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Medical Tourism in Costa Rica — What It Means if You Live in Costa Rica

by Jeanne in Costa Rica

Medical tourism in Costa Rica is a good thing if you are considering a move to Costa Rica.

Medical tourism is a growing industry with thousands of people from around the world traveling to the country for high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost they would pay in their home countries. According to the Tourism Satellite Account, 13.4% of all visits to Costa Rica are for medical treatments.

With its natural beauty, pristine beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests, and extensive wildlife, people who visit for medical purposes can also take advantage of its natural beauty. If you are thinking about a move to Costa Rica, you not only get the beauty of flora and fauna, but you also get top-rated medical care at some of the best medical facilities found anywhere.

Living in Costa Rica on a tourist visa or as a resident, you can easily access these hospitals and doctors without a plane flight because it’s “just down the road.”

Why Medical Care Is So Good in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a highly developed healthcare system compared to many developed countries. The public system called Caja (Costarricensede Seguro Social, CCSS) and private systems are constantly being enhanced with new equipment, hospitals and clinics, and procedures.

Costa Rica has prioritized its public health and invested heavily in putting resources toward preventable death and disabilities as a core mission. In the 1970s, Costa Rica spent more money on health as a proportion of GDP than many advanced countries.

By 1985, those investments paid off, and today the life expectancy was the longest in Latin America and matches the U.S. And today, the healthcare model in this country is strengthened by the Health Ministry and its role as the healthcare steward for the land. Bottom line? Since the 1940s, Costa Rica has put healthcare at the top of its priority list.

It works to provide healthcare to all its people regardless of gender, age, or location. So the medical community goes to the people. In addition, the educational system in Costa Rica plays a role in sound medical care. Its literacy rate is over 94%.

The Private Healthcare System

You pay more for private healthcare than public healthcare (Caja, and you must be a resident), but it is much more affordable, by 70% than healthcare in North America. Medical professionals generally speak English and receive their medical training in the United States, Europe, and Canada.

The three most well-known hospitals in Costa Rica, CIMA, Clinica Biblica, and Hospital La Católica, are internationally accredited. For private healthcare, you pay out-of-pocket or use insurance. Insurance policies include those from the U.S., Europe, international policies, and Costa Rican insurance policies.

The WHO, World Health Organization, ranks Costa Rica as a top-ranking country for life expectancy. The life expectancy here is 80 years old. This is not only due to the slower pace of life and Pura Vida spirit but also because of attention put on prevention and affordability.

Of course, all medical tourism is performed through private hospitals and medical professionals. Your insurance won’t pay for it, but you can expect to spend 50-70% less for procedures here than you’re used to in your home country.

Medical and Dental Procedure Prices

Living in Costa Rica and Medical Care

Living in Costa Rica means you can access these procedures at these prices. You have access to all the private medical care you want or need, and if you become a temporary resident, you get access to Caja.

The healthy medical tourism industry provides those living here with the best doctors, hospitals, and clinics and the best place to recover from any procedure.

*NOTE — You may be wondering about health insurance, and I will cover it in an upcoming blog. Stay tuned!

A Final Thought

Costa Rica is an ideal destination for medical tourists looking for affordable, high-quality healthcare services in a beautiful and welcoming location. The country's healthcare system, medical professionals, modern healthcare facilities, and tourist infrastructure make it an attractive option for medical tourists worldwide.

If you want to move to Costa Rica, this high-quality medical care is also available to you. It was a top reason for our move, and maybe it will be for you too!

Pura Vida! 🌺