Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Grecia, Costa Rica

"Residency to obtain public health care (CAJA) seems to be taking about 18 months, so you will have to use private care until you obtain residency (if that is what you plan on doing). Even with CAJA, many people continue to use the outstanding private facilities available in and around San Jose (possibly in other areas, but I am only familiar with San Jose). There are many expat health insurance plans available and I highly recommend obtaining one if you are under 70. There may be some available over 70; I don't know. I presently do not have any insurance and have been paying out of pocket for some serious medical issues. I suggest you have a fund of $6-10,000 tucked away if you don't have private insurance or have a high deductible," said one expat.

"Grecia offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is managed by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), which provides free or low-cost medical services to all citizens. The CCSS operates a network of hospitals and clinics throughout the country, including several in Grecia. These facilities offer a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. Additionally, Grecia has several private hospitals and clinics that offer a variety of medical services, including general practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and dentistry. These facilities often provide more advanced treatments and technologies than the public system," remarked one expat in Grecia.

"Grecia offers a wide range of medical services, including general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals. The quality of care is generally good, with many doctors and nurses speaking English. The cost of medical services is generally lower than in the United States, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical care. Additionally, Grecia has a number of private clinics and hospitals that offer a variety of services, including cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and optometry," said one expat living in Grecia.

"Options are not centralized. Seems "word of mouth" is the only way to learn options," mentioned one expat in Grecia.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Grecia are generally considered to be affordable. The cost of medical care is lower than in many other countries, and the quality of care is generally good. Health insurance is also available, and the cost of premiums is usually reasonable. However, it is important to note that the cost of health insurance can vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider," commented one expat who moved to Grecia.

"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," remarked one expat living in Grecia.

"In Grecia, emergency services are provided by the Cruz Roja (Red Cross). In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 to request an ambulance. The Red Cross also provides other emergency services such as medical assistance, firefighting, and search and rescue. The Red Cross also provides first aid training and courses to the public," said one expat living in Grecia.

"Yes, Grecia has a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, dentists, cardiologists, oncologists, and other specialty fields. For highly specialized medical care, patients usually travel to hospitals in San José or to international destinations such as the United States or Europe. Many foreign doctors have set up practices in Costa Rica and offer specialized services. Additionally, several private clinics offer quality medical services and have the necessary technology to perform complex procedures or treatments. In general, locals and visitors feel confident in the quality of medical care that is available in Costa Rica," commented one expat living in Grecia, Costa Rica.

"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," wrote one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Grecia. Most pharmacies in the area carry a wide variety of medications, including those used to treat common ailments such as colds, allergies, and infections. Many of the medications available are generic versions of brand-name drugs, which are often cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. Additionally, some pharmacies offer special discounts for seniors and people with disabilities," commented one expat who moved to Grecia.

"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 one expat.

"Grecia has a variety of medical facilities for both prevention and acute care. The public health system includes general practitioners, specialty hospitals and clinics, as well as pharmacies and laboratories. Private medical clinics abound in the city and its surroundings, as do medical evacuation services and medical tourism. The main public hospital in Grecia provides good quality care while requiring long waiting times due to overcrowding. The smaller private clinics provide more personalized care, but their fees may be more expensive than government-run facilities. Local EBAIS (Community Health Teams) are located throughout the region and provide a wide range of services including primary care consultations, preventive education, diagnosis, and treatment," commented one expat living in Grecia, Costa Rica.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Grecia, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Costa Rica is considered to be one of the best in Latin America, and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The public healthcare system is well-funded and provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The quality of care is generally good, and the wait times for appointments are usually short," commented one expat living in Grecia, Costa Rica.

"The hospitalization I described above was during the Vivid crisis last summer. I am currently waiting for my vaccines. They are going by age in the area where I live and I am behind many elderly people. Other friend have already been vaccinated," commented one expat living in Grecia, Costa Rica.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Grecia during the pandemic have been positive overall. The healthcare system has been very responsive to the needs of the community, providing free testing and treatment for those affected by the virus. The local government has also been proactive in providing resources to help people stay safe and healthy during this time. The healthcare workers have been incredibly dedicated and have worked hard to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the care they need," wrote one expat.