HCA Clinic’s Collapse in Medellín: What Veterans Need to Know

For as long as I've been coming to Medellin, U.S. military veterans living in Medellín have relied on the HCA Clinic in Sabaneta for their healthcare needs. It provided VA-approved medical services, prescriptions, and treatments without forcing veterans to navigate the complexities of Colombia’s private healthcare system. This came to an abrupt end at the end of February when various veterans started receiving letters from ColoClinic (Which was the new name of the clinic), stating that they received an EOB notice from the VA to halt services. This is on the heels of the DOD announcing that the parent company was under investigation for fraud Now, with HCA under investigation for fraud and its services abruptly halted, many veterans are left wondering: what now?

I understand the concern and frustration that comes with losing a trusted medical provider, especially for those that don't speak Spanish well. I can't tell you how helpful they were in my transition to life here. But I also want to emphasize this: you are not out of options. There are alternative solutions available, including the new Purple Heart Clinic in Aguacatala and Prepaid SURA health insurance, both of which offer strong alternatives to keep veterans covered.

Understanding the HCA Fallout

HCA’s downfall is a major shake-up for the veteran community in Medellín. The clinic served as a lifeline, ensuring that veterans could access healthcare without paying out-of-pocket or dealing with reimbursement headaches. Now, with its closure, veterans who depended on HCA are forced to look elsewhere.

At this moment, there is no immediate action veterans need to take—aside from finding an alternative provider. You will not face any reprocussions if you visited this clinic. The newly released information is that HCA was fraudlently billing the VA. This includes double billings, billing for services that were not rendered, and forcing several veterans into expensive treatments that were not necessary, according to recent information.

Purple Heart Health: A New VA-Approved Option

Purple Heart Health, located at Cra. 48c #10 sur 130 in Aguacatala, is stepping up as the only VA-approved medical provider in Medellín at the moment following HCA’s closure. It is positioned as the primary replacement for veterans who need healthcare under the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP).

If you were receiving VA-covered treatment at HCA, transitioning to the Purple Heart Clinic is likely your best option. Expect to see familiar services, including general medical care, specialist referrals, and prescription fulfillment. As more details come to light, veterans should stay informed about appointment availability and new patient procedures. With this said, I can't stress this enough, you MUST contact the VA to make sure that you will have no issues going here. One complaint I had about HCA Clinic was that they stated that they are a "VA Clinic" as opposed to them being a "VA-Approved Service Provider" which is a night and day difference. Contact the VA and let them know you are going to Purple Heart Health in Medellin.

You can find all of the information about them at purpleheartvets.co or you can reach them on Whatsapp at +576042013000 . It's literally a 4 minute walk from the Aguacatala Metro station and directly off of the Autopista, so getting to the clinic is as simple as can be.

Prepaid Insurance: An Alternative for Expanded Coverage

For veterans looking for broader medical coverage beyond what the VA provides, Prepaid Insurance is a strong alternative. Unlike the VA system, which limits coverage to service-connected conditions, the prepaid plans allow veterans to access a wider range of treatments, including:

• Emergency care

• Preventative screenings

• Specialist visits (beyond VA-approved conditions)

• Dental and vision care

• Mental health services

Key Benefits of Prepaid Health Insurance in Colombia:

• More Comprehensive Care: While VA coverage is great for service-connected issues, SURA ensures you’re covered for non-service-related conditions, routine check-ups, and additional treatments.

• English-Speaking Doctors: Many affiliated doctors and specialists speak English, making communication easier for veterans who aren’t fluent in Spanish.

• No VA Bureaucracy: One of the biggest advantages of pre-paid insurance is avoiding the delays and red tape associated with VA medical claims. With private insurance, you get treated first and don’t have to worry about reimbursement paperwork.

The downside? Cost. Unlike VA coverage, which is free for eligible conditions, Prepaid insurance comes with an additional monthly fee. Prices vary depending on the plan, but veterans should weigh the cost against the added convenience and coverage.

From personal experience, I went through a life altering illness 2 years ago, and without having prepaid SURA, I'm sure I wouldn't be here writing this. I'll elaborate more in the series I'm going to do on medical tourism, but the health system in Colombia is FAR superior to what we have in the United States. No Luigi necessary.

What Should Veterans Do Now?

With HCA gone, here’s the best course of action:

1. Evaluate Your Needs – If you were receiving VA-covered treatment at HCA, your best bet is transitioning to the Purple Heart Clinic. If you want broader healthcare access, consider enrolling in a Prepaid SURA plan.

2. Stay Updated on Purple Heart Health's Services – Since it’s the only VA-approved option in Medellín, it’s important to monitor its availability and offerings.

3. Explore Prepaid Insurance Plans – If you need additional coverage, research different insurance plans and determine which one fits your budget and medical needs. I got my coverage from Seguros Optimo Consultores. Diana Holguín is one of the nicest and most knowledgable people possible on this matter. She can help you with all types of insurances including life insurance, car insurance and renters insurance. You can reach her via Whatsapp at +573207277511, email at info@optimoconsultores (yes, she actually replies to emails) and more information on their website at optimoconsultores.com

4. If You're Visiting and Want Options - I recommend that you speak with Laura Agudelo of Cure & Care. I will be covering her services more in the medical tourism series, but if you are a veteran who is only visiting and don't want to deal with the drama that HCA Clinic has left us with speak with Laura on Whatsapp at +573004854117, or you can look at the services that her team can help you with at cureandcarecol.com and she can help you with getting the treatments you need.

5. Seek Support from Fellow Veterans – The expat veteran community in Medellín is strong. Reach out, share experiences, and stay informed about the evolving healthcare landscape. On the 1st and 15th of every month, El Parche Grill in Parque Lleras hosts a veterans event, where not only do you get a discount on one of the top burgers in town, but also you can network with other veterans. Events like this are how the community can stay strong and spread information to each other. I'm glad that Christos, the veteran owner of El Parche Grill puts this on twice a month. For more information on this you can reach out to them on Instagram at @elparchegrillmedellin

If you still have questions, the good folks from Purple Heart Health will be at the El Parche Grill veterans night meetup on Saturday March 15, 2025 to assist you with any questions you may have. I highly recommend that you head over and get to know the new team. Every indication is that they are on the up and up, as well as completely transparent, so they'll gladly answer any questions you may have.

Final Thoughts

Losing HCA is a massive disruption, but it’s not the end of quality healthcare for veterans in Medellín. Purple Heart Health ensures continued VA coverage, while prepaid insurance expands healthcare options for those who want more than what the VA offers. I have been working on an article and video series focusing on medical tourism, working in conjunction with Medellin.co to bring a comprehensive series of informational articles and videos to highlight the real reason many should be flocking to the Aburra Valley, the medical care, this is just the first shot fired in a long battle.

Veterans are trained to adapt to difficult situations, and this is no different. By exploring these alternatives, we can ensure we’re still getting the care we need—without waiting on the VA to provide a solution. Stay informed, explore your options, and take control of your healthcare. You’ve earned it.