Fact: Life expectancy in Costa Rica for men is 76 years and for women 79.8 years, both longer than in the USA. Also the infant mortality rate is a lot less in Costa Rica in comparison with the USA. The UN (United Nations) has ranked Costa Rica’s public health system within the top 20 worldwide and the number 1 in Latin America!
With a network sponsored by the government with 29 public hospitals and more than 250 medical clinics throughout Costa Rica, the Social Security System (CCSS) has the primary responsibility for providing health services at low costs to the Costa Rican population. Not just available for Costa Ricans, the CCSS also provides low cost medical service to any foreign resident or tourist. Foreigners who live in Costa Rica with a residence can join the CCSS by paying a small monthly fee or another option would be that they can buy an inexpensive health insurance from the Insurance Company (INS) which is owned by the State valid with over 200 affiliated doctors, hospitals and pharmacies.
The hospitals and doctors in Costa Rica have the latest equipment, and the laboratories are simply perfect. You can feel secure having most operations here in Costa Rica without having to return to the U.S. or Canada. Most operations, such as surgical procedures are a lot cheaper here! A quick example, a heart bypass costs about 1/3 of what you would pay in the USA and the professionalism is the same or better.
Medical clinics and hospitals in the private sector provide services quicker and with more privacy, giving you the option to avoid long lines.
Costa Rica’s 3 largest Private Hospitals
1) CIMA, in the suburbs of San Jose in Escazu right off the highway, is the recently
renewed private hospital and is affiliated with the Baylor UMC in Dallas, Texas and controlled by the International Hospital Corporation of Dallas, Texas. CIMA is a full service hospital that features the most modern health care technology, medical equipment and “the” most sophisticated physical plant in Central America. CIMA offers all services including Emergencies, Ultrasounds, X-rays, Intensive Care and much more. CIMA has adjacent a seven-story building where over 100 specialists have their offices. Their web site is at hospitalcima.com
2) Clínica Biblica, in the center of San Jose, is affiliated with the Blue Shield network Blue Cross. They also expect to be affiliated with Medicare. clinicabiblica.com
3) Clínica Católica, in the suburbs of San Jose, is another very fine private Medical Hospital with full Hospital and Emergency services 24/7, 365 days a year. Always the forefront of private medicine and patient care. La Clínica Católica has become the first hospital hotel in Central America. A total of 33 fully equipped rooms complement the facilities of this renowned health institution. This hotel offers significant benefits for surgically treated patients as a result of their 
doctor constant supervision and the special care provided, patient recovery is much better.
Most Costa Rican doctors have been schooled and trained in Europe, Canada or the USA. If you do not speak Spanish, you do not have to worry as many local Medical Doctors, receptionists and assistants speak English. The fees for office visits vary. A private specialist charges more or less between $25 and $40 per visit. Very important, Medical Doctors in Costa Rica take their time to answer questions and listen to the patient. Medical Doctors in Costa Rica usually give you their office, home and mobile numbers. House calls are very normal in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has become very popular for those in search of Cosmetic Surgery. Dental, from fillings to implants, is done continuously on people from all over the world. People from other countries in Latin America plan their medical needs; from a total hip replacement to heart valve replacement to be treated by the reliable and skillful physicians in Costa Rica rather than in their own countries. It is clear that not only does Costa Rica offer universal health care coverage to its own citizens, but also that same high quality care is also available for foreigners from all over the world. It does not matter if you are in good health now, as we all know unfortunately the probability of needing medical care increases with age. Knowing that excellent health services are available represents security and an enormous relief. So, health care should not be an issue in your decision to live here in Costa Rica.
Pharmacies and Medicines.
There are a numerous of pharmacies in Costa Rica and most of them stock most standard medicines available in Europe, Canada and the USA. Please note that In general the cost of most medicines is up to 80% lower than those in the USA. Some drugs are available in any Costa Rican pharmacies without a doctor prescription. With exceptions to strong painkillers and narcotics that do require a special prescription. Pharmacists in Costa Rica are permitted to prescribe medicines as well as to realize on-the-spot injections. Schooled pharmacists are available to answer your questions and give free medical advice. Some pharmacies open 24/7; have employees that speak English and will often deliver to your home. Medical Insurance at Low Costs
The health care system in Costa Rica is available for foreign residents. If you are a resident in Costa Rica you can join the CCSS and enjoy the cheap medical coverage as most Costa Ricans do as well. Although most foreigners do not use this system because of the very good private hospitals and clinics, the emergency care they provide is very good. The CCSS also has Medical Clinics all over Costa Rica.
A lot of foreigners apply for the medical insurance offered by the National Insurance Institute (INS). There is no discrimination in Costa Rica; everyone is eligible to apply. Logically elderly people do need to submit to a physical before they can get a health care insurance. The health care policy covers expenses due to accidents, illness, hospitalization, office visits, lab work, medicines etc as well as medical expenses in foreign countries. Note: if you do try to collect the medical expenses from abroad, the Insurance Company will pay only the amount of the same treatment in Costa Rica.
When you buy the health care insurance policy, the INS will supply you with an ID card and a leaflet that shows the affiliated hospitals, doctors and pharmacies. Almost all surgical treatments are covered 100%. You will only need to pay a small deductible. If you seek for medical services not affiliated with the INS, you will have to pay cash. After submitting a claim to insurance company the money will be reimbursed in a few weeks.
Medical expenses caused by an accident, sickness and maternity are covered up to $200,000 per year. For persons over 69 the coverage is reduced to $60,000. As the medical expenses are very low in Costa Rica, this policy is more than enough. It is clear that retirees and other residents do not need to worry about lacking medical coverage in Costa Rica. Coverage can be adjusted by the wishes of the client.
The INS and other Insurance Providers offer an international insurance policy that covers your needs in Costa Rica and the rest of the world. The rates are higher but the coverage is still very reasonable.
To compare the CCSS with the health care insurance of the INS
CCSS – National Social Security System
Coverage:
• Doctor’s visits, all medications, all examinations and hospitalization
• Medical doctors are assigned to the patient
• Full medications including dental and eyes.
Why can you consider this insurance plan? Your health condition does not qualify for INS insurance. You need to take medication on a regular basis. Very low premium!
INS – National Insurance Institute
Coverage:
• 80% of doctor’s visits, medications, examinations and hospitalization
• Patient can choose the specialist.
No Coverage:
• Any pre-existing medical condition
• Dental or eye exams, treatments or glasses, preventive medical check-up
• Illness or disorders related to female reproductive organs during the first 12 months of coverage
• Birth of a baby during the first 6 months of coverage.
International Health Insurance
For people that travel a lot the National Insurance Institute (INS) as well as other Insurance 
providers offer international insurance policies that cover your needs in Costa Rica but also in the rest of the world. These medical insurance policies cover the medical expenses due to an accident or sickness including for example: hospitalization, ambulatory, maternity, prosthesis, funeral costs and much more. The premium for this insurance is higher but still very reasonable. Premium depends on the coverage and can vary according to the carrier.
Costa Rica’s reputation is growing and growing for high quality, affordable and accessible medical services. According to the experts Costa Rica is a solution to the health care crisis in the USA. Costa Rica has many advantages being the closest foreign medical destination to the United States with cheap airfares. Many doctors are trained in the United States and therefore speak fluent English. So there is no big culture shock for American citizens to come to Costa Rica.