Requirement of Insurance or Comprehensive Plan for Colombian Visas - Current Regulations
Why does Colombia Require this of Foreign Visa Applicants?
The Challenges for Compliance with the Insurance or Comprehensive Plan Requirement for Colombian Visa Applicants
Despite the importance of tourism for the economy, as well as the growing globalization of businesses and the opening of borders as recent trends in Colombia, complying with the requirement of insurance or health plans for foreigners applying for different types of visas can be challenging, particularly when individuals have recently arrived in the country and do not yet possess any defined migratory status or Colombian documentation, such as the “Cédula de Extranjería” or “Permiso Especial de Permanencia (PEP)”.
This is because insurance companies, for the most part, are unaware of this expatriate market and also show a high level of reluctance to create products and services tailored to these needs due to the level of risk involved in contracting with people from other countries (Non-residents legally).
Covisas: It is a Specialized Service to Assist Foreigners With the Requirement of the Colombian Visa Plan or Insurance
Given this scenario, in 2023, in Medellín Advisors, aware of this need, launched a new specialized service in the field of insurance and assistance, complemented by legal services, to provide support to the growing population of expatriates and Colombian visa applicants.
Thus, Covisas was born, based in Medellín and with national coverage, as the ideal solution to provide support to this community requiring professional advice and appropriate solutions in the areas of visas and insurance.
To date, we have reputable providers in the national and international market, recognized by the Colombian government, to ensure coverage for foreign visa applicants, fully complying with the provisions established in Resolution #5477 of 2022.
Advantages of Covisas as a Health Plan or Assistance for Visa Applicants in Colombia
Pacho Viloria, Director of Medellín Advisors and promoter of Covisas, highlights some advantages of this solution: “Our offered plans have no competitors, as they allow obtaining authorizations for long-stay visas and can be contracted for periods of 1, 2, or 3 years. This is uncommon in the market, but we have obtained the license and authorization to offer specialized services to the foreign community, allowing them to live in Colombia with longer visas. This avoids the need for annual renewal, which always incurs costs in paperwork, government fees, and fees for visa agents or lawyers.”
Interview with Pacho Viloria, Director of Covisas
Mathew: Pacho, tell us: How has the reception been for this new service from COVISAS?
Pacho Viloria: “The reception has been highly satisfactory. According to our studies, the approval rate for long-term visas managed by Covisas’ comprehensive plans is higher than that of most companies serving expatriates. We are very pleased because, as of now, over 95% of our clients have been approved thanks to our valid guarantees. This is due to several months of intense work towards creating specialized health and assistance plans that truly guarantee this requirement for the foreign community.”
Mathew: What do you think is the result of the work you have done in favor of the foreign community during this time?
Pacho: “I believe that the most important result, and what encourages us to continue forward, is being able to optimally, sincerely, and professionally assist people from all over the world, firstly, in complying with immigration regulations and at the same time, providing them with peace of mind in case they require assistance in unexpected situations.”.
Mathew: What coverage does Covisas offer to meet the requirements established in Colombian visa regulations?
Pacho Viloria: “Our plans allow Colombian visa applicants to guarantee these coverages from $35,000 per year and include all aspects required by Resolution #5477 of 2022 in cases of accidents, illness, hospitalization, disability, maternity, repatriation, or death. Additionally, we have managed to reduce the average cost of similar insurance policies or assistance contracts through direct partnerships with top-tier national and international providers, enabling us to offer reduced rates. We even provide special offers tailored to each client for long-term contracts or family groups. Moreover, additional discounts are available for visa applicants.”
Covisas also has an alliance with specialized lawyers in Colombian visas.
Covisas also offers the recommended Legal Services in Migration, which can be contracted together or optionally, which is a key element for applications to have a higher approval rate.
Pacho comments: “The issue of specialized lawyers is crucial, therefore, we have created an alliance with lawyers with extensive experience in Colombian migration law, which increases the chances of success in visa processes. We are also opening a channel of allies for the best Visa Agencies and law firms that need to guarantee these valid coverages to their clients, thus teamwork increases the chances of success for everyone.”
Covisas is comprised of professionals with over 20 years of experience and offers 24-hour service channels
Mathew: Why do you believe Covisas is the best option for foreigners applying for Colombian visas? What contact channels do you have for foreigners needing professional advice on visa insurance and assistance?
Pacho: “I believe that having over 20 years of experience in the financial and service industry gives us a favorable starting point for clients. Thus, we offer specialized professional advice on insurance and assistance, at no cost, 24 hours a day through the following channels:
WhatsApp: (+57)324 367 5333
Email: franciscoviloria.com@gmail.com,
Or simply by filling out an online Request Form.
This way, we guarantee compliance with visa application requirements and provide peace of mind for our clients while they are in Colombia.”
Questions, comments? Contact me today and I will be happy to discuss any of these issues further with you.
