Private Health Insurance for Expats with Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage

A future expat asked, "Having been to C.R. five times now, my wife and I are very seriously considering moving there - possibly Grecia but still open as to where. My question involves health insurance. I'm reasonably certain Caja covers pre-existing conditions but I've heard plenty about waiting months, if not years, for life-saving treatments. Are there any private plans that cover pre-existing conditions? I would really appreciate any help in this matter." One expat responded, " I have not found any private health insurance in CR that automatically covers pre-existing conditions. Each insurance company is different as to what they exclude. When you apply, you must provide medical records and test reports regarding existing medical conditions - they may allow some, may put a restriction on some for a year or two, and may permanently exclude some conditions. (My wife encountered some of each with two different insurers.) It is best to research policies and then apply at a couple of insurers to find out what they may exclude. As you noted, there are many stories about public health care for serious health issues as being lacking relative to private insurance. I use CAJA for routine care (with no restrictions on pre-existing conditions), but I prefer private health facilities for more serious health issues (especially outside of the San Jose area)."

Someone considering a move to Costa Rica wrote asking about international health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions, "My needs for insurance are a for my wife who is in remission for cancer, as well as other pre-existing conditions that often time require care on a more quick turnaround. So she wouldn't be able to wait weeks, much less months/ years for treatments or specialists." A member replied, "Unfortunately, as you are aware, you would not be covered by CAJA until you are a legal resident, and then you would have to wait for an appointment with a specialist. Once you have legal residency, you can go to a private clinic for tests which is much quicker, and then present them to your CAJA doctor, who in turn contacts a specialist so your choices will be few. I know of no insurance company that will cover pre-existing conditions, especially cancer. I heard recently that the wait time for residency, at this time, is approaching 18 months from the initial application. The Hospital Metropolitan has recently purchased the private cancer clinic in San José. Unless you have enough funds to go private, I would really rethink about moving here. I know of many from the USA that have returned for cancer treatment. While it will be less expensive getting treated here, it still will be still be many thousands of $$$$$ using private facilities. Good luck."