When considering a move to another country, healthcare is often one of the biggest concerns for expats.
Costa Rica, consistently ranked among the top countries in the world for healthcare quality, offers a range of options tailored to different budgets and needs.
For expats like “The Colonel” and Gay, who retired to Atenas over a decade ago, Costa Rica’s healthcare system has provided a combination of high-quality medical services and personalized care that exceeded their expectations.
Here’s their story, along with valuable insights into the healthcare options available for expats in Costa Rica.
Gay and her late husband, John, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, chose Costa Rica for its natural beauty, welcoming culture, and reputation for outstanding healthcare.
John’s time stationed in Panama during his military career gave him a deep appreciation for Central America, and he decided years ago that Costa Rica would be their retirement destination.
“Our decision was based on Costa Rica’s reputation for quality healthcare. For a country whose healthcare ranks in the top 20 worldwide, according to the WHO and the UN, outranking even the US, we have a number of great options” Gay recalls.
With their military insurance, TriCare, providing worldwide coverage, and the national healthcare system, CAJA, as a resident benefit, they knew they would have options to meet their medical needs.
Costa Rica offers a mix of public and private healthcare options, ensuring accessibility for all residents. Here’s an overview of the main systems available:
Gay’s experience with healthcare in Costa Rica highlights the exceptional level of personalized care available through private providers. Reflecting on her journey, she shares her admiration for Dra. Yamilah Bouzid at CIMA Hospital:
“From the word go, these doctors give you their personal cell numbers so that you can call them anytime, day or night. My first appointment with Dra. Bouzid lasted over an hour. She wanted to know about our family and family’s medical history. During the appointment, she dug deep to find out what stressors or habits might contribute to my condition. She’s so compassionate and loving, giving herself unconditionally in her care.”
Gay also recounts how Dra. Bouzid went above and beyond when she was hospitalized in the United States:
“When I was hospitalized last year in the USA with Covid, Dra. Bouzid was always available via WhatsApp for me and my doctors. This has been the case with all of our Costa Rican doctors.”
This attentive, patient-centered care is a hallmark of Costa Rica’s private healthcare system.
Doctors often take the time to build personal relationships with their patients, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
From making house calls to providing direct access for follow-ups, Costa Rican doctors strive to deliver peace of mind and genuine support to their patients.
Understanding healthcare payments and insurance options is essential for expats in Costa Rica. While the CAJA public system provides affordable healthcare, private services often offer faster access and more specialized care. Here’s how expats can navigate both systems effectively.
Private healthcare in Costa Rica is high-quality and reasonably priced compared to North America or Europe. Unless you have private or international insurance, most services will require out-of-pocket payments.
Doctor Visits. Private consultations typically cost between $50 and $150.
Specialized Care. Diagnostics, imaging, and other procedures are significantly more affordable than in the U.S.
Hospital Costs. Major procedures at facilities like CIMA often cost a fraction of what you’d pay in other countries.
Depending on your needs, there are several ways to cover healthcare costs:
INS and BUPA are popular providers for expats, offering a range of coverage levels for individuals and families.
Plans often include inpatient and outpatient care, dental, and vision benefits.
U.S. military retirees can use TriCare at private hospitals like CIMA.
Gay shares, “In the beginning, we had to pay for our medical treatment out of pocket. We would then personally submit our claims through TriCare for reimbursement. But now, the good news for veterans covered by TriCare is that last year CIMA brought on board a dedicated TriCare representative who handles submission and payment of hospitalization claims on site. It is so easy now, a one-stop shop!”
Gay believes Costa Rica offers one of the best healthcare systems for expats. “I love and have great confidence in our health care here. I brag about it every time I have a chance and to anyone who will listen. Pura Vida!”
If you’re considering healthcare in Costa Rica, these resources can help you get started:
CIMA Hospital: World-class private hospital in Escazú.
Línea Vital Atenas: Trusted private clinic for urgent and routine care.
Dra. Yamilah Bouzid, IM and Cardiology: Doctor Directory at CIMA.
TriCare Representative at CIMA: Contact Paula Zamora at pzamora@hospitalcima.com.
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