Medical tourism sounds complicated. It is not. Thousands of patients go through this process every year, and the clinics and hospitals in Colombia have refined it down to a smooth, well-coordinated experience.
Here are the six steps from your first question to your flight home.
Step 1: Free Consultation
It starts with a conversation. You fill out our consultation form or send us a message on WhatsApp. Tell us:
- What procedure or treatment you are interested in
- Any relevant medical history or conditions
- Your general timeline (when you would like to travel)
- Any medical records, imaging, or bloodwork you already have
We review your information and connect you with a specialist who handles your specific procedure. This initial consultation is free, conducted over video call or WhatsApp, and there is zero commitment.
The goal is simple: determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment in Colombia, and answer every question you have before you make any decisions.
Not sure what to ask? Here are common questions patients have at this stage:
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What results can I realistically expect?
- How long do I need to stay in Colombia?
- What does the total cost include?
- What are the risks?
If you want to understand the quality of care before committing, read our comparison of healthcare in Colombia vs the USA.
Step 2: Your Treatment Plan and Pricing
After your consultation, your doctor prepares a personalized treatment plan. This includes:
- The recommended procedure and approach
- Pre-operative requirements (lab work, imaging, medications to stop)
- A detailed, all-inclusive price — covering the surgeon, anesthesia, facility, medications, post-op garments, and follow-up appointments
- Estimated recovery time and length of stay in Colombia
The pricing is transparent. There are no surprise bills, no hidden fees, and no insurance pre-authorization process. The price you are quoted is the price you pay.
Want to see what typical procedures cost before your consultation? Read our complete cost comparison: Colombia vs the USA, UK, and Canada.
Step 3: Book Your Trip
Once you approve your treatment plan and confirm your dates, it is time to book your trip. We help with:
- Flight guidance: Best airlines, routes, and booking tips for your departure city
- Accommodation: Recovery houses, hotels, or apartments in the safest neighborhoods near your hospital
- Airport pickup: Arranged transportation from the airport to your accommodation
- Pre-op preparation: Any lab work or tests that need to be completed before you arrive
For a complete breakdown of everything you need to prepare, see our Patient Travel Guide — covering visas, flights, money, phones, what to pack, and where to stay.
Worried about safety? We address every concern head-on in our guide: Is Colombia Safe for Medical Tourists?
Step 4: Arrive in Colombia
You land. A driver is waiting for you at the airport with your name on a sign. You are transferred to your hotel or recovery house.
Within the first day or two, you will:
- Meet your surgeon and medical team in person
- Complete any required pre-operative lab work or imaging
- Review your treatment plan one final time
- Sign consent forms
- Get settled into your accommodation and explore the neighborhood
Most hospitals that treat international patients assign you a dedicated patient coordinator who speaks English and is available by phone or WhatsApp throughout your entire stay.
Step 5: Your Procedure and Recovery
On the day of your procedure, your coordinator arranges transportation to the hospital. Depending on the procedure, you may:
- Check in and be admitted to a private room
- Meet your anesthesiologist and nursing team
- Undergo your procedure
- Recover in a private room with 24/7 nursing care
After discharge, you return to your recovery house or hotel. Your post-operative care includes:
- Scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon
- Nursing check-ins (if staying at a recovery house)
- Medications and wound care supplies
- Clear instructions on what to do and what to avoid
- Direct phone/WhatsApp access to your medical team
As you recover, you are free to explore the city at your own pace. Medellín’s year-round spring climate and walkable neighborhoods make recovery feel less like a medical experience and more like a vacation. Read more about why patients love recovering in Colombia.
Step 6: Go Home Healthy
Before you leave, your surgeon performs a final check-up and clears you to fly. You receive:
- Complete medical records and surgical report
- Post-operative care instructions for your doctor at home
- Prescriptions for any medications you need to continue
- A direct line to your Colombian medical team for any follow-up questions
Many surgeons offer virtual follow-up consultations at no additional charge for 3-6 months after your procedure. If you have a question or concern after returning home, you are not on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to stay in Colombia?
It depends on the procedure:
| Procedure | Typical Stay |
|---|---|
| Dental (implants, veneers) | 5-10 days |
| LASIK | 3-5 days |
| Cosmetic surgery (rhinoplasty, breast aug) | 10-14 days |
| BBL or tummy tuck | 14-21 days |
| Bariatric surgery | 10-14 days |
| Knee or hip replacement | 14-21 days |
| Stem cell therapy | 5-10 days |
| IVF cycle | 14-21 days |
| Hair transplant | 5-7 days |
Can I bring a companion?
Yes, and we recommend it. Having a friend or family member with you provides emotional support and practical help during recovery. Companions can enjoy exploring Colombia while you rest. Many recovery houses and hotels accommodate companions at little or no extra cost.
What if something goes wrong after I return home?
Your surgical team remains available via WhatsApp and video call. If a complication requires in-person attention, your medical records can be shared with your doctor at home. In rare cases where a revision is needed, most Colombian surgeons offer revision policies — ask about this during your initial consultation.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. Hospitals that treat international patients have English-speaking staff and coordinators. Outside the hospital, Google Translate and basic phrases go a long way. Colombians are famously patient and welcoming with visitors. See our travel guide for more language tips.
Is my medical data safe?
Colombian hospitals that hold JCI accreditation are required to meet international standards for patient privacy and data protection. Colombia also has its own data protection law (Ley 1581 de 2012) that governs how personal and medical information is handled.
Ready to Start?
The first step is a free consultation. No commitment. No pressure. Just an honest conversation with a specialist who can answer your questions and help you decide if Colombia is right for you.