Guide · Before you book
12 questions to ask a clinic in Colombia before a deposit
The questions that separate a well-run clinic from a storefront: licences, what the quote includes, complications, records and follow-up after you fly home.
A deposit is the point of no return in most treatment trips. These are the questions to put in writing before you send one — and a clinic that answers them clearly, in writing, has already told you a lot about how it operates.
Licences and people
- What is the full name and cédula number of the doctor or dentist who will treat me? You need the ID number to look them up in ReTHUS, Colombia’s national register of health professionals. Our verification guide shows how.
- Is the clinic registered in REPS? REPS is the Ministry of Health’s register of licensed providers.
- For surgery: is the surgeon a member of the Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica (SCCP)? The society’s directory is searchable by city.
- Where exactly will the procedure take place? Get the facility’s name, then check it too.
The quote
- What does the price include, item by item? Anesthesia, operating room, garments, medications, follow-up visits, transfers, lodging.
- What is not included, and what could be added after an exam? For dental work, bone grafts and sinus lifts are common extras; for surgery, lab tests and extra nights.
- Which implant, veneer material or breast implant brand will you use? Get the brand in writing — you will need it at home.
If something goes wrong
- What happens if I have a complication while I’m still in Colombia? Who pays for revision or hospital care?
- What happens if a problem appears after I fly home? The CDC notes that patients treated abroad may not have the same legal recourse; know the clinic’s policy before you go.
- When will you clear me to fly? Compare the answer with the published guidance on flying after surgery.
Records and follow-up
- Will I receive my complete records in English before I leave? Operative notes, X-rays, implant or material details.
- How will follow-up work once I’m home? Video visits, a named contact, a local partner — get it specific.
Keep the answers. If a clinic won’t put something in writing, treat that as the answer to the question.
Where to check the answers
| What to check | Where | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| The doctor or dentist | ReTHUS public lookup (Ministry of Health) | Whether they are registered to practice, and any ethics sanctions |
| The clinic | REPS (guest login: invitado / invitado) | Whether the facility is a registered health provider |
| A plastic surgeon’s society membership | SCCP directory | Membership of the national plastic surgery society |
| Hospital accreditation | Joint Commission International directory | Which Colombian hospitals hold JCI accreditation |
The CDC’s guidance for medical travelers covers the same ground from the US side.