Colombia (officially, the Republic of Colombia) is a beautiful, undiscovered gem in South America. Imagine the beauty of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Panama Canal to the north, and the delightful Caribbean Sea to the northeast.

Colombia has a lot to offer for travellers of all types. If you are a beach buff, you simply can’t miss its stunning coastline that extends more than a thousand miles (more than 1,600 kilometers).

If you like treading off the beaten path, Colombia’s forgotten jungles and lost tribes are sure to excite the adventurer in you. And there’s also a thriving cultural scene, from pop music to film to theater, for the urban traveller.

During the planning stages of your trip, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance to keep yourself covered against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries that could occur.

Things to Do For Travellers in Colombia

Colombia is often referred to as “The Land of Many Lives”. There’s a lot you could do during your trip to Colombia. But here’s a list of some must-see attractions to make your vacation a truly unforgettable experience.

• Caño Cristales: The river of Caño Cristales is truly one of the most outstanding experiences in Colombia. It has earned the title of “the most beautiful river in the world” or “the river that ran away from heaven”. This gorgeous waterway turns into a riot of colors during a short period (from the end of July through November) between the rainy and dry seasons.
• Live the jungle life: Almost one-third of Colombia is covered by tropical forests and jungles. The Colombian Amazon gives you the exclusive opportunity of visiting three countries—Colombia, Peru, and Brazil—in one day. There’s plenty to do in the Colombian Amazon. Don’t miss your chance to spot the elusive poison dart frog, as well as jaguars, sloths, pink river dolphins, and an amazing collection of birds.
• Mud bath: If you fancy taking a bath in the warm waters of a mini-volcano, your trip to Colombia is incomplete without a visit to El Totumo Mud Volcano (in Spanish, Volcán de Lodo El Totumo). Here you can take a dip in its naturally warm waters rich in different minerals including calcium, aluminium, and magnesium. A bath in these waters offers health benefits as well as treatment for glowing, smooth skin.
• Coffee Trails: Colombian coffee is considered to be black gold by coffee connoisseurs from around the world. If you love coffee, a trip to a coffee plantation is a must on your Colombia itinerary.
• Salsa music: If you like shaking a leg and grooving to salsa music, then Cali, Colombia, is the place for you. Cali is known as the World Capital of Salsa. And with Latin American music playing almost everywhere, you are sure to love this jiving experience.
• Festival of Wind and Kite: The Festival of Wind and Kite takes place each August in the Villa De Levya. This colorful festival is your opportunity to try your hand at one of the most amazing kite-flying experiences in the world.

Travel Risks for International Travellers in Colombia

Colombia was once infamous for its kidnappings and drug wars. But today, it is fast-emerging as a popular tourist destination in Latin America. However, as an international traveller to Colombia, here are some travel risks that you may consider:

• Civil unrest: During November 2019, thousands of civilians took to the streets of Colombia to protest against proposed tax reforms, pension cuts, minimum wage, and rising corruption. The civilian protests were by and large peaceful. However, there were reports of looting, theft, and vandalism. Travellers to Colombia are advised to keep updated with local news to avoid problems during national strikes.
• Secuestro Express: International tourists also need to keep in mind the threat of the ignominious “Secuestro Express” or “Paseo Millionario”. In this express kidnapping, taxi drivers abduct innocent tourist cab passengers.
• Vector-borne diseases: International travellers are susceptible to mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, Yellow fever, and leishmaniasis.
• Robbery and Thefts: Foreign tourists should be wary of street crimes like thefts, robbery, and sexual assault during their stay in Colombia.
• Drugs: Columbia is one of the world's largest producers of cocaine. Though drug-trafficking and the drug mafia are not as rampant as they were in the 1990s, tourists need to keep in mind the undercurrent of Colombia’s past drug history during their stay in this beautiful nation.

Colombia Travel Medical Insurance for International Travellers – FAQs

A travel medical insurance plan is a must-have for travellers to Colombia. A Colombia travel medical insurance plan is your safety net in case of the unfortunate event of falling sick, having an accident, or being injured during your fun trip to Colombia. Buying travel medical insurance in Columbia protects you and your family from financial liability that may arise due to illness or hospitalization.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Colombia?

Foreigners traveling to Colombia are not required by law to have travel medical insurance. However, travel medical insurance gives you the comfort of stress-free travel in Colombia without having to worry about the financial burden of illness in a foreign country.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Colombia?

Though it’s not legally required, travel medical insurance is a “must-buy” if you are traveling to Colombia. Consider it a financial safeguard against the treatment costs of injuries or accidents that may take place while you are enjoying your Colombian adventure. Colombia travel medical insurance provides crucial benefits to travellers.

• Hospitalization benefits if you fall prey to diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, hepatitis A, zika virus, or Yellow fever during your trip.
• Repatriation or medical evacuation to the home country or other countries in case of an emergency medical event.

Colombia Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travellers – FAQs

Travel insurance is the best way to enjoy a stress-free vacation. Buy Colombia vacation insurance to protect your wallet from hefty cancellation costs that may take place if you have to make a last-minute trip cancellation.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Colombia?

Colombia trip cancellation insurance provides insurance coverage in Colombia for any financial burdens that may arise due to:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip delay
• Flight cancellation
• Delayed departure
• Hotel booking cancellations

Your policy’s certificate wording provides a list of covered reasons for trip cancellation. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure you won’t have to swallow the cost.

What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Colombia?

Most travel insurance policies for Colombia include trip cancellation benefits. Buy travel insurance as comprehensive insurance coverage in Colombia. It provides an umbrella of insurance coverage to foreign travellers to Colombia.

Travel insurance in Colombia provides insurance coverage for:

• Trip cancellation or delay charges
• Trip interruption charges
• Loss of personal belongings, baggage, passport, wallet, etc.
• Legal expenses
• Emergency cash services

Before You Travel to Colombia - Do This

• Take the Shot: Colombia is notoriously famous for its vector- and water-borne diseases. The WHO strongly recommends travellers get vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, yellow fever, pneumonia, and influenza before traveling to Colombia.
• Say “Hola” to Español: Make sure you learn basic Spanish or carry an English-to-Spanish translation guide before your Colombian escapade.
• Get adequate travel insurance: Don’t forget to compare different travel insurance plans for tourists in Colombia and buy the one that is best for you and your loved ones.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.