Healthcare in Costa Rica – A Complete Guide for Expats
- Mark Savoia
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
If you’re considering moving to Costa Rica, one of your biggest questions might be: What’s the healthcare like?
The short answer? It’s excellent — and much more affordable than what most North Americans are used to.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about healthcare in Costa Rica, including the public system (Caja), private hospitals, pharmacy access, costs, and real-life expat experiences.
Public Healthcare in Costa Rica – “Caja”
Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, known as Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) or just Caja, is available to all residents (both temporary and permanent). Once you’re enrolled, it covers:
Doctor visits
Surgeries
Hospital stays
Prescription medication
Lab work and specialist care
What does it cost?
Your monthly payment is based on your residency type and declared income.
Temporary residents: Costs range from $50–$400/month per person depending on your visa category (e.g. pensionado, rentista, investor, etc.)
Permanent residents: Pay as little as $45/month per family, making it one of the most affordable healthcare options in the world.
Private Healthcare in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to some of the best private hospitals in Latin America. Major private hospitals include:
CIMA Hospital (Escazú, San José)
Clinica Bíblica (San José & Santa Ana)
Hospital La Católica (Guadalupe)
Hospital Las Americas ( San Isidro, Perez Zeledon)
👨⚕️ These facilities offer world-class services at a fraction of U.S. or Canadian prices.
🧾 Example from my experience:
I recently went to a private hospital in San José after a dog bite. In under 5 minutes, I was seen by an orthopedist, I then received blood work, IV fluids, X-rays, stitches, and a follow-up prescription. The total cost? $256 USD. No appointment. No insurance required.
Many expats choose to pay out-of-pocket for private care because its so cheap and effective.
Pharmacies in Costa Rica
Pharmacies here are surprisingly efficient and accessible — often replacing the need for a doctor visit altogether.
You can walk into any pharmacy (“Farmacia”) and, in many cases, a trained pharmacist will assess your situation and recommend medication — sometimes providing treatments that would normally require a prescription in North America.
Another thing to note is that many medications that require prescriptions in North America — like Ivermectin — can often be purchased over-the-counter here.
In short: if you wake up with an infection or a swollen ankle, you can visit a pharmacy, get professional advice, and receive treatment on the spot — often faster and cheaper than waiting for a doctor’s appointment like you would in North America.
Is Costa Rican Healthcare Good?
Yes. In fact, Costa Rica consistently ranks as having one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America. The World Health Organization and multiple international studies cite the country’s life expectancy, patient satisfaction, and accessibility as among the highest in the region.
Add in low monthly costs, clean modern facilities, and bilingual doctors - and you’ve got a healthcare system that’s both efficient and affordable.
Final Thoughts
Whether you rely on the public Caja system, go private, or combine both - healthcare in Costa Rica is one of the biggest advantages of living here.
It’s one more reason so many North Americans choose to relocate here and stay.
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