Alejandro G.
In Colombia or countries where public healthcare doesn’t work well, be careful with the health benefits they give you—they might not be as helpful as they seem.
he health insurance benefit offered by Oyster to employees under Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements poses several significant challenges for Colombian workers. While marketed as a global insurance solution, the benefit fails to consider critical aspects of the local healthcare and economic environment, leading to more frustration than value. 1. High Upfront Costs Make It Inaccessible One major drawback is the requirement to pay medical costs in advance before being reimbursed. For employees earning modest salaries (e.g., under €900 per month), paying hundreds of euros upfront for medical care is unrealistic. This system assumes a level of financial liquidity that many workers in Colombia do not have, making the insurance practically unusable for its intended purpose. 2. Poor Fit with Colombia’s Public Health System Colombia has a public healthcare system that covers most citizens, and many companies enhance this coverage with affordable prepaid medical plans. Oyster’s international insurance model does not integrate with these local systems or offer comparable flexibility, which further alienates employees from the benefit. 3. Lack of Local Relevance The benefit appears to be designed without a deep understanding of Colombia’s healthcare realities. What might work for employees in higher-income countries doesn't translate well in lower-income contexts. Instead of providing peace of mind, the insurance becomes a source of stress and confusion. 4. Illusion of Value On paper, having international insurance sounds impressive. But in practice, when it requires financial resources that employees can’t easily provide, it becomes an empty promise. Employees may technically have coverage, but it's of little use when they can’t afford to access care in the first place. Conclusion Oyster should reevaluate its health insurance offerings in regions like Colombia. By partnering with local providers or offering prepaid medical plans aligned with regional standards, the company could offer a benefit that employees can genuinely use and appreciate. Without such adjustments, what’s meant to be a perk becomes a burden.