When hiring employees in Colombia, it is important to understand the country's mandatory public health insurance system — EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud). As part of the SGSSS (Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud), EPS ensures all formal workers have access to essential medical care and public health services.

EPS is Colombia's national health insurance, required by law for all formally employed individuals. It provides access to general and specialized medical care, medications, emergency treatment, and more. EPS is not a government-run service but is administered by private companies regulated by the government. This means employees can choose from various authorized providers, such as Sura, Sanitas, or Nueva EPS, while the coverage and pricing remain standardized nationwide.

If you are employing workers in Colombia through Remote People, here is what you need to be aware of regarding EPS compliance: EPS enrollment is mandatory for all employees upon hiring. If an employee does not select an EPS, Remote People (or our local payroll partner) will assign one by default. Contributions are shared: Employers contribute 8.5% and employees contribute 4%. Immediate registration is required. Remote People handles EPS registration and payroll deductions as part of our compliant hiring process in Colombia.

As an employee in Colombia hired through Remote People, your EPS affiliation gives you access to a broad range of healthcare services, including general practitioner and specialist visits, emergency care, hospital stays, prescription medications, chronic disease management, and maternity and pediatric care.