“Medical Tourism” was unknown phrase just a decade ago. Now millions of American’s are flocking to foreign nations for medical treatments. Experts in the field say as many as 150,000 U.S. citizens underwent medical treatment abroad in 2006 and that number more than quadrupled in 2007 to 750,000. A projected six million Americans will cross the boarder by 2010 to get everything from face lifts to heart bypasses to fertility treatments.

Why Costa Rica as a Medical Tourism Destination?

So why are so many Americans seeking medical care abroad, and why Costa Rica? Medical treatments are usually about 50-70% cheaper in Costa Rica than in the US. Plus there is no insurance red tape or HMOs to deal with. Costa Rica is easily accessible from US and Canada with frequent flights from major cities in both countries. What many are quickly realizing is that Costa Rica is much more than an eco-tourism destination. It is also home to highly trained physicians that provide quality health care at a fraction of the cost. With the same equipment and procedures and board certified experience doctors you can expect the same service as in the US. Staff and doctors often speak fluent English and are experienced in attending to the needs of medical tourists.

Common Medical Procedures in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has become a mecca for highly skilled cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons, dental surgeons, Orthopedics, and heart surgeries as well as regular and everyday care.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Procedures

Dental packages in Costa Rica include all costs like X-ray, prosthesis, and dentist's fees with personalized care and lower rates than in the US, Canada and Europe. For the 100 million plus people in the US without dental insurance, a dental vacation to Costa Rica is easily an attractive option. Dental vacation packages that include fixed prices remove the uncertainty of how much the final bill will be. Popular procedures include dental implants, bridges, teeth veneers, crowns and caps, as well as full mouth reconstruction.

Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery in Costa Rica

From tummy tucks, to face lifts, to liposuction, to breast implants, all kinds of plastic surgeries are available in Costa Rica. Many of these procedures are not covered by traditional health care coverage so coming out of pocket can be very expensive. Typically an all inclusive vacation to Costa Rica and your chosen surgery is cheaper than the surgery alone in the States or Europe. Why wouldn’t you want to relax on the beach and enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica while recovering?

Heath Care Coverage and Regular Doctor Visits

Elective surgeries and procedures are popular but Costa Rica’s resident and nonresident health care coverage is also exceptional. For residents Costa Rica offers both public and private care. Universal accessibility to public health care is guaranteed. Those over 65 receive free public health care and many prescriptions are free or subsidized though the public health system. For nonresidents there is private health-care. Due to significantly reduced prices on doctor visits and medical care paying out of pocket is very affordable. Many medicines that require a doctor prescription in the US are available at over the counter pharmacies in Costa Rica. Emergency rooms of public hospitals will not turn away any emergencies and there are small public ‘Ebais’ clinics in most rural communities. Some U.S. and Canadian insurance plans will reimburse for medical care and doctor visits in Costa Rica. Both public and private hospitals can arrange for air evacuation to U.S. and Canadian hospitals if necessary.

Factors to consider - Medical Travel to Costa Rica

• Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica. But English speaking doctors and staff are frequently available and major hospitals have interpreters.
• Most places in Costa Rica accept the US dollar.
• Doctors are board certified and many are from the US or Europe.
• Take in to consideration the after care of your procedure. If multiple follow-up visits are needed then medical tourism may not be the best option.

So, if you are looking for medical care abroad, Costa Rica is a place to consider. Even if you are just planning a vacation, go to Costa Rica for pleasure and save some money by getting any pending medical or dental care done while there! Medical tourism in Costa Rica is a complete package of health, fun, and savings. Retiring in Costa Rica is a viable option, not only for Costa Rica’s natural beauty and ‘pura vida’ lifestyle but also for their affordable and exceptional health care and medical coverage. If retiring in Costa Rica is something you are considering take a look at Los Cielos Estates properties and real estate sales. Make one of these Costa Rican properties your vacation destination and retirement home.