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- I moved to Colombia and had my 3 kids there. The births were so cheap that I still can’t believe the total cost. (businessinsider.com)
Medellín, Colombia: A City of Eternal Spring and Affordable Births
An American expat details her surprisingly affordable and high-quality childbirth experiences in Medellín, Colombia. Carey Bentley, who lived in Medellín for eight years, had all three of her children there, praising the bilingual medical professionals and the significant cost savings compared to the US.
Bentley’s first delivery, an emergency C-section, cost a mere $14 out-of-pocket. This experience highlighted the stark difference in healthcare costs between the US and Colombia. In the US, the average cost of childbirth in 2020 was $13,393, often leaving families with substantial bills even with insurance.
Bentley describes Colombian healthcare as a “warm hug,” emphasizing the personalized care she received. Her annual health insurance premium in 2024 was $1,283, with no deductible, and newborns are covered free for their first year. Prenatal care included monthly visits, 3D ultrasounds, and access to specialists, all with no copays.
Her most recent C-section in 2024 cost just $123.06, including a private room and specialized care. Bentley credits her doula, hired for $902, for providing invaluable support during and after the birth, from advocating for her preferences in the operating room to assisting with breastfeeding and mental health. She even helped arrange a day and night nanny for three months at a cost of $3,811.
While acknowledging that childbirth abroad isn’t for everyone, Bentley emphasizes the financial freedom and peace of mind it provided her family. She expresses deep gratitude for her experiences in Medellín, which allowed her and her husband to build the life they envisioned. The lower cost of living and healthcare allowed them to invest in their future and grow their net worth.