coverage |
| Ideal for... |
Budget travelers visiting cities and seeking essential protection. |
90% of travelers. Offers the best balance between high coverage amount and an affordable price. Ideal for families and long trips. |
Travelers who leave nothing to chance, who practice winter sports, or travel to high-cost countries like Switzerland or Norway. |
*Prices per person, per day, for travelers up to 75 years old. Prices in COP are approximate and depend on the TRM (Market Exchange Rate) on the day of purchase.
As you can see, for a difference of just $0.30 USD daily, the Essential Plus Plan increases your medical coverage by $15,000 USD. For a 15-day trip, that extra peace of mind costs you less than $5 USD in total, the price of a coffee in any European capital. For this reason, it is our most recommended plan.
Ready to protect your investment and your health? Don't let an unforeseen event ruin your European adventure. Quote your Baraglo travel insurance now in less than 2 minutes and travel with the security you deserve.
ETIAS 2026: The Next Requirement for Colombians in Europe
As of mid-2026, Colombian citizens (and those from 60 other visa-exempt countries) will need an ETIAS authorization (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter 30 European countries, including all in the Schengen Area.
It is crucial to understand what ETIAS is and is not:
- It is a travel authorization, not a visa. The process will be 100% online, fast, and simple.
- It will cost approximately €7 and will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
- Its purpose is security. It allows European authorities to pre-screen travelers before their arrival.
Most importantly: ETIAS does NOT include any medical coverage. It is an immigration permit, not health insurance. When ETIAS comes into force, you will still be completely exposed to the notoriously high hospital costs in Europe if you do not have private travel insurance like Baraglo's. An immigration officer could even ask you for proof of your travel insurance along with your approved ETIAS and your passport.
Popular European Destinations for Colombians and Their Specific Risks
1.
Spain (Madrid, Barcelona): It is the favorite destination due to language and cultural connection. However, don't be overconfident. Although the Spanish public healthcare system is excellent, it is designed for residents. As a tourist, any care may generate significant co-payments or referral to private clinics where a consultation can start at €150. Insurance guarantees you access to the best care without worrying about the cost.
2.
France (Paris): The City of Light is magical, but a medical emergency can be complicated by the language barrier. Being in a hospital trying to explain your symptoms in basic French is an extremely stressful situation. Baraglo's 24/7 Spanish assistance is a lifesaver in these moments.
3.
Italy (Rome, Milan): Similar to France, the language barrier is a key factor. Additionally, historical city centers, with their cobblestone streets, increase the risk of falls and sprains. A simple sprain can result in a bill of over €1,000 between consultation, X-rays, and treatment.
4.
Germany (Berlin, Munich): Famous for its efficiency, but also for its high costs. It is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for medical care. Hospitalization here can quickly deplete any traveler's savings. A plan like the Premium with $100,000 USD coverage gives you a robust safety net.
5.
Netherlands (Amsterdam): Millions of tourists enjoy its canals and cycling culture. However, bicycle accidents are common. A fall can result in fractures requiring surgery, with costs easily exceeding €15,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does my prepaid medical plan (Colsanitas, Colmédica, Medisanitas) cover me in Europe?
- Not directly. Colombian prepaid medical plans operate under a reimbursement model, meaning you must first pay the full medical costs in Europe (which can be tens of thousands of dollars) and then request a refund in Colombia, which is rarely complete. Travel insurance like Baraglo operates with direct payment to the hospital network for coordinated emergencies.
- Can I pay for Baraglo insurance with my Colombian credit card?
- Yes, of course. We accept all Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Colombian banks such as Bancolombia, Davivienda, Banco de Bogotá, BBVA Colombia, Scotiabank Colpatria, etc. The charge is made in dollars (USD) and your bank is responsible for applying the Market Exchange Rate (TRM) for the day of the transaction.
- Do I need insurance for a short layover at a European airport?
- If your layover is in the international transit area of a Schengen airport (like Madrid-Barajas or Paris-CDG) and you don't go through passport control, you are technically not entering the territory and it is not mandatory. However, if you miss your connection and have to stay overnight, or if your layover involves changing terminals by going through immigration, you do need insurance. Given the possibility of delays, it is highly recommended to have it.
- Does the insurance cover sports like skiing in the Alps or hiking in the Pyrenees?
- Yes. Our Standard, Essential Plus, and Premium plans include coverage for accidents occurring during the practice of over 60 sports and adventure activities on a recreational (non-professional) basis. For higher-risk activities like skiing or snowboarding, we recommend the Essential Plus or Premium plans due to their higher medical coverage amounts.
- What happens if I get COVID-19 during my trip to Europe?
- All our plans cover medical assistance for a COVID-19 diagnosis as if it were any other unforeseen illness. This includes medical consultations, prescribed medications, tests, and hospitalization if deemed necessary by a doctor, up to the coverage limit of your plan.
- I am traveling with my parents who are over 75 years old, can they be insured?
- Of course! At Baraglo, we believe that age should not be an impediment to safe travel. For travelers over 75, we apply a 50% surcharge on the price of the chosen plan to ensure comprehensive and adequate coverage. You can easily get a quote on our website.
- What if I have a pre-existing condition like hypertension or diabetes?
- Our plans cover the first urgent care in case of an unforeseen and sudden exacerbation of a pre-existing condition. It is important that your condition is stable and controlled before traveling. It does not cover continuous treatments or scheduled check-ups for these conditions.
Your trip to Europe is an investment of time, money, and dreams. Don't let an accident or illness put it at risk. The peace of mind of knowing you have a team of experts supporting you 24/7 in your language is priceless.
Protect your trip now. Quote and buy your Baraglo insurance for Europe in just a few clicks.
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