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Costa Rica's Health Care System


The modernity of Costa Rica’s health system is recognized worldwide and all citizens and residents of the country have the right to benefit from it. In the “Switzerland of Central America”, you can receive excellent health care at unbeatable prices. The UN has ranked Costa Rica’s public health system among the 20 best in the world and among the best in Latin America. The private health care system is not to be outdone, especially since it is much more affordable than in neighbouring western countries such as the United States. New clinics and hospitals are opening in Costa Rica on a regular basis. In addition, staff training and equipment are constantly being updated. In order not to spoil anything, the medical staff is bilingual. It is therefore logical that Costa Rica has become a popular destination for medical tourism: in 2017, more than 55,000 foreigners visited Costa Rica to receive medical care. Costa Rica’s reputation for good health care is well-deserved, thanks to clean hospitals, highly qualified doctors and affordable prices.

State of the Healthcare System in Costa Rica

The modernity of Costa Rica’s health system is generally recognized and all citizens and residents of the country have the right to benefit from it. In this “Switzerland of Central America”, it is possible to receive quality health care at an affordable price. 
 
The UN has ranked Costa Rica’s public health system among the 20 best in the world and among the best in Latin America. Private institutions in this country are not to be outdone. They are much more affordable than in neighbouring western countries, such as the United States. New clinics and hospitals are opening in Costa Rica on a regular basis. In addition, staff training and equipment are constantly being updated.
 
Healthcare personnel in Costa Rica are generally bilingual. It is therefore logical that Costa Rica has become a popular destination for medical tourism. In 2017, more than 55,000 foreigners visited Costa Rica for medical care. 

Medical Care in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, pharmacies – called “farmacias” – are usually found in supermarkets, shopping malls and along many major roads.
 
Most French expatriates in Costa Rica are satisfied with the medical care available in San José.

Costa Rica's Healthcare System

In order to be reimbursed for your medical treatment in Costa Rica, you will need to purchase health insurance. Some international insurances are valid in Costa Rica. In this country, it is not absurd to pay for your own health care, the prices of which are generally rather low. If you are not yet a resident, you can take out private health insurance with the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS). This alternative is cheaper than choosing an international insurer in your home country.