Costa Rica Health Care
Good to Know
Costa Rica offers a highly-rated, universal healthcare system, consistently recognized among the best in Latin America and globally by organizations like the World Health Organization. Its public system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), provides affordable care to citizens and legal residents, while a robust private sector attracts medical tourists seeking high-quality procedures at a fraction of international costs. Pharmacies also serve a crucial role, with pharmacists often diagnosing common illnesses and dispensing many medicines without a prescription. This comprehensive approach contributes to Costa Ricans enjoying high life expectancy rates, surpassing those in the U.S.
All citizens and legal residents of Costa Rica are eligible for Costa Rica's public health insurance, Caja Costarricense de Sejuro Social (CCSS). The cost to affiliate with CCSS is about 13 percent of a person's income. For those under the age of 55, this payment also includes a mandatory pension payment which is disbursed starting at age 65. The low cost combined with high quality care at its hospitals and clinics sometimes make for long waits at offices and hospitals.
There are ten major public hospitals (29 total) located throughout the country including four in San Jose. For regular medical care there are clinics (250 countrywide), known as EBAIS, in almost every community in Costa Rica. Many medicines that require a prescription in the United States do not require a prescription in Costa Rica. If a Costa Rican needs birth control pills, blood pressure medicine, etc., the medicine is available from the pharmacist without a prescription. A pharmacist is referred to as doctor or doctora and they can diagnose and treat many common illnesses or problems. So usually, the first stop for a person is the pharmacy. If the pharmacist feels the problem is serious, he or she will direct the person to the nearest hospital.
Beginning in 2009, international insurance providers offer health insurance in Costa Rica. Costa Rica also has private hospitals and clinics that offer high quality medical care at a fraction of the cost in the United States. This has made Costa Rica a very attractive alternative for people that need medical procedures, and has given birth to medical tourism. Many people are attracted to the idea of travelling to a beautiful tropical site, with a great medical reputation combined with low cost.
Private insurance is available through INS, the government owned insurance monopoly. Prescription drugs, most medical exams, medical visits, and hospitalization are covered at 70 percent, with surgical and aesthetician costs fully covered. Pre-existing conditions and annual check ups are not included; but most plans cover dental work, optometry, and cosmetic surgery needed as a result of an accident.
Costa Ricans can be very proud of their health care system, and the following facts are proof of the quality of their health care system:
- Life expectancy for men is 76 years, for women 79.8 years (both higher than in the U.S.)
- Infant mortality rates less than in the United States
United Nations ranks Costa Rica's public health system in the top 20 worldwide and the best in Latin America
Costa Rica Safe Travel: Safety and health go hand in hand. Therefore, we have compiled a list of tips and suggestions for your consideration. Click on the "Costa Rica Safe Travel" link to review our recommendations.
The following are important statistics and indicators of the Costa Rica health care system (statistics estimated 2008 unless indicated differently):
Population:
4,195,914
Age Statistics:
0-14: 27.2percent
15 - 64: 66.8percent
65+: 6percent
Growth rate of population:
1.388percent
Birth rate:
17.71 per 1,000 population
Death Rate:
4.31 per 1,000 population
Infant mortality rate:
9.01 deaths per 1,000 live births
Life expectancy:
77.4 years
HIV / AIDS rate:
0.6percent (est. 2003)
Major infectious diseases:
Intermediate risk
Waterborne or food diseases:
bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
Vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
Recommended vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for all travelers
- Typhoid: Recommended for all travelers
- Tetanus: Recommended for all travelers
- Yellow fever: Required for travelers arriving from yellow fever infected countries
- Measles, mumps, and rubella: Recommended for all travelers born after 1956
(Most recommended vaccinations are required in industrial countries.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Costa Rica's public healthcare system operate?
Costa Rica's public healthcare system, known as Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), provides universal health care to citizens and legal residents. Affiliation costs approximately 13 percent of a person's income, which for those under 55 also includes a mandatory pension payment. The system includes ten major public hospitals and 250 clinics (EBAIS) nationwide, offering high-quality care despite potential wait times.
What are the advantages of private healthcare in Costa Rica?
Private hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica offer high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost found in the United States, making it an attractive destination for medical tourism. Private insurance is available through INS, covering 70 percent of prescription drugs, most medical exams, visits, and hospitalization, with surgical and aesthetician costs fully covered. Dental work, optometry, and accident-related cosmetic surgery are also typically included.
Can I obtain prescription medications without a doctor's visit in Costa Rica?
Yes, many medicines that require a prescription in the United States, such as birth control pills or blood pressure medicine, are available from a pharmacist without a prescription in Costa Rica. Pharmacists, referred to as 'doctor' or 'doctora,' can diagnose and treat many common illnesses, often serving as the first point of contact before directing individuals to a hospital if a problem is serious.
Which vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Costa Rica?
Recommended vaccinations for travelers to Costa Rica include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Measles, mumps, and rubella (for those born after 1956). Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from yellow fever-infected countries.