Health Care in Tamarindo
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Tamarindo: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Tamarindo.
Tamarindo is home to a public and private healthcare system. 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 Tamarindo for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Tamarindo are typically crowded and have long wait times, but the care is generally good. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica, but many opt to use private hospitals for more specialized care. Private hospitals in Tamarindo are typically more modern and have shorter wait times, but they are more expensive. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Tamarindo
- Hospital Tamarindo: This is a public hospital located in the center of Tamarindo. It is the closest hospital to Tamarindo and is the best option for minor medical issues.
- Clinica Tamarindo: This is a private clinic located in the center of Tamarindo. It specializes in general medical care and is a good option for expats and digital nomads.
- Hospital Clinica Biblica: This is a private hospital located in Liberia, about an hour away from Tamarindo. It is the best option for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Emergency Services in Tamarindo
Tamarindo does not have an ambulance service, but there are several private ambulance services in the area. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or contact the local police station. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.
Health Insurance Companies in Tamarindo
The most popular private health insurers in Tamarindo are Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Mapfre. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, but there are also specialized expat health insurance providers available.
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:
- 7 Tips for Living in Tamarindo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Tamarindo
- Cost of Living in Tamarindo
- Health Care in Tamarindo
- The Essential Guide to Tamarindo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Moving to Costa Rica with a Pet
- 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