Health Tips

Costa Rica provides one of the best healthcare systems in Central America, both in the private and public sectors, and both constantly strive to be up-to-date. Over the last 60 years, its social security system–CCSS, also known as “la CAJA”–has established more than 250 clinics and 29 public hospitals in Costa Rica that cover all major populated areas throughout the country.

The hospital services are available at a low costs to residents and tourists alike, 365 day a year on a 24 hour basis. That said, few CAJA hospitals will live up to expectations of US and Canadian expats/tourists, as the public emergency rooms are usually crowded and noisy and it’s very likely that the available doctors or nurses won’t speak any English. The CAJA system does function if you have plenty of time at your disposal, just arm yourself with a lot of patience.

On the other hand, private clinics and hospitals provide top-class services and are frequented as main hubs of the medical tourism in the country. Private clinics are often recognized for their excellent services and have positive testimonials. Currently new developers are fostering investments of private clinics and hospitals in the Central Valley peripheries and coastal areas.

Some of the most frequented private hospitals in Costa Rica are:

Hospital CIMA: This hospital is controlled by the International Hospital Corporation of Dallas, Texas. CIMA is notably the best equipped, full service hospital that features the most modern health care technology. The second establishment opened recently in Liberia, Guanacaste.

Hospital Clinica Biblica: Located in the heart of San Jose, and recently opened new clinic in Liberia, Guanacaste. The hospital in San Jose has a 24 hour rooftop heliport for emergencies.

Clinica La Catolica: This hospital is known for its amenities for travelers that include a lodge for companion persons just a few steps from the hospital. Clinica Catolica is also located in San Jose downtown, in the east area.

Hospital Metropolitano: This hospital is the most recent  privately operated hospital in San Jose, but so far have spread in the metropolitan area with three different locations in San Jose Downtown, Heredia and Tibas.

In case you need to buy medicines and vaccinations in Costa Rica, pharmacies are always available. Even remote towns will have an open pharmacy during work hours, but national parks and refuges will not. In San Jose and the Central Valley, 24 hours pharmacies are also an option.

Keep in mind that it is mandatory to have a prescription for some drugs. Prescriptions from doctors in the US and other countries might be well received. Nevertheless, people with special medical conditions should be prepared to purchase their specific medicines, and probably will find it useful to have appropriate translations.

In case of emergencies, pharmacists are capable of administrating injections and vaccines. They can also provide recommendations for specific medical conditions and check the blood pressure.

Other products like sunblock, tanning lotion, diapers, and some personal care objects can also be purchased in pharmacies.

Even if you have comprehensive medical insurance back home, it may not cover you in Costa Rica. Most healthcare providers won’t insure you for injuries sustained while overseas, especially in exotic destinations like Costa Rica. However, it’s worth checking that this is the case before embarking on your vacation to Costa Rica.

Fortunately, investing in travel insurance for your trip doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. A variety of insurance providers have specialized packages that are ideal for short breaks, but the terms and conditions of these plans will vary, depending on your needs and what you intend to do while you’re here. For example, if you’re planning to spend most of your trip lounging on the beach, chances are you won’t need the kind of specific coverage you would if you want to experience more adventurous pastimes, like canopy tours of the jungle in Costa Rica’s national parks.