Healthcare System in Costa Rica: everything you need to know

How does the Costa Rican healthcare system work?

The health system in Costa Rica is divided into a public and a private sector. The governing body of the entire system is the Ministry of Health, which is in charge of overseeing health care, the epidemiological status, advances in technology, among others. The public sector is financed by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), which receives contributions from affiliates (about 9%) of their salary, employers and the State. This entity is responsible for longevity insurance, disability and death insurance, sickness and maternity insurance, and the system's non-contributory system. The services of this sector are provided both in CCSS facilities and in private sector facilities through a mutual agreement.

On the other hand, the private system is financed by direct payments from affiliates and private insurance premiums. It has private hospitals and clinics and there are five insurance companies.

The system in Costa Rica is recognized as the best in the region. They have been able to reduce the mortality rate of their population in recent years, and provide quality service to locals and foreigners. The government is committed to providing health services to people with and without the ability to pay, the uninsured and even undocumented immigrants. 

How does the system operate for foreigners?

Foreigners residing in Costa Rica have the option of joining both the public and private systems. If you are employed, about 9% of your income will go to health care. If you wish to purchase private health insurance, you will have to pay an additional fee to a private insurer.

Health costs are much cheaper than in other countries in the region, such as the United States. That is why medical tourism has increased and the government has tried to promote this type of tourism. According to a Summa Magazine, in 2019, Costa Rica ranked among the 6 countries in the world with the best health care. The system stands out for its modern facilities, technological advances and the great preparation of its doctors, many of whom study in the best universities of Europe and the USA.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica for tourism, hire a travel insurance plan so that you can be reimbursed for the health services you may require during your trip. If you have an emergency or need medical assistance, you can go to any hospital or clinic to be treated. Normally, private clinics have reduced waiting times and the attention is a little more rigorous, according to some patients' testimonies.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica and want to purchase travel insurance, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can see the entire insurance market with coverage in Costa Rica. Once you choose your insurance, you can purchase it at no additional cost and 100% online.

What do I do if I have an emergency in Costa Rica?

The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911  to request assistance from the fire department, police or an ambulance. Most likely an ambulance will transport you to a CCSS public hospital. If you are affiliated to the system, it will cover most of the costs.

However, if you are a tourist and do not have health insurance, you will have to pay for the entire service. That is why it is very important that you travel with health insurance that can reimburse you in case you need ambulance transportation or emergency services.

Because Costa Rica is very exposed to natural disasters such as hurricanes, volcanoes and earthquakes, it is important that you have emergency numbers in hand at all times. 

How do pharmacies operate in Costa Rica?

In recent times, the local pharmaceutical industry has been under scrutiny due to high drug prices. Costa Rica is the Central American country with the most expensive medicines.

If you want to enter Costa Rica with medicines, you must bring the prescription with the specifications of the medicine and the amount you need. It must come in its original packaging showing the label. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Costa Rica because of Covid-19. You must show that you have your exit ticket and at least USD $100 per month.