Quick Reference: Insurance Essentials
Let's be honest: nobody wants to think about complications. You're excited about your transformation, not imagining worst-case scenarios. But here's the reality—while serious complications from plastic surgery in Medellín are rare (peer-reviewed studies show a 6.2% overall complication rate, with 98.2% patient satisfaction), they can happen. And when you're thousands of miles from home, being prepared isn't paranoia—it's smart planning.
Medical tourism insurance is the most underutilized protection in the medical tourism space. For $100–$400, you get peace of mind that's worth infinitely more. Consider this: emergency medical evacuation from Colombia to the US can cost $50,000–$100,000+ out of pocket. Insurance makes that a non-issue.
This guide breaks down exactly what coverage you need, which providers specialize in medical tourism, what your regular travel or health insurance probably doesn't cover, and how to make sure you're protected without overpaying.
The Case for Insurance
Without Insurance:
- • Complication treatment: $5,000–$20,000+
- • Emergency hospitalization: $10,000–$50,000+
- • Medical evacuation: $50,000–$100,000+
- • Extended stay costs: Your problem
With Insurance (~$300):
- • Complication treatment: Covered
- • Emergency hospitalization: Covered
- • Medical evacuation: Covered
- • Extended stay: Often covered
The math is simple: Insurance costs ~1–3% of what a major complication could cost.
What This Guide Covers
Types of Coverage You Need
Medical tourism insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. Different policies cover different things. Here's what you actually need for plastic surgery travel:
Complication Coverage
Most ImportantCovers medical expenses if you experience a complication from your surgery—either in Colombia or after returning home.
- What it covers: Hospital stays, additional surgeries, medications, doctor visits related to complications
- Duration: Best policies cover 90–180 days post-procedure
- Coverage amounts: $50,000–$250,000+ depending on policy
- Key question to ask: "Does this cover elective cosmetic surgery complications?"
Medical Evacuation
CriticalCovers the cost of transporting you to a hospital or back to the US in a medical emergency.
- Why it matters: A medical air ambulance from Medellín to Miami can cost $50,000–$100,000+
- Coverage amounts: Look for $100,000+ minimum
- Types: Emergency evacuation to nearest adequate facility, OR transport home
- Best providers: Medjet specializes specifically in evacuation
Trip Cancellation / Interruption
Covers non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip.
- What it covers: Flights, hotel deposits, sometimes surgical deposits
- Covered reasons: Medical emergency (yours or family), death in family, job loss (some policies)
- NOT usually covered: Changing your mind, scheduling conflicts
- Tip: "Cancel for any reason" upgrades cost more but offer flexibility
Travel Medical Insurance (Non-Surgical)
Covers medical emergencies unrelated to your surgery—accidents, illness, etc.
- What it covers: Food poisoning, broken ankle, sudden illness, accidents
- Important: Regular travel medical insurance does NOT cover surgical complications
- Often included: In comprehensive medical tourism policies
Top Insurance Providers for Medical Tourism
Not all insurance covers elective cosmetic surgery. These providers specifically offer medical tourism coverage:
Global Protective Solutions (GPS)
Top ChoiceThe go-to provider for medical tourism. Specifically designed for elective procedures abroad.
Complication coverage: Up to 180 days post-procedure
Coverage amounts: Plans from $50,000 to $250,000+
Cost: Starting around $195–$595 depending on coverage
Includes: Complication treatment, evacuation, trip interruption
Key advantage: Specifically covers cosmetic surgery
Website: globalprotectivesolutions.com
Medjet
Specializes in medical evacuation—the ultimate safety net for getting home if something serious happens.
Focus: Medical transport and evacuation
Coverage: Transport to hospital of your choice (usually home)
Cost: ~$99–$645 for short-term membership
Key advantage: Gets you home, not just to "nearest adequate facility"
Note: Evacuation only—pair with GPS for comprehensive coverage
Website: medjet.com
IMG Global
Large international insurance provider with medical tourism options.
Plans: Patriot Travel Medical Insurance can include surgical coverage
Coverage: Up to $8 million medical coverage
Cost: Varies by coverage level
Note: Must specifically add elective surgery rider
Good for: Those wanting broader travel medical coverage
Website: imglobal.com
World Nomads
Popular travel insurance with some medical tourism coverage.
Good for: General travel coverage
Cost: Affordable starting rates
Limitation: Cosmetic surgery coverage is limited
Best paired with: Dedicated complication coverage
Our Recommendation
GPS complication coverage ($195–$395) + Medjet evacuation ($99–$199) gives you comprehensive protection for under $600. This combination covers both treatment of complications AND getting you home if needed.
What Regular Insurance Doesn't Cover
Don't assume your existing insurance has you covered. Here's the reality:
Coverage Gaps to Know About
Your US Health Insurance
Almost certainly does NOT cover treatment in Colombia. Even if it has international coverage, it typically excludes elective cosmetic surgery and any complications arising from it—even when you're back home.
Standard Travel Insurance
Covers accidents and illness, but specifically EXCLUDES complications from elective surgery. Read the fine print—"elective procedures" are almost always excluded.
Credit Card Travel Protection
Usually covers trip cancellation and some emergencies, but NOT surgical complications. And coverage limits are often too low for medical emergencies.
Travel Medical Insurance Without Surgical Rider
Will cover if you break your leg or get food poisoning, but will deny any claim related to your surgery—including complications you didn't cause.
How to Buy: Step by Step
Determine Your Coverage Needs
How complex is your procedure? Multiple procedures or BBL = higher risk = higher coverage recommended. Basic procedures like rhinoplasty = lower coverage may suffice.
Get Quotes from Multiple Providers
Prices vary significantly. GPS, IMG, and specialized providers will have different rates for similar coverage.
Verify Cosmetic Surgery Is Covered
Call and specifically ask: "Does this policy cover complications from elective cosmetic plastic surgery performed internationally?" Get it in writing.
Check Post-Procedure Duration
How long are complications covered after surgery? 90 days is minimum; 180 days is better. Some complications develop weeks after you return home.
Purchase BEFORE Booking Flights
Trip cancellation coverage often requires purchase within 14–21 days of first trip deposit. Buy early to maximize protection.
Save All Documentation
Keep your policy, receipts, surgeon's credentials, and facility accreditation documents. You may need them for claims.
Smart Tips and Common Mistakes
Do This
- ✓ Buy insurance before paying any deposits
- ✓ Read the exclusions section carefully
- ✓ Keep physical and digital copies of policy
- ✓ Share policy info with travel companion
- ✓ Save insurance company's 24/7 emergency line
- ✓ Disclose any pre-existing conditions if asked
Avoid This
- ✗ Assuming regular travel insurance covers you
- ✗ Waiting until after booking to buy
- ✗ Choosing the cheapest option without reading details
- ✗ Hiding health conditions (voids coverage)
- ✗ Skipping evacuation coverage to save $100
- ✗ Forgetting to bring policy documents
Bottom Line
Medical tourism insurance is the cheapest peace of mind you can buy. For $200–$400, you're protected against scenarios that could cost tens of thousands. The question isn't whether you can afford insurance—it's whether you can afford not to have it.
Your surgeon's quote doesn't include complications. Your savings from traveling to Medellín easily cover premium insurance. Don't gamble with your health or your finances.