Health Insurance for Expats in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is renowned for its high-quality healthcare system, which is accessible and affordable compared to many other countries. Expats and digital nomads considering a move to this tropical paradise will find a range of health insurance options to ensure they have access to the best medical care during their stay.

Health Insurance Companies in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has several reputable health insurance companies that offer plans to residents, including expats. The most popular insurers include the state-run Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), which provides universal healthcare to its citizens and residents, and INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros), which offers private health insurance options. Expats are eligible to purchase health insurance from these companies, ensuring they have access to comprehensive healthcare services throughout the country.

Expat Health Insurance in Costa Rica

Many expats living in Costa Rica opt for specialized expat health insurance plans. These plans are tailored to the needs of foreigners living abroad and often provide broader coverage, including medical evacuation and repatriation, which may not be covered by local health insurance plans. This specialized insurance can offer peace of mind to expats who want to ensure they have access to high-quality healthcare, no matter where they are in the world.

Local Health Insurance vs. Expat Health Insurance

When it comes to choosing between local health insurance and specialized expat health insurance, expats and digital nomads often weigh the benefits and limitations of each. Local insurance plans, like those offered by CCSS and INS, are typically more affordable and provide good coverage within Costa Rica. However, expats who travel frequently or prefer a higher standard of international coverage may find that expat health insurance providers offer plans that better suit their lifestyle and needs.

Considerations for Health Insurance Abroad

When deciding on health insurance while living overseas, it's important to consider factors such as the extent of coverage, whether the insurer pays the hospital directly or if you'll need to pay upfront and submit claims for reimbursement, and the ease of accessing healthcare services in your new country. Additionally, understanding the claims process, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and whether the policy includes repatriation or evacuation services can help expats make an informed decision that aligns with their health needs and lifestyle abroad.

Expats talk about Health Insurance in Costa Rica

"Amazingly inexpensive. My personal experience with costs without insurance include a colonoscopy that was quoted at $3300 in the states that was done in Costa Rica for $300. I have a number of crowns in my mouth that I paid $300 to $400 including the root canal and crown," commented one expat living in Cortez, Costa Rica.

"I was paying around $100 a month for my INS policy, but crossed into the next age bracket plus filed a few claims and my premium doubled. It was still a good deal, but too much for me. The Caja tax is around $100 a month for a pensionado, unfortunately much higher for rentistas. It's set by your income, and most expats just pay according to the income requirements of their residency type. Caja services, including generic prescription meds, are 100% covered, so you never pay more than your monthly tax. Private docs are realistically $80 a visit. You hear of lower prices, but if you go to a specialist (including an internist) plan on $80. As a rule of thumb, pretty much everything else is around 1/3 the price it is in the US," mentioned one expat living in Costa Rica.

"I had private health insurance in Costa Rica for several years prior to being a member of the socialized medicine care. It was less expensive that the states. In many cases, your private health insurance will allow you the hospital of your choice," said an expat in Costa Rica.

"After 17 years in Costa Rica, my experience has been that national public healthcare insurance via the national system is very good. The monthly payment is based on your declared income at the time of your application for residency in Costa Rica. If you do not feel comfortable using the national system, you can purchase private insurance at rates less than the US with varying degrees of deductibles. There are many bi-lingual agents registered in Costa Rica to help you. Additionally, consider private care at your cost. A private care physician office call is generally under $50 and many procedures are substantially less than you would pay in the states. I have heard many times that the cost of an entire procedure here in Costa Rica is the same as the deductible in the states. Many people use this information to their advantage and visit Costa Rica for a medical vacation! ," remarked one expat in Costa Rica.

"The cost of medical care is high. I have private health insurance, which allows me immediate and unrestricted access to private hospitals under the conditions that I like to have at my disposal. That guarantees me care without waiting for weeks or months, compared to public health. My private insurance is accepted in all clinics in the country, and I got it on the recommendation of an expat friend," said one expat living in Costa Rica.