Costa Rica's Health Care and Doctors

Due to increased prices of health care and doctor visits in the US medical tourism and retiring in Costa Rica are becoming more and more popular. Costa Rica has become almost as popular for their quality and low priced medical treatments as they are for their beaches and jungles.

Costa Rica's Private and Public Health Care

Costa Rica has one of Latin America's best health care systems, offering both public and private care. Universal accessibility to public health care is guaranteed. All employees and employers pay health-care contributions and personally-employed Costa Ricans are required to acquire medical coverage. Those Residents over 65 receive free public health care. Many prescriptions are free or subsidized though the public health system.

Non-resident Medical Coverage

There is private health-care that non-Costa Ricans can join if they are residents of Costa Rica. 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 Care and Clinics

Emergency rooms of public hospitals will not turn away any patients. 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.

Dental Work in Costa Rica

Dentistry procedures in Costa Rica cost only a fraction of the USA price. Board-certified cosmetic dentists in Costa Rica are established professionals with years of experience. Many speak English well thus eliminating communication problems. Cosmetic dentists in Costa Rica use the latest computer-aided design and modeling software. The dental facilities are superb and the dentists are among the finest in the world.

Medical Tourism and Plastic Surgery

Costa Rica's specialists in cosmetic surgery procedures are fully credentialed and are experienced in the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques available. Each year a growing number of tourists visit Costa Rica to receive cosmetic surgery on what have been dubbed ¨medical vacations¨. Due to rising health care costs and decreased medical coverage, the concept of combining surgery with travel has become more common place. Costa Rica’s Plastic Surgery Board provides listings of physicians who are credentialed members of the national association. Skilled Plastic surgeons offer premium services at a fraction of the cost. Procedures such as face lift, breast implants or liposuction can be performed cost effectively.