×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Costa Rica | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Costa Ballena, Costa Rica

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Costa Rica

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jun 17, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Costa Rica is generally considered to be on par with the United States. Costa Rica has a well-developed healthcare system with modern facilities and highly trained medical professionals. Emergency services are available and can be accessed by calling 911. Ambulance services are also available and can be requested by calling 128.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue

How are healthcare services Costa Rica?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Costa Rica, they replied:

"National health care may not provide a sufficient safety net - it may require a long wait for medical procedures. Private health care is recommended, but coverage for "pre-existing conditions" is generally not available except through national health care," remarked one expat in Tamarindo.

"Costa Rica has excellent medical care with a two prong system, both public and private. All legal residents and citizens of Costa Rica are eligible to participate in the public healthcare system which is basically free although you have to be a member of the CAJA and pay a % based on the income level you declared when you applied for residency. A tip for expats is to show evidence of enough income to qualify for their residency programs but perhaps not to show all your income if not needed to qualify. (You have to show proof of a pension, annuity or government program that pays you at least $1000 per couple to qualify for their pensionado program). If you don't qualify by those means, you can also apply as a rentista, (renter), an inversionista (an investor) or as a foreign sponsored national with a work visa. You can also marry a Costa Rican... Keep in mind that there is also a private healthcare network available, which is often the preferred option to many expats. There is often a waiting time to get seen under the public system, even things like lab work might take longer than you want to wait. The private healthcare system is generally available immediately and insurance can be purchased to cover you in those facilities. You can also often offer to pay at the CAJA and be seen quicker than those not paying for service. In an emegency, the CAJA will take anyone. Costa Rica uses a local clinic methodology where they locate clinics nearly everywhere based on population needs. These clinics are referred to as the EBAIS clinics and can be found in nearly every town of any size. Major operations, whether in the public or private healthcare system, will likely be performed in San Jose. The private healthcare networks consisting of Clinica Biblica, CIMA and Hospital Mexico, offer great service for a fraction of the cost in the US. Clinica Biblica has an international medicine center, assigns patients a health navigator to help with things like language barriers and offers services that may not even be available in the states. I have had nothing but great experiences there, everything from blood work, orthapedics, dentistry, colonoscopy, endoscopy, stress test and EKG, bone density scans, lipids exams, urinalysis, hearing and eye tests, ultrasounds and more. I have stuff done that I could never afford to do in the states and pay a fraction of the cost I would in the US. The facilities are all impeccably clean and the doctors don't seem to be afraid of their patients and lawsuits. In our area in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, we have one of the newest CAJA hospitals in all of Costa Rica. The Hospital de Osa is an 88 bed, 80,000 square foot facility complete with emergency room, pharmacy and more. I recommend everyone should try the Costa Rican healthcare system to see what we are missing in the US," remarked one expat living in Cortez.

"My recommendation is to enroll in the public health system, but it is also VERY IMPORTANT to have private health insurance, since that would avoid worries about the immediate availability of the services that are required," said one expat living in Santa Ana.

View More Answers

What are medical services in Costa Rica like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Costa Rica, they replied:

"I moved here in the middle of a 5 year treatment plan. I retired early, and had no medical insurance. To stay on my treatment, I was able to buy the medication OTC for $60 a month," remarked one expat in Florencia.

"Costa Rica offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens and legal residents, and is generally of a high quality. Private healthcare is also available, and is often more modern and efficient than the public system. Costa Rica is home to a number of world-class hospitals and clinics, offering a range of treatments and services. Many of these facilities are staffed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals, and offer the latest in medical technology. Costa Rica is also home to a number of specialized medical centers, offering treatments for specific conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders," remarked one expat living in Costa Rica.

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive 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," mentioned one expat in Playa Jaco.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Santa Ana, 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," remarked one expat living in Cortez.

View More Answers

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

What are emergency services like in Costa Rica?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Costa Rica wrote:

"We are located almost across the highway from the Hospital de Osa in Cortez. It is a public hospital, 80,000 square feet and offers everything we need for the entire region," commented one expat living in Cortez, Costa Rica.

"There is a CAJA (public hospital) in our town Grecia which is about a 20 minute drive from my house. I have not heard anything good about it. I have heard good things about the public hospital (Hospital Mexico) in San Jose and the private hospitals in San Jose (about 45 minutes from us) are all excellent," wrote one expat.

"Emergency services in Costa Rica are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 to request an ambulance. The emergency services personnel are trained to respond quickly and provide medical assistance. Additionally, the Costa Rican Red Cross provides emergency medical services and can be contacted by dialing 128," commented one expat who moved to Costa Rica.

View More Answers

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Expats generally seek private medical attention when they need specialists to deal with emergencies. If I had to treat a serious health problem, I would return to my country, since the system there seems more reliable," wrote one expat.

"I have not needed to do that so far, so I have no information except from friends, all who have been HIGHLY pleased with their specialists in San Jose," commented one expat who moved to Grecia.

"Costa Rica has a wide variety of medical specialists located throughout the country, however the cities of San José, Cartago, and Liberia are known for having some of the best medical professionals in the nation. Additionally, the areas of Alajuela and Puntarenas are well-regarded for their large concentrations of highly-skilled medical specialists, making these locations ideal for those seeking specialized medical attention," said one expat.

"We have been to CIMA and Catolica. Both these facilities are excellent! The physicians were profesional, thorough and well educated. The care was better than what we experienced stateside. The physician followed up with us after our care for several weeks. And we were given private cell phone numbers to contact in case of complications. My husband spent three nights at CIMA in Escazu near San Jose. He had a private room (all rooms in this facility are private!) with attached private bathroom. There was a sofa in the room which turned into a bed so that I was able to spend the day and evenings there. The hospital cafeteria was excellent! Yes that's a surprise and gives an upscale meaning to hospital food! This is one instance where we decided to have treatment at a private facility vs. the socialized medicine. Be aware that at these facilities, you will need to submit a credit card or private health care card in order to be treated. The cost was dramatically less than if this procedure was done stateside. It is very common for residents to use the socialized medicine for some issues, private health care for others (which means you pay out of pocket) and also have another health insurance policy for others health issues," remarked one expat in Playa Jaco.

"Drive 1 hr 30 minutes to see specialists in Liberia. Some medical procedures, such as an MRI, require a drive to San Jose, 5 hours away," remarked one expat living in Tamarindo.

View More Answers

Are common prescription medications available in Costa Rica?

"For most meds, you can simply see the pharmacist. I get most of my refills by simply asking for them. They are not expensive but they are not cheap -- one b.p. drug I take cost about $1/pill; another drug is $2/pill. When I came here, I had been on two narcotic pain meds for 13 years. It was impossible to find Vicodin in Costa Rica and very difficult to regularly find MS contin (and then only as an injection). My doc switched me to Oxycontin which I hated, so I decided to detox and get off the pain meds -- because I am no longer working, I find that I can handle my chronic pain issues with other drugs and yoga. But be forewarned about narcotic meds if you feel you need them here," said an expat in Grecia.

"Most are available locally at a nearby pharmacy. Most are available without a prescription, except narcotics. Generic "prescription" drugs are lower cost but typical OTC drugs seem to be more expensive (ibuprofen, aceotminophen)," commented one expat living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

"The public system dispenses generic medicines free, and getting them is easy. But on the advice of a private doc, I pay retail for a name brand pill too. It costs me about a third or less the cost in the US. No prescriptions are necessary for most meds, and even when they are, you can sometimes sweet talk your way into buying them in a drug store without a prescription. Probably the cheapest drug store is La Bomba, and it won't budge on selling meds it's not supposed to, but most meds that require a prescription in the US don't need one here. For meds that the drug stores really aren't supposed to sell without prescriptions, I go to a more full service drug store and pay a little more. Specifically, I keep a supply of antibiotics on hand that by law need a prescription but I buy without one. Also, just in the way the system works, I know a drug store that sells the morning after pill, even though it's really not suppose to in a Catholic country," wrote one expat.

"Medicines prescribed in the public sector are received at your care center, at no cost to the patient. In that sense, the availability of drugs is always high. I do not need prescription drugs. If you have to buy a drug and pay for it yourself, the cost is high in the country," commented one expat who moved to Santa Ana.

"If you are enrolled in the CAJA (socialized medicine), prescriptions are free at the local clinic after being prescribed by the CAJA physician. Sometimes generic forms of the medicine are available. If you are on a very specialized prescription, you may need to purchase this at a local pharmacy (farmacia) and you would be required to incur the expense but generally most medicine is available thru the CAJA. If you choose to purchase your prescriptions outside of the CAJA system, there are at least ten farmacias in Jaco and the surrounding area. You will not need a prescription for most any medicine with the exception of intense narcotics. If you need something of that degree, a private care physician can prescribe them for you. Some prescriptions are higher costing than the US such as Allegra, simple asprin, etc. Generally speaking if you can purchase it stateside in a bottle of (for example) 365 pills it is less expensive to do so as packaging here is by individual blister pack pills. Other meds are dramatically less expensive than the states. Resident discounts are generally offered in the amount of 10% at farmacias for local residents," said one expat.

View More Answers

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Costa Rica?

"The Hospital de Osa, a new hospital with 88 beds, 80,000 square feet, an emergency room and lots of doctors is located just 15 minutes down the coastal highway. There are also local clinics and dentists in Uvita, the next town to the north. You won't have open heart surgery in this area, but almost anything else is possible," said one expat.

View More Answers

As a foreigner living in Costa Rica, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Costa Rica, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Costa Rica is known for its high quality of care and is considered to be one of the best in Latin America. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents of Costa Rica. The public healthcare system provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system also offers free or low-cost medications and treatments," said one expat living in Costa Rica.

"You will not be covered by the socialized health system until you have gained Temporary Residency which is presently taking over a year. Then, you will have to pay at least $220 per month for healthcare, even if you don't use it. Most expats chose to purchase additional insurance," mentioned one expat in Costa Rica.

"I am eligible to enroll in the public health system. To do so, the expat must have their legal residence. The amount of the voluntary insurance is about US $ 40 a month (US $ 480 a year), and the registration process is simple. Generally, expats insure themselves, since it is an advantage to have a fairly wide network of public hospitals. Pre-existing conditions are covered. The quality of the public health service is debatable, as the times to get medical appointments are sometimes very long," commented one expat who moved to Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

View More Answers

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Costa Rica if they have access to public healthcare in Costa Rica. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"Mandatory masks, vaccines given to teachers, healthcare workers and the elderly. I am not hearing of anyone refusing the vaccine," commented one expat living in Florencia, Costa Rica.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Costa Rica during the pandemic have been generally positive. The government has taken proactive steps to ensure that the healthcare system is well-equipped to handle the influx of patients, including increasing the number of hospital beds and providing additional resources to medical personnel. The government has also implemented strict safety protocols to protect both patients and healthcare workers, such as mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing. Additionally, the government has provided free testing and treatment for those who are infected with the virus. Overall, I am impressed with the way the Costa Rican government has handled the pandemic and the level of care they have provided to their citizens," wrote one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Costa Rica?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Costa Rica about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the local healthcare system when planning for a baby in Costa Rica and to arrange for pre and postnatal checkups both for the mother and the baby. It is also important to make sure that both the mother and the baby have the appropriate vaccines prior to and after birth so that they are as protected as possible from communicable diseases. You should also consider registering your baby with the Costa Rican authorities and obtaining a passport before you leave the country. Finally, it is useful to have a basic knowledge of Spanish, the local language, as it will help you settle into life in Costa Rica and understand any medical advice you receive more easily," said one expat in Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica has a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. Overall, my docs in the United States tell my. husband, who is disabled and has a lot of medical problems, that Costa Rica is one of the few countries they recommend that he relocate to," remarked one in San Jose.

Are healthcare services good in Costa Rica?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Costa Rica. They wrote:

"My insurance provides coverage at Hospital Biblical, a private hospital with an excellent reputation. It is not close: two buses and a short walk. Or a 6,000 colon cab ride ($11.50). Minor things like colds, infections, etc I go to the pharmacy," said one expat in San Jose.

"Costa Rica provides comprehensive and affordable healthcare services to its citizens and expatriates. The country has an extensive network of public and private healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, offering a wide range of medical services. Costa Rica makes a special effort to ensure that free or low-cost services are available to those who cannot afford private healthcare. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in Costa Rica are highly trained and knowledgeable. The country also has modern medical equipment and facilities, as well as efficient emergency services. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world to offer universal healthcare coverage to all citizens, and its healthcare system continues to improve over time," wrote a person living in Costa Rica.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Costa Ballena, Costa Rica
AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

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

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

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

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides