Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Costa Rica?

When planning your move to Costa Rica as an expat or digital nomad, one of the essential considerations is health insurance. Costa Rica is known for its high-quality healthcare system, which includes both public and private options. However, before you can take advantage of the public healthcare system or apply for residency, you must have valid health insurance. The Costa Rican government requires that newcomers have health insurance coverage that meets specific minimum requirements. This typically includes coverage for medical expenses and hospitalization, with a minimum coverage amount that can vary. The insurance must be valid for the entire length of your stay or until you are enrolled in the public healthcare system, known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), upon gaining residency.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

Expat health insurance policies can meet the requirements set by the Costa Rican government, but it is crucial to ensure that the policy you choose complies with the minimum coverage amounts and is valid for the duration of your stay or until you become a resident. It is advisable to check with the insurance provider to confirm that their plans are accepted by Costa Rican authorities for residency applications. Some expats opt for international health insurance plans that offer comprehensive coverage and flexibility, which can be beneficial for those who travel frequently or live in multiple countries throughout the year.

Which local health insurers offer this type of insurance?

In Costa Rica, there are several local health insurers that offer plans suitable for expats and digital nomads. These insurers provide a range of options from basic to comprehensive coverage, catering to different needs and budgets. Some of the well-known local insurance companies include INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) and Pan-American Life Insurance Group. These companies have experience dealing with the expat community and offer plans that are designed to meet the legal requirements for residency. Additionally, they often provide customer service in both Spanish and English, making it easier for expats to navigate their options and find a plan that suits their needs.

Advice from Expats in Costa Rica about Health Insurance

Expats living in Costa Rica often emphasize the importance of thoroughly researching and understanding the terms and conditions of any health insurance policy before purchasing it. They recommend looking for plans that offer a good balance between coverage and cost, and that include direct billing with hospitals and clinics. It's also advised to consider the proximity of healthcare facilities covered by the insurance plan to your intended place of residence in Costa Rica. Additionally, expats suggest reviewing the claims process to ensure it is straightforward and that the insurer has a reputation for reliable customer service. Lastly, it's beneficial to choose a plan that provides coverage for medical evacuation, should you require treatment that is not available locally. By taking these factors into account, newcomers can secure health insurance that provides peace of mind and meets the legal requirements for their stay in Costa Rica.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance in Costa Rica

"I was paying around $100 a month for my INS policy, but crossed into the next age bracket plus filed a few claims and my premium doubled. It was still a good deal, but too much for me. The Caja tax is around $100 a month for a pensionado, unfortunately much higher for rentistas. It's set by your income, and most expats just pay according to the income requirements of their residency type. Caja services, including generic prescription meds, are 100% covered, so you never pay more than your monthly tax. Private docs are realistically $80 a visit. You hear of lower prices, but if you go to a specialist (including an internist) plan on $80. As a rule of thumb, pretty much everything else is around 1/3 the price it is in the US," said one expat who moved to San José, Costa Rica.

"I had private health insurance in Costa Rica for several years prior to being a member of the socialized medicine care. It was less expensive that the states. In many cases, your private health insurance will allow you the hospital of your choice," mentioned one expat when asked about moving to Costa Rica.

"After 17 years in Costa Rica, my experience has been that national public healthcare insurance via the national system is very good. The monthly payment is based on your declared income at the time of your application for residency in Costa Rica. If you do not feel comfortable using the national system, you can purchase private insurance at rates less than the US with varying degrees of deductibles. There are many bi-lingual agents registered in Costa Rica to help you. Additionally, consider private care at your cost. A private care physician office call is generally under $50 and many procedures are substantially less than you would pay in the states. I have heard many times that the cost of an entire procedure here in Costa Rica is the same as the deductible in the states. Many people use this information to their advantage and visit Costa Rica for a medical vacation! ," stated one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"The cost of medical care is high. I have private health insurance, which allows me immediate and unrestricted access to private hospitals under the conditions that I like to have at my disposal. That guarantees me care without waiting for weeks or months, compared to public health. My private insurance is accepted in all clinics in the country, and I got it on the recommendation of an expat friend," remarked one expat in Costa Rica.