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Expat Exchange - Can expats use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica?
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Can expats use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica?

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Expats who have obtained residency must pay into the public healthcare system, called CAJA.

Expats who have obtained residency must pay into the public healthcare system, called CAJA. CAJA is short for Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (abbreviated as CCSS). Your payment can be estimated using Costa Rican social security fees calculator on the CCSS website. This tool is more straight-forward for expats are working in Costa Rica. For expats living in Costa Rica on a Rentista or Pensionado visa, for example, your CAJA payment is based upon the income that you declared on your residency application.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
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AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
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