Objective

To characterize the insurance of health and pensions for the people inha-biting Colombia's urban area, and which on the job market in 1997, 2003, and 2012.

Materials and Method

Cross-sectional study based on the data of the National Quality of Life Survey conducted in 1997, 2003, and 2012.

Results

In 1997, 57,1% of the people which were on the job market were insured in health; in 2003, it was 46,8% and in 2012, it was 72,5%. Of those insured during 1997, 10,2% were in the subsidized regime; in 2003 it was 40,8% and in 2012, it was 74,8%. All the others, to the contributory, excepted or special regimes. Pension insurance for these people were 1,9% in 1997, 10% in 2003 and 4,5% in 2012.

Conclusions

Health insurance and pensions for job seekers in Colombia has been limited, pensions in particular; current public policies and the benefits derived for this segment of the population are not sufficient to ensure social protection.