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

"Quepos offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents and visitors. The main hospital in the area is Hospital Metropolitano de Quepos, which provides general medical services, emergency care, and specialized services such as cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics. Additionally, there are several private clinics in the area that offer a range of medical services, including general practice, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. For those seeking alternative treatments, there are also several holistic health centers in the area that offer acupuncture, massage, and other natural therapies," remarked one expat living in Quepos.

"To use the socialized medical system in the area, you do not need to be a resident of Costa Rica (Residente). The hospital will accept all patients. It is not a large hospital and some procedures will be referred to either the closest national care hospital or one of the private hospitals in the Central Valley. However, there are many private care physicians in the area who will treat you and/or make referrals to more specialized care in other parts of the country. The local hospital has an emergency center," said one expat living in Quepos .

"Quepos offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The town has several private clinics and hospitals that provide quality medical care, including general practice, emergency services, and specialized care. Quepos also has a number of pharmacies that offer prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies. Additionally, the town has a number of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists, who are available to provide medical services," said one expat living in Quepos.

"After 17 years in Costa Rica, my experience has been that national public healthcare insurance via the national system is very good. The monthly payment is based on your declared income at the time of your application for residency in Costa Rica. If you do not feel comfortable using the national system, you can purchase private insurance at rates less than the US with varying degrees of deductibles. There are many bi-lingual agents registered in Costa Rica to help you. Additionally, consider private care at your cost. A private care physician office call is generally under $50 and many procedures are substantially less than you would pay in the states. I have heard many times that the cost of an entire procedure here in Costa Rica is the same as the deductible in the states. Many people use this information to their advantage and visit Costa Rica for a medical vacation! ," mentioned one expat in Quepos .

"Healthcare and health insurance in Quepos can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a lower cost than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to higher quality care and more specialized services. Additionally, some private health insurance plans may cover medical evacuation in the event of an emergency," commented one expat who moved to Quepos, Costa Rica.

"Emergency services in Quepos are provided by the Cruz Roja (Red Cross). In the event of an emergency, you can call 911 to request an ambulance. The ambulance will be dispatched from the nearest Cruz Roja station and will be staffed with trained medical personnel. The ambulance will be equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment to provide medical care. In addition to the ambulance service, the Cruz Roja also provides emergency medical services such as first aid, CPR, and other medical treatments," said an expat in Quepos.

"The closest hospital is on the outskirts of Quepos and is named Max Teran Hospital. There is an emergency room and the quality of care is very good. As it is a national care (part of the socialized medical care system in Costa Rica) you will not find the same amount of services as in a top of the line private care facility in the states. However, the staff is professional and caring. Be aware, not all staff members will speak English. Hospital Max Teran is a public hospital but accepts patients who are not in the public health care system. All are treated the same with the exception that a person on the national care system is not required to pay at the time of discharge. If the staff feels your condition is better treated at another facility, they will discuss this with you and make recommendations on other options available to you," commented one expat living in Quepos , Costa Rica.

"Periodially the area has specialized medicine physicians that treat local residents and they arrive generally once per month at a private care physician's office in Quepos. This is a good option for general procedures of dermatology, obstetrics, etc. For more options and specialized care, the Central Valley of CR is the best option. There are multitudes of physicians in the Central Valley specializing in every aspect of health care. The quality of care is exceptional and if you choose to pay for this through private pay, the cost is substantially less than the US. From the Quepos area, this región is approximately 2.5-3 hours from Quepos. However, Quepos has a public airstrip with several flights per day and it is not uncommon to fly to the Central Valley for consultation. The flight is 20 minutes in duration," commented one expat living in Quepos , Costa Rica.

"Yes, there are a number of medical specialists in Quepos. For highly specialized medical care, people typically go to San Jose, which is the capital of Costa Rica and has a number of hospitals and clinics that specialize in a variety of medical treatments. Additionally, there are a number of private clinics in Quepos that offer specialized medical care," wrote one expat.

"Common prescriptions are readily available at the many pharmacies in the area. (farmacia) Generally you will not need a prescription for anything other than extreme narcotics. In the event you need a higher level of prescription, a physician will write this for you after a consultation and appraisal of your health. There is no rule of thumb that all prescriptions are less/more or the same pricing you may have experienced in the states. Some are substantially less! And others more. If you are on the public healthcare system (national CAJA), prescriptions are free and are dispensed at the public hospital after a consultation with the physician associated with the hospital. There is no charge for the physician's appointment at the public hospital as long as you are a legal resident," commented one expat who moved to Quepos .

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Quepos. Most pharmacies in the area carry a wide variety of medications, including those used to treat common ailments such as allergies, colds, and flu. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of popular brand-name medications, which can be a more affordable option for those on a budget. Additionally, some pharmacies offer online ordering and delivery services, making it easier to get the medications you need," said one expat.

"Medical care in Quepos is generally good. There are several private clinics and hospitals in the area that offer a range of services, including general medical care, emergency care, and specialized care. The quality of care is generally good, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the area that offer a variety of medications. In general, medical care in Quepos is reliable and accessible," commented one expat who moved to Quepos.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Quepos, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Costa Rica is known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). It is a comprehensive system that provides access to medical services, including preventive care, hospitalization, and specialized care. The quality of care is generally good, and the cost is relatively low compared to private healthcare," said one expat.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Quepos during the pandemic have been positive overall. The healthcare professionals have been very attentive and responsive to my needs, and the facilities have been well-maintained and clean. The staff have been very knowledgeable and helpful in providing information about the virus and the best ways to protect myself and others. Additionally, the government has provided free testing and treatment for those who need it, and the local hospitals have been well-equipped to handle the influx of patients. Overall, I have been very pleased with the level of care I have received during this difficult time," commented one expat who moved to Quepos.