Colombia Overhauls Health, Energy and Mining Rules: What Expats Need to Know

LatAm Expat & Nomad — Sunday, September 6, 2026

Colombia’s new president is moving fast. A sweeping package of health, energy and mining reforms landed in Congress this weekend, setting up a legislative battle that will shape the country’s investment climate for years.

What Is in the Package

The reform package, sent to Congress on Saturday, covers three sectors:

Health: The bill would restructure the EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud) system, the backbone of Colombia’s health coverage. The government argues the current model is too fragmented and profit-driven. The reform would shift funding toward a single-payer model with stronger state oversight. Private insurers would retain a role but under tighter regulation.

Energy: The hydrocarbon component eases regulations for exploration and production, particularly offshore blocks. The government says Colombia needs to reverse declining oil output to maintain export revenues and fiscal stability. Environmental groups oppose the move, arguing it conflicts with climate commitments.

Mining: The mining reform opens new concession areas and streamlines environmental permitting. It also increases royalties for strategic minerals including copper and nickel. The government frames this as a competitiveness measure; critics warn it could trigger social conflict in rural areas where mining overlaps with indigenous territories.

What It Means for Expats

Healthcare: Expats with private international insurance are unlikely to see immediate changes. But those using the EPS system — common for long-term residents and retirees — could face longer wait times and reduced provider choice during the transition. The reform, if passed, would take 18–24 months to implement.

Property and investment: The energy and mining reforms could boost foreign direct investment in extractive sectors, but they also raise the risk of protests and blockades in mining regions. Property owners in Bogotá, Medellín and Cali should monitor the legislative calendar; investor sentiment often drives short-term currency moves.

Currency: The peso has strengthened to 3,126.08 per dollar, its best level since late August. If the reforms pass smoothly, foreign investment could support the peso further. If Congress stalls or street protests erupt, the peso could weaken back toward 3,200.

What Happens Next

The package now goes to congressional committees. Committee votes are expected after the 7 September holiday. The government has a working majority in the lower house but faces a tighter Senate. Opposition parties have already signalled they will challenge the energy and mining provisions.

Investors will watch the debate closely. Colombia’s country risk jumped to 142 points after the 2027 budget was presented last week; any sign that reforms are stalling could push it higher.

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