Like in many countries of the world (the U.S. excluded), the Costa Rica health care system is two-tiered…
A two-tiered system is defined as one in which a government-provided healthcare system provides basic care, with a secondary tier of private care that exists for those who can pay for additional, better quality, and/or faster care.
The Public System
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund, or Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (as it is known in Spanish), is in charge of the nation’s public health sector. Worker and employer contributions are mandated by law. Residents are also required to make contributions to the Caja.
The Costa Rica health care system employs the majority of Costa Rica’s doctors. However, many doctors in the public system maintain private practices as well.
The Costa Rica health care system is generally rated as one of the best in Latin America, as well as in the world at large. However, as with any public system, there are break-downs and one will experience long waiting periods for all but life-saving procedures. Seeing a “specialist” in the public system can be difficult and time-consuming. That’s why many expats opt for private care, especially when it comes to appointments and procedures requiring a specialist.
Private Health Care
In addition to a very respectable public system, Costa Rica has some of the best private health care in Latin America. The main private hospitals in San Jose, primarily CIMA and Clinica Biblica, are top-rated. Larger cities, such as San Isidro de El General, also have good private care.
Private care in Costa Rica, while cheaper than in the U.S., is still not “cheap.” Many expats simply opt to pay out of pocket for procedures. However, health insurance is available, but it will not cover pre-existing conditions. For those, you will have to seek assistance in the public system.
The quality of private health care in Costa Rica has given rise to a robust medical tourism industry. Most tourists seek private medical care in Costa Rica for non-essential, cosmetic, procedures, as well as dental care.
Getting Your Meds in Costa Rica
Many drugs (like birth control pills, high cholesterol medication, migraine medicine, etc.) are available in Costa Rica without a prescription. Common problems can be accurately diagnosed and treated by pharmacists. Most major pharmacies have a doctor on staff. Costa Ricans will often head to the pharmacy first and consult with the pharmacist or doctor on staff, before enduring the waiting lines at the hospital or clinic.
Expats needing to continue taking certain medications think they can simply have the medications shipped to them from back home. However, meds and/or food supplements generally cannot be shipped to Costa Rica by mail or courier, unless you have an import license.
Dental Care in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become a popular location for medical tourism, especially when it comes to dental care. Most dental procedures, even the most invasive ones, are 1/3 of the cost you will pay in the U.S. There are some very good dentists in the country and not just in San Jose. In almost all high tourist traffic areas you will find good dental care. Here where I live in San Isidro de El General, there is excellent dental care. I have had many friends and family members from the States come visit and have dental procedures completed while here.
My Personal Costa Rica Health Care System Experience
I have thankfully remained relatively healthy for my 20 years in Costa Rica, knock on wood. I am getting older now though, so I shouldn’t remain so confident in not having to get more involved with Costa Rica health care system in the future.
Of course, I have had dental procedures done, both in San Jose and in my current home town of San Isidro de El General. I have never had a bad experience with a Costa Rica dentist. I was not one of those who looked for the cheapest possible option and I don’t recommend you do that either. However, the procedures I have had were far less expensive than what I would’ve paid in the States and I have been very satisfied with the service and results.
I have also had a few emergency room visits to both public and private hospitals. As you might expect, the public hospital emergency rooms I have been to were veritable zoos of chaotic activity. Nevertheless, I remained patient and calm and finally was treated and, of course, lived to write about. Seriously though, I believe that for minor mishaps, the public emergency room visit is the way to go.
I have not maintained any private care insurance since I’ve lived in Costa Rica. My wife and I do pay for pre-paid care with a company called Medi-Smart. However, since we live in San Isidro de El General, about 3 hours from San Jose, and the main providers that are in the Medi-Smart system are all in San Jose, I question its efficacy for us. I will probably be looking into private health insurance soon because, as was stated above, I am not getting any younger.
For private insurance you can go with the national provider, known as INS. However, nowadays there are also many private company options as well.
Of course, probably the best thing about living as an expat in Costa Rica is the ability and the motivation to stay healthy. Eating healthy is certainly no chore in Costa Rica, since virtually every vegetable and fruit known to our planet earth grows here. And the beauty of nature is always beckoning you to get outside, breath the fresh air, and move your body a little!
I should also point out that Costa Rica’s performance in the recent world-wide pandemic known as COVID-19 has been stellar. Costa Rica has shown the world what putting health above profits is all about and I am proud of them for that!
