Costa Rica Healthcare: Tips for Tourists and Expats

In Costa Rica, expats have access to two healthcare systems: the government-run universal healthcare system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS or La Caja), and the private system. Both are constantly being upgraded with new hospitals, equipment, and improvements in staff training.

The cornerstone of healthcare in Costa Rica is its public system, the Caja Costarricense De Seguro Social. This organization oversees healthcare in the country, including disease prevention programs such as vaccinations and health education and treatments like surgeries and day-to-day medication. Since the 1990s, it has served a large number of Costa Ricans and immigrants. Currently, the CCSS operates around 29 hospitals categorized as National, Specialized, Regional, and Peripheral. The most renowned are the national hospitals in San José, known for their advanced facilities: