Brad F. Says:
What’s the healthcare like in Costa Rica?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Brad,
By almost any standard, Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America. Not only that, but the country’s public and private health systems are constantly being upgraded—new hospitals, new equipment, and improvements in staff training. Despite the advancements, costs are low in comparison to those in the U.S. and even some European countries. Healthcare costs are about a third of what you’d pay in the U.S. Private doctors, for instance, rarely charge more than $60 a visit, even for house calls. Specialists run $80 to $100 per visit.
Drugs are also much less expensive. Prescriptions are often unnecessary in Costa Rica. You can easily buy many medications in pharmacies that would require a prior visit to the doctor in the U.S. Some big exceptions are drugs that could become addictive and antibiotics. Some pharmacies are allowed to prescribe medicines, including on-the-spot injections.
As in any other country, the quality of care in Costa Rica varies from hospital to hospital and region to region, and the system itself can be confusing to newcomers. The best medical facilities are the private hospitals in the San José area of the Central Valley. Adequate healthcare is available at both private and public facilities throughout the country, but finding it can often be challenging. That’s one of the reasons why many year-round foreign residents with healthcare needs prefer the Central Valley to the coast, but today the situation is changing, with more facilities in other locations.
When deciding on what part of Costa Rica to settle in, it’s a good idea to ask local residents about the nearest healthcare facilities and their experiences in using them. (This is particularly important if you have a condition that needs regular medical attention.) Also take some time to visit a nearby hospital and find out if it will serve your particular medical needs, as well as accept your health insurance policy. Many private facilities do take U.S. insurance, but you should also check with your provider to see if your policy is international.
You can learn more about the details of life in Costa Rica, from healthcare to costs of living, in the special Costa Rica bonus session at our upcoming Fast Track Panama Conference taking place in Panama City this February. One of our expert expats in attendance is John Michael Arthur, a doctor from Texas who now calls Costa Rica’s Central Valley home. Plus, since Costa Rica is just next door to Panama, you’ll be ideally placed to hop across the border for a visit. Get all the details of this conference here.
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