Can expats use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica?
Summary: Expats who have obtained residency must pay into the public healthcare system, called CAJA.
Expats who have obtained residency must pay into the public healthcare system, called CAJA. CAJA is short for Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (abbreviated as CCSS). Your payment can be estimated using Costa Rican social security fees calculator on the CCSS website. This tool is more straight-forward for expats are working in Costa Rica. For expats living in Costa Rica on a Rentista or Pensionado visa, for example, your CAJA payment is based upon the income that you declared on your residency application.
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RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Costa Rica Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica
- Moving to Costa Rica with a Pet
- Mental Health Care in Costa Rica
- Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Costa Rica?
- Having a Baby in Costa Rica
- 2025 Guide to Living in Costa Rica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica
