Costa Rica has become one of the most popular destinations for North American retirees and expats, and one of the biggest draws is its high-quality, affordable healthcare system. Whether you’re relocating for retirement, seeking part-time residency, or planning to invest in real estate and build a life here, understanding how healthcare works in Costa Rica is essential. This guide covers the key aspects of Costa Rica’s healthcare system, with a special focus on the needs of expats and retirees.
Overview of Costa Rica’s Dual Healthcare System
Costa Rica has a dual public and private healthcare system, both of which are available to expats and residents.
1. Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) — Known as “La Caja”
This is the public healthcare system and is funded by taxes and mandatory contributions.
Provides universal healthcare to citizens and legal residents.
Managed by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).
Covers everything: doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, surgeries, labs, and even dental.
2. Private Healthcare System
Operates independently of the public system.
Offers faster access, more choice in doctors, and modern facilities.
Patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance plans, either local or international.
Many expats use both systems simultaneously: they enroll in the public system for coverage and peace of mind, and use private care for convenience and faster service.
Public Healthcare: How It Works for Expats
How to Qualify for the Public Healthcare System (La Caja)
To access Costa Rica’s public healthcare system (CCSS or “La Caja”), you must become a legal resident. This involves applying for and receiving one of several types of residency:
Pensionado Residency: For retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month (e.g., from Social Security or a private pension).
Rentista Residency: For individuals without a pension but who can prove a stable income of at least $2,500/month for two years or deposit $60,000 into a Costa Rican bank.
Inversionista Residency: For those investing at least $150,000 in real estate, a business, or certain government-approved projects.
Temporary Residency: May be granted based on family ties (e.g., marriage to a Costa Rican) or employment sponsorship.
Once your residency is approved by Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), you are required to register with La Caja.
Enrollment Process for La Caja
Apply for Residency: File an application with DGME through a local immigration attorney or on your own.
Receive Approval: Once approved, DGME issues a DIMEX (residency ID card).
Visit the Caja Office: Go to your local CCSS office to calculate your monthly contribution based on your declared income.
Begin Monthly Contributions: Pay approximately 7-11% of your declared income, which grants full access to public healthcare services.
Note: You cannot finalize your residency status (and receive your ID card) without enrolling in the Caja.
Pros
Extremely affordable compared to U.S. healthcare.
No pre-existing condition exclusions.
Comprehensive coverage.
Cons
Wait times can be long for non-emergency services.
Limited doctor choice.
Some clinics may be under-resourced in rural areas.
Tip: Many expats schedule regular or preventive care through private clinics to avoid delays, but rely on La Caja for serious issues like surgeries or chronic condition management.
Private Healthcare in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a robust network of private hospitals, clinics, and specialists, many of whom trained internationally and speak English.
Major Private Hospitals
Hospital CIMA (Escazú, San José)
Clinica Biblica (San José, Santa Ana)
Hospital Metropolitano (San José and regional locations)
These facilities are JCI-accredited or meet international standards, and they offer world-class care at a fraction of U.S. prices.
Common Costs (No Insurance)
General doctor visit: $40-$80
Specialist consultation: $80-$120
Lab tests: $20-$100
MRI: $300-$600
Routine dental cleaning: $50-$80
Private Insurance Options
Expats often purchase private insurance to cover costs not handled by La Caja.
Options include:
INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros): Government-run, local policies for residents.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Costa Rica
International providers like IMG, Cigna Global, Allianz, and GeoBlue
Premiums vary based on age and coverage, ranging from $50/month for younger adults to $300+/month for retirees with comprehensive plans.
Healthcare Resources Near Uvita and Ojochal
📍 View Interactive Map of Healthcare Locations
This map includes hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and ambulance services between Uvita and Ojochal. You can click on each marker to get directions, hours, and contact information.
Expats living in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica, especially around Uvita and Ojochal, have access to a variety of healthcare services, both public and private. While the area is more rural than San José, it offers reliable care with growing infrastructure.
Hospitals and Emergency Care
Hospital Tomás Casas Casajús (Public)
Located in Ciudad Cortés, about 25 minutes south of Uvita
Offers emergency care, inpatient services, maternity, and labs
Managed by the CCSS
Website: CCSS Hospital Tomás Casas
Hospital Metropolitano (Private)
Location: Plaza Ventanas, between Uvita and Ojochal
Services: urgent care, general medicine, specialist visits, lab work, and minor procedures
Website: www.metropolitanocr.com
Local Clinics and Doctor’s Offices
Costa Rica Family Medicine (Uvita)
English-speaking general practitioners and specialists
Primary care, minor emergencies, and telemedicine
Website: www.costaricafamilymedicine.com
Centro Medico Uvita
General medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and lab tests
Address: Uvita town center, next to Banco Nacional
Ojochal Community Clinic (Private/Volunteer-based)
Limited hours; offers general care and nurse consultations
Serves residents and low-income families in the area
Emergency Response Times
Public ambulances through 911 are available but can take 20–45 minutes depending on your location and weather conditions.
Private ambulance services (such as Rescue One) offer faster response and bilingual staff, though they charge a fee.
Tip: Many expats in Uvita/Ojochal maintain memberships with private clinics or ambulance services for peace of mind.
Healthcare for Retirees: Why It Works
Costa Rica is particularly appealing to retirees because of its:
Low cost of care
Access to both modern and holistic medicine
Tropical climate that supports year-round health and wellness
High life expectancy and healthy lifestyle culture
Availability of elder care and assisted living, especially in the Central Valley and Southern Zone
Retirees can apply for pensionado residency, which only requires proof of $1,000/month in lifetime pension income. This status grants access to the public healthcare system and local discounts.
Medications and Pharmacies
Many medications are available over the counter that would require prescriptions in the U.S.
Pharmacies (“farmacias”) are common and pharmacists are well-trained.
For chronic conditions, you may need a prescription and can usually fill it through La Caja or private pharmacies.
Tip: Bring copies of your prescriptions when moving, and note the generic names of your medications.
Emergency and Specialized Care
911 is the emergency number (English-speaking operators are available).
Ambulance response is reliable in urban areas.
Private ambulances are faster but may charge a fee.
For complex surgeries or treatments, many expats trust private hospitals for better amenities and faster scheduling.
In case of a serious condition (e.g., cancer treatment, heart surgery), Costa Rica has highly qualified specialists and modern equipment in both the public and private sectors.
Mental Health Services
Costa Rica has growing awareness and resources for mental health care:
Psychologists and psychiatrists available in both systems
Private sessions start at $50/hour
Many providers offer telehealth
English-speaking therapists are common in San José and expat-friendly towns
Holistic and Alternative Care
Natural medicine, acupuncture, and holistic clinics are widely accepted and available.
Integrative health is common — many providers combine Western and natural medicine.
Yoga, massage therapy, and nutrition counseling are widely practiced.
Final Thoughts: Should You Trust Costa Rica’s Healthcare System?
Yes — and thousands of expats already do.
Costa Rica offers a rare balance: universal healthcare with strong private options, modern infrastructure, and affordable prices. The quality of care rivals that of the U.S. or Europe, and costs are dramatically lower. For retirees and expats who prioritize both wellness and financial sustainability, the healthcare system is one of Costa Rica’s greatest assets.
Quick Checklist for Expats and Retirees
Here are the essential steps to get set up for healthcare in Costa Rica as an expat or retiree:
✅ Apply for legal residency through DGME under the appropriate category (pensionado, rentista, inversionista, or temporary).
✅ Enroll in La Caja after receiving residency approval and begin monthly payments.
✅ Consider private insurance for faster access to services and broader provider choice.
✅ Choose a primary care doctor in both the public and private systems.
✅ Bring medical records and prescriptions from your home country (including generic names).
✅ Learn basic Spanish medical vocabulary to navigate clinics and hospitals.
✅ Visit both public and private facilities in your area to get familiar with your options.
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