One of the biggest questions new expats ask after buying land or moving to Costa Rica is: “How do I set myself up for healthcare here?”
The good news: Costa Rica has a strong mix of public and private healthcare, and with a little prep in your first month, you can feel confident you’ll be covered if something unexpected happens. Here’s your step-by-step checklist for the first 30 days after you arrive.
Week 1: Get the Basics in Place
Save emergency numbers
911 works nationwide for medical, fire, and police.
Local Red Cross (Cruz Roja) stations provide ambulance services. Note down the nearest station to your home in Uvita, Ojochal, or Dominical.
Locate the nearest hospitals & clinics
Public: Hospital de Osa (Ciudad Cortés) and Hospital Fernando Escalante Pradilla (San Isidro de El General).
Private: Clinics in San Isidro, plus world-class hospitals in San José (CIMA, Clínica Bíblica, La Católica).
Find your local pharmacy (Farmacia)
Pharmacies are everywhere—even in small towns—and many can handle minor issues and refills without a doctor’s visit. Introduce yourself to the pharmacist nearest your home.
Week 2: Organize Your Insurance & Caja Status
Check your residency and CCSS (“Caja”) status
If you’re applying for residency, enrollment in the Caja is mandatory once approved. Confirm your contribution rate and keep your CCSS card handy.
Consider private coverage
Many expats layer private health insurance or a discount plan (like MediSmart) on top of Caja for faster access to specialists and diagnostics.
Get copies of your medical records
Keep electronic and printed copies of prior prescriptions, test results, and vaccination history. Having them translated into Spanish (at least key terms) is smart.
Week 3: Establish Your Local Care Network
Choose a local GP or clinic
Even if you’re healthy, it helps to know where you’d go for a fever or infection. In the Southern Zone, many expats use private clinics in Uvita or San Isidro for quick care.
Test the system with something simple
Book a routine blood test or dental cleaning. It gives you firsthand experience of wait times, pricing, and staff without being in an emergency.
Meet an English-speaking doctor
Platforms like HuliHealth let you search by specialty, location, and language. Bookmark at least one doctor you can call if needed.
Week 4: Prepare for the Unexpected
Map your emergency route
Know how to drive to the nearest ER from your home, and how long it takes during day vs. night. Ambulances are available, but in rural zones, many expats drive themselves in urgent—but not critical—situations.
Create a “medical go-bag”
Copies of passport/Dimex card, insurance cards, Caja card, list of medications, local address/phone, and a little cash (some smaller clinics prefer it).
Check specialty care access
If you have a chronic condition (cardiology, oncology, diabetes, etc.), identify which San José hospital or private doctor you’d see. It’s better to plan this now than under pressure.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Transition
Learn basic Spanish medical phrases. Even if doctors speak English, nurses and admin staff may not.
Budget for both systems. Most expats use Caja for medications and major coverage, and private clinics for faster care.
Stay proactive. Costa Rica is known as one of the world’s healthiest countries, but a healthy lifestyle is your first line of defense.
Bottom Line
Your first 30 days in Costa Rica are the perfect time to set up your healthcare safety net. With Caja enrollment, a trusted local doctor, private backup options, and an emergency plan, you’ll have peace of mind that you and your family are fully prepared—so you can get back to enjoying pura vida living.
