These are the cases in which the co-payment should NOT be paid in Colombia: the law is clear
Entering a doctor's office or making an appointment with specialists usually comes with an administrative process that we all know: paying the co-payment. Although it is a daily practice, many users of the health system in Colombia are unaware of its real purpose and, more importantly, the legal situations in which this charge should not be made.
TL;DR
- Co-payments in Colombia's contributory health regime are designed to moderate service utilization and aid system financing.
- The amount of the co-payment is determined annually by the affiliate's income base.
- Specific legal exemptions from co-payments exist to ensure fundamental rights to healthcare are not violated.
- Exemptions apply to users of the subsidized regime (SISBEN level 1), vital emergencies, promotion and prevention programs, catastrophic illnesses, special populations (minors victims of violence, displaced persons, conflict victims), and orphan diseases.
- Users aware of these rights can file formal complaints if charged inappropriately by their EPS.