health
May 4, 2026
Out-of-pocket healthcare spending grew 57% and hits poor and rural households hardest in Colombia
Out-of-pocket healthcare spending grew 57.3% between 2022 and 2025 in Colombia Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- Out-of-pocket healthcare spending in Colombian households increased by 57.3% from 2022 to 2025.
- This rise signifies a worsening financial protection within the healthcare system and a greater impact on vulnerable households.
- The increase in out-of-pocket spending is regressive, affecting lower-income households (63.4% increase) more severely than higher-income households (15.3% increase).
- Rural areas experienced a more significant increase in spending (61.7%) compared to urban areas (26.4%).
- A critical factor is medication availability, with 60.3% of low-income individuals not receiving prescribed drugs in 2025.
- Difficulties in scheduling appointments and timely care also contribute to the problem.
- Fewer people are turning to their EPS (Health Promoting Entities) for health issues, indicating a loss of effective access and trust.
- The report suggests urgent structural reforms, improved resource allocation, and innovative financing mechanisms are needed to address the crisis.