La Fortuna, Costa RicaHealth Care in La Fortuna
Summary: Learn about the health system in La Fortuna: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in La Fortuna.
La Fortuna, offers a range of healthcare services for both locals and foreigners. The healthcare system in Costa Rica consists of both public and private sectors, providing quality medical care to its residents and visitors.
Costa Rica's Healthcare System
Costa Rica's public healthcare system, known as Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), provides comprehensive medical services to citizens and residents, including foreigners with legal residency. While public hospitals in La Fortuna can be used for emergencies and major surgeries, they may not be the first choice for expats and digital nomads due to longer wait times and limited resources. Public hospitals in La Fortuna are generally crowded, and the quality of care may vary. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica if they have legal residency and contribute to the CCSS. However, expats primarily use private hospitals for their healthcare needs. Private hospitals in La Fortuna are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they offer a higher standard of care and shorter wait times.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has limited healthcare facilities, and expats may need to travel to nearby cities for specialized medical care and surgeries. Some recommended hospitals and clinics in and around La Fortuna include:
- La Fortuna Clinic (private, located in La Fortuna)
- San Carlos Hospital (public, located in Ciudad Quesada, approximately 1 hour by car from La Fortuna)
- San Rafael Hospital (public, located in Alajuela, approximately 2 hours by car from La Fortuna)
- Clínica Bíblica (private, located in San José, approximately 3 hours by car from La Fortuna)
- Clínica Católica (private, located in San José, approximately 3 hours by car from La Fortuna)
Emergency Services in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has ambulance services available for emergencies. To call for an ambulance, dial 911. While the response time for ambulances can vary, it is generally prompt. However, delays may occur due to traffic or other factors.
Health Insurance Companies in La Fortuna
Popular private health insurance companies in La Fortuna include INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) and Pan-American Life Insurance Group. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans for locals and foreigners. Expats and digital nomads may choose to use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers, depending on their needs and preferences.
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.
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