Price comparison, not a guaranteed saving: Published estimates on this page are illustrative planning ranges, not a surveyed market average, confirmed provider quotes or a promise of equivalent care. The relevant price depends on clinical intensity, staffing, medication, length of stay, medical clearance and whether detox or emergency services are actually available. Compare written like-for-like offers before drawing conclusions about savings.
Before comparing prices: is travel medically appropriate?
Arrange a clinical assessment first. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be medically dangerous; do not abruptly stop medications or alcohol to meet a flight schedule or save on a detox fee. Ask a licensed clinician whether stabilization should occur near home before travel. A destination facility that offers counseling may not be licensed or equipped for medically supervised withdrawal, psychiatric emergencies or complex co-occurring illnesses.
- Request the program's legal name and healthcare service authorization, the responsible medical team and emergency transfer arrangement.
- Ask whether medication management, labs, interpreter access, relapse prevention and follow-up are included in the base fee.
- Compare a written 30-day quote with a similar clinical intensity and a clear cancellation/refund policy; a residential retreat and a medically staffed treatment unit are not interchangeable.
- Allow for flights, an accompanying person if required, insurance exclusions, early discharge and post-return care.
See the NIAAA guidance on dangerous alcohol withdrawal and our program-vetting guide.
Cost by Programme Type
| Programme | Duration | Colombia Cost | US Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | 7–10 days | $1,500 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Standard Inpatient | 30 days | $4,000 – $10,000 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Private Inpatient | 30 days | $8,000 – $15,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Extended Inpatient | 60 days | $7,000 – $25,000 | $40,000 – $120,000 |
| Long-Term Residential | 90 days | $10,000 – $35,000 | $60,000 – $180,000 |
| Luxury/Executive | 30 days | $15,000 – $30,000 | $50,000 – $120,000 |
Prices vary by facility, location (Bogotá vs Medellín), room type, and the specific services included. Luxury programmes include private rooms, gourmet meals, spa amenities, and higher staff-to-patient ratios.
What's Typically Included
Standard Programme
- 24/7 medical supervision and nursing care
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Individual therapy (2–5 sessions per week)
- Group therapy (daily)
- Accommodation and meals
- Medical detox (if required)
- Discharge planning and aftercare recommendations
Premium/Luxury Programme Additions
- Private room with ensuite bathroom
- Higher therapy frequency (daily individual sessions)
- Holistic therapies (yoga, meditation, art therapy, equine therapy)
- Fitness and nutrition programmes
- Family therapy sessions (in-person or virtual)
- Airport transfers and concierge support
- Extended aftercare coordination with home-country providers
Country Comparison
| Country | 30-Day Inpatient | 90-Day Inpatient | Luxury (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | $4,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 – $35,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| United States | $20,000 – $80,000 | $60,000 – $180,000 | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| United Kingdom | £8,000 – £30,000 | £20,000 – £80,000 | £25,000 – £60,000 |
| Canada | CAD $15,000 – $40,000 | CAD $35,000 – $100,000 | CAD $30,000 – $75,000 |
| Thailand | $5,000 – $15,000 | $12,000 – $40,000 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Costa Rica | $6,000 – $20,000 | $15,000 – $50,000 | $20,000 – $45,000 |
Total Trip Cost Estimate
Beyond the programme fee, here is what you should budget for:
| Expense | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Programme fee (30 days) | $4,000 – $15,000 | Includes accommodation, meals, therapy |
| Return flights | $250 – $600 | From US; $600–$1,200 from Europe |
| Travel insurance | $50 – $150 | Verify coverage for addiction treatment |
| Pre-departure medical | $0 – $300 | If bloodwork or records needed |
| Spending money | $100 – $300 | Most is covered in-programme |
| Total estimate | $4,500 – $16,500 | vs $20,000–$80,000+ in the US |
💰 The Financial Reality
Many patients who cannot afford private rehab in the US or whose insurance provides limited coverage find that paying out-of-pocket in Colombia — even including flights — costs less than their US deductible alone. A 90-day programme in Colombia can cost less than a 30-day programme in the US.
Payment and Insurance
Most Colombian rehab centres accept direct payment (wire transfer, credit card) and do not bill US or international insurance directly. However, some patients successfully submit receipts to their insurance provider for out-of-network reimbursement — check with your insurer before travelling.
Many facilities offer payment plans or phased billing (e.g., 50% at admission, 50% at midpoint). Ask about this during your initial assessment.
⚠️ Watch Out For
Be cautious of facilities that demand full payment upfront with no refund policy, cannot provide specific details about their clinical team or treatment modalities, or make unrealistic guarantees about outcomes. Reputable centres are transparent about pricing, staffing, and what is (and is not) included.
Get an Accurate Quote
Tell us about your situation and we will provide personalised cost estimates from vetted facilities. No cost, no commitment, completely confidential.
Free Cost AssessmentDisclaimer: All costs are estimates based on typical programme pricing as of 2026. Actual fees vary by facility, services, and individual needs. We do not guarantee specific pricing — always confirm directly with the treatment centre.
How to compare treatment costs without overlooking safety
Two programs advertising similar weekly rates can provide very different levels of care. A residential retreat, medically supervised withdrawal management, psychiatric care and outpatient counseling should not be compared as if they were equivalent.
Ask providers to document what the price covers, which services require additional charges and whether the program is clinically appropriate. Sudden withdrawal from some substances can be medically dangerous; a travel quote should never substitute for medical assessment.
What to check before deciding
- Confirm clinician credentials, emergency transfer arrangements and whether medically supervised detoxification is offered when needed.
- Ask whether medication management, psychiatric visits, laboratory tests and aftercare are included.
- Clarify family communication, translation, privacy policies and the process for leaving early.
Continue reading: Bogotá program considerations · Medellín program considerations