Health Care in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, offers a range of healthcare options for both locals and foreigners. The country's healthcare system is divided into public and private sectors, with the public system being more widely used by the local population and the private system catering to the needs of expats and tourists.

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. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system if they are legal residents and contribute to the system. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals due to shorter wait times and more personalized care. Public hospitals in Manuel Antonio can be crowded and may not have the same level of resources as private facilities. For serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, it is generally recommended to use private hospitals in the area.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio does not have many hospitals or clinics within the town itself. Expats and tourists typically seek medical care in nearby cities, such as Quepos or San José. Some recommended hospitals and clinics in the area include:

• Quepos Medicos - a private clinic located in Quepos, approximately 7 km from Manuel Antonio.
• Hospital San Vicente de Paul - a public hospital located in Heredia, approximately 150 km from Manuel Antonio.
• Hospital CIMA - a private hospital located in San José, approximately 160 km from Manuel Antonio, specializing in various medical fields.

In case of emergencies or specialized medical care, expats often travel to San José, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Manuel Antonio.

Emergency Services in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio does have ambulance services available. To call for an ambulance, dial 911. However, response times can vary depending on the location and traffic conditions. In some cases, it may be faster to arrange private transportation to the nearest hospital or clinic.

Health Insurance Companies in Manuel Antonio

Popular private health insurers in Manuel Antonio include INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) and Pan-American Life Insurance Group. These companies offer various health insurance plans for locals and foreigners. Expats and digital nomads may also choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers, which cater specifically to their needs and offer coverage for medical care in both public and private facilities.