Health Care in San Jose
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in San Jose: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in San Jose.
San Jose is home to a comprehensive healthcare system that includes both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public healthcare system is called the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and is used by both locals and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in San Jose for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. The public hospitals in San Jose are typically crowded and wait times can be long, but the quality of care is generally good. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica, although many opt to use private hospitals for more specialized care. Private hospitals in San Jose are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. The private hospitals in San Jose are typically less crowded than public hospitals, and wait times are usually shorter.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in San Jose
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in San Jose for expats. Clinica Biblica is a private hospital located in downtown San Jose, and is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Clinica Catolica is a private hospital located in the Escazu area of San Jose, and specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. Clinica Santa Maria is a private hospital located in the La Sabana area of San Jose, and specializes in orthopedics and sports medicine. Clinica Las Americas is a private hospital located in the San Pedro area of San Jose, and specializes in cardiology and neurology.
Emergency Services in San Jose
San Jose has a number of ambulance services that can be called in an emergency. The most popular services are Cruz Roja and Bomberos. To call for an ambulance, dial 911 or 112. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, although there can be delays in some cases.
Health Insurance Companies in San Jose
The most popular private health insurers in San Jose are Blue Cross, Nacional de Seguros, and Mapfre. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some opt to use specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Pros & Cons of Living in San Jose
- Driving in San Jose
- Cost of Living in San Jose
- Health Care in San Jose
- The Essential Guide to San Jose
- 5 Tips For Living in San Jose, Costa Rica
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica vs. Panama
- What It's Like Living in San Jose
- 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