Health Care in Montezuma
Summary: Learn about the health system in Montezuma: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Montezuma.
Montezuma has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the Costa Rican Social Security System (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or CCSS). It is used by both locals and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Montezuma for minor medical emergencies and minor surgeries. Public hospitals in Montezuma are generally clean and well-equipped, but the wait times can be long. Expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica, but many opt to use private hospitals for more serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. Private hospitals in Montezuma are generally more modern and have shorter wait times, but they can be more expensive.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Montezuma
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Montezuma for expats and digital nomads. These include the Montezuma Medical Center (private), located in the center of town, which specializes in general medicine; the Montezuma Clinic (private), located in the center of town, which specializes in general medicine; and the Montezuma Hospital (public), located on the outskirts of town, which specializes in emergency care. If there are few or no hospitals in Montezuma, expats in Montezuma typically go to the nearest major city for specialized medical care and for surgeries. For example, the nearest major city is San Jose, which is approximately a three-hour drive from Montezuma.
Emergency Services in Montezuma
Montezuma does have ambulance services. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or contact the local police station. Ambulances usually come quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.
Health Insurance Companies in Montezuma
The most popular private health insurers in Montezuma are Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Cigna. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although there are also specialized expat health insurance providers.
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:
- Public Transportation in Montezuma
- Retire in Montezuma Guide
- Best Markets in Montezuma
- 7 Tips for Living in Montezuma
- Pros & Cons of Living in Montezuma
- Cost of Living in Montezuma
- Health Care in Montezuma
- The Essential Guide to Montezuma
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Getting a Driver's License in Costa Rica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica