The Health Care System In Costa Rica

Costa Rica has received international praise for its modern health care system, and both citizens and legal residents can enjoy universal medical care. Read this article for more information on the type of high quality standards at low cost you can expect in this little gem of a country also called  “the Switzerland of Central America”.

The United Nations has ranked Costa Rica’s public health system among the top 20 places in the world and as the best in Latin America. In addition to a applauded public system, Costa Rica has a private health care system that is much more affordable than private care in the nearby United States.

Both private and public systems are constantly updated, so new hospitals and new clinics are appearing, and improvements in staff training and equipment are always being made. Thanks to the availability of bilingual medical staff, it is understandable that Costa Rica has become a popular destination for medical tourism (more than 55,000 foreigners traveled to Costa Rica to receive medical care in 2019).

Costa Rica has earned its fantastic reputation in health care, to note dental implants in Costa Rica are very popular, thanks to its top-notch dental clinics, highly trained doctors and affordable care.

Medical Care

Drugstores can be found in major supermarkets, shopping centers and on many major roads. They tend to be well stocked, and you will find that the regulations covering prescription drugs are not too restrictive. Only narcotics, psychotropics and antibiotics require a prescription, and it is worthwhile to establish a solid relationship with your local pharmacist so that they can be your first point of contact instead of going directly to the doctor’s office.

Many expats are happy with the medical care they can receive in San José. Once you are in Costa Rica, you will find that friends, neighbors and colleagues can advise you to find a suitable doctor. In some private hospitals in or around the capital, such as La Católica Hospital in San José-Guadalupe, Biblical Clinic in San José, or CIMA Hospital in Escazú, many of the doctors and nurses speak English, in case you need it .

Dental and optical care is also world class and affordable in Costa Rica. DDS Dental is a particularly recognized dental clinic that specializes in oral rehabilitation, including dental implants, endodontics, dental aesthetics and orthodontics, where dentists have graduated from the best faculties of dentistry and teach at universities throughout Costa Rica.

Insurance

Make sure you have comprehensive health insurance (some international policies are valid, or you can get insurance from a Costa Rican company) to cover you while you live in the country if you want to go privately. Alternatively, you can pay in cash when medical needs arise, since the Costs Tend To Be Quite Low.

If you do not have a residence yet, you can obtain private health insurance from the National Insurance Institute (INS), which is usually a cheaper alternative to an international policy in your home country. Hopefully with this article you can find new benefits when the time comes to undergo any medical procedure such as dental implants.