Most of Costa Rica’s citizens subscribe to the government-sponsored national health care system maintained by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). The CCSS has the responsibility of providing quality, low cost health care to all of Costa Rica’s working citizens and their dependents. Not only does the CCSS provide universal health care coverage to its citizens, but non-citizens are also permitted to partake in the system.
There is a network of 28 hospitals throughout Costa Rica that provide modern and reliable medical/emergency service. Doctors at these hospitals usually receive their initial training in Costa Rica and obtain more advanced training in their specialty in other countries, mostly the US. There are also more than 245 small clinics scattered throughout Costa Rica that provide quality health care even in the remotest parts of the country. Costa Rica’s world health care ranking is 36th, while the US is ranked 37th.
Medical Tourism is very popular here mainly because of the high quality of the local physicians and facilities as well as the significant cost savings. Savings will generally range between 25% to 75% depending on the doctors and services provided. Dental Care quality and cost here are exceptional as well.
There are many choices for foreign residents when it comes to how they want to handle their health care needs. Choosing doctors, clinics, hospitals and the mode of payment all take careful consideration. As a general rule, the more one pays for their medical treatment, the more choice that person will have in which doctor they will go to, how quickly they will be seen by a physician, and how comfortable their accommodations will be.
To answer this question, many residents have combined the best of both the public and private medical systems to create a hybrid health care plan for them and their families. Here's how it works: Many doctors in Costa Rica that work in the public CCSSS hospitals also conduct their own private office hours during the afternoons. Foreign residents can pay the CCSSS membership fee (US$40-50) and visit the free clinics and hospitals in search of a doctor that they like. If this doctor provides a private service in addition to his public practice, the resident can take advantage of both worlds. They can make routine appointments with ease and little delay; however, should they need a complicated and expensive procedure, the CCSSS will cover the limit to annual coverage. The drawback to this coverage is the long lines and waits associated with public hospitals and clinics. You may also elect to have private doctors perform procedures at public hospitals.
HOSPITAL CIMA ESCAZU COSTA RICA
Non-Costa Rican citizens can also buy health insurance from the INS (Instituto de Seguro Nacional). This private health insurance permits the insured access to private hospitals. Rates vary depending on age and gender and the policy only covers up to $18,000 annually. It also does not cover pre-existing conditions. Private hospitals are often less crowded and provide more personalized service, usually without the long wait associated with public hospitals. Many doctors work for both the CCSS and have private offices as well. Quality health care is available with both options.
An international health care insurance plan available to U.S. citizens living abroad is another option. There are many companies and options, just look up "international health care" on the internet to explore your options.
Pharmacies are commonly used in place of a doctor’s visit for minor illnesses. Pharmacists are well educated and able to diagnose and treat common illnesses and permitted to distribute medications as well. Most medicines are available without prescriptions: only narcotics and addictive drugs require a prescription. All pharmacies are required to have a pharmacist on the premises in order to be open for business.
The three most popular hospitals for foreigners in Costa Rica are:
Hospital Cima
Hospital Clinica Biblica
Clinica Catolica
