Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

Living in Costa Rica can be a healthy experience! According to the United Nations, Costa Rica is in first place in Latin America for the development of curative and preventative diseases, a ranking that places it with Canada and the United States in the top 20 in the world. In fact, this small topical paradise surpasses the United States in both infant mortality and life expectancy.

So what sets Costa Rica apart form Mexico and other Central American countries? There are many factors, but probably the most fundamental is Costa Rica's strong and undying commitment to maintaining a high level of water quality. Unlike most of Latin America, you can drink the water! This applies to San Jose and the larger cities as well as small rural villages. All over the country, water quality and sewage treatment facilities are stringently monitored, and those few sources that are deemed unsafe to visitors are exposed. As a result, water quality standards have greatly benefited the restaurant industry. This coupled with their natural tendency for cleanliness and sanitation, Costa Ricans maintain extraordinarily high standards for their restaurants.

Like the water, Costa Rica's health care system is well above par. Subsidized through the social security system (Caja Costarricense de Sergo Social, or CCSSS), low-cost, high-quality medical care is readily available to those who need it. CCSSS hospitals treat all Costa Ricans for free. In addition, foreign residents who pay a small, monthly income-based fee (between US$40-50) can be covered under the government plan. While the medical care is of high quality, patients can expect to encounter long lines and shorter appointments. Generally, the CCSSS hospitals can be crowded and well-used.

Patients that want a higher level of care and more attention can opt to see a private doctor. Prices can vary considerably, but generally they are remarkably lower than in the United States. On average, a routine visit to a private doctor can cost between US$20 and US$40 in San Jose. A night in a first rate private hospital might cost US$95. That rate is for a private room with private bath, color television and what many consider as "excellent" hospital food.

Foreign residents have a lot of choices when it comes to how they want to handle their health care needs. Choosing clinics, doctors, and the mode of payment all take careful consideration. As a foreign resident, one must ask the question, "What kind of health care experience do I want?" As a general rule, the more one pays for their medical treatment, the more choice that person will have in which doctor they will go to, how quickly they will be seen by a physician, and how comfortable their accommodations will be. To answer this question, many residents have combined the best of both the public and private medical systems to create a hybrid health care plan for them and their families. Here's how it works: Many doctors in Costa Rica that work in the public CCSSS hospitals also conduct their own private office hours during the afternoons. Foreign residents can pay the CCSSS membership fee (US$40-50) and visit the free clinics and hospitals in search of a doctor that they like. If this doctor provides a private service in addition to his public practice, the resident can take advantage of both worlds. They can make routine appointments with ease and little delay; however, should they need a complicated and expensive procedure, the CCSSS will cover the expenses.

The above text was borrowed from VivaCostaRica.com.

Commentaries below are from the excellent blog....The Real Costa Rica.com....

Hospital Cima



Cima Hospital located about 15 minutes west of San José. CIMA is actually part of a group of hospitals, Consorcio Internacional Hospital , S.A, and affiliated with the International Hospital Corporation in Dallas, TX. CIMA hospitals were also affiliated with the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, but that agreement has expired and there is no longer any relationship.

This hospital is a favorite of a lot of North Americans living here. English is a bit more common here, and the hospital itself looks, smells and feels like a US hospital. Funny how someone can hate hospitals but want that same smell, look, and feel when they feel crummy!

I have had work done there, and was happy with the service. Also, some months ago, I had a client in one of my companies who was badly bitten by a dog. He was in Cartago at the time and like so many North Americans, he did not feel comfortable going to the fine CAJA hospital nearby even though I assured him it was an excellent facility. In any case, my wife and I met him and his wife and took them to CIMA emergency where the process went smoothly and efficiently. He did almost have a coronary, though, when his total bill came to only about $70.00. One of the pleasant culture shocks I guess!

There are also doctors offices located on the premises.

Clinica Bliblica



Clínica Bíblica is located just off downtown San José and can be a bit daunting to reach if driving. Of the two times I have been there, I drove once and once took a cab.

I had mixed experiences with Clínica Bíblica. I went to the emergency room in great pain, and was immediately taken into the treatment area. Although Clínica Bíblica touts the fact that they have a large English speaking staff of doctors, nurses and administration people, I found that not to be the case. Fortunately, my Spanish (plus some pointing!) was at least adequate to explain my medical situation, and I was given first rate care which I guess is the most important thing.

Clinica Católica



Clinica Católica is located in Guadalupe, San José, Costa Rica. I had one personal experiences with this hospital and found it to be excellent. The general impression I get is that others find it to be the same. Most provide the feedback that while CIMA is newer and may have equipment a bit more modern, they severely lack in friendliness with several folks saying the doctors and nurses were cold (poor bedside manner) at CIMA. However, I did not experince this when I went to CIMA for the one outpatient treatment I had. Anyone wanna anna see my colon... from inside???

All described Clínica Católica as a much warmer hospital with noticeably better attention from the staff. Also, the prices far less than CIMA.

My own personal experiences have been limited to Clinica Biblica and only for routine visits and very minor problems. I have found the service to be excellent and the hospital to be spot clean. I have always felt as if I were receiving the best of care there, certainly on par with anything I have experienced in the U.S.

People are fast discovering that Costa Rica is the place to go for cosmetic surgery. Why? Three reasons....

(1) The quality of its medical professionals and hospitals, which rival even the U.S. in many respects.

(2) The price. For most procedures you will pay only a third of the cost of the same procedure in the U.S. See Arriva Costa Rica for a comprehensive comparison of prices in Costa Rica versus the U.S.

(3) Costa Rica boasts many great after-surgery retreats where you can relax in luxurious surroundings and have your needs taken care of by a quality nursing staff while you recover in paradise. See section below for a list of the best choices for after-surgery retreats.



At Package Costa Rica we make referrals of all cosmetic surgery inquiries to Dr. Alberto Arguello. Dr. Arguello is a Costa Rican citizen who speaks perfect English, Spanish and French. He went to Medical School at the Universidad de Costa Rica, where he graduated with honors. He obtained his specialty in General Surgery from the same university after four years of intense training. For further training and education he chose Mexico, where many artists and famous people go for plastic surgery. There he also graduated with honors, obtaining a 99.5 average throughout the three years in training at the Jalisco Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Institute, part of the Universidad de Guadalajara, under the direction of worldwide famous surgeon Jose Guerrerosantos, MD.

You can view more info about the services of Dr. Arguello at his web site plasticacostarica.com. For a comprehensive list of all cosmetic surgeons in Costa go to Arriva Costa Rica.com.

Folks from the U.S. discovered the benefits of coming to Costa Rica for dental procedures long ago. The benefits are vastly cheaper costs and the added benefit of a mini-vacation in one of the most beautiful spots on earth while you receive that new hollywood smile. For a comparison of costs of most procedures in Costa Rica versus the U.S. go to Arriva Costa Rica.com.

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At Package Costa Rica we refer our dental inquiries to Dr. Mario Garita. A specialist in implant dentistry trained at University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is the Director of the Costa Rica Center for Dental Implants. Dr. Garita is also the President and Founder of the Congress of Implant Dentistry of Central America and Panama and a Member of the Costarrican Board of Periodontology; Oral and Maxillofacial surgery and Implant Dentistry. Dr. Garita was formerly an Assistant Professor, University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospitals Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and he is an author of several articles in Implant Dentistry.

You can view more info about the services of Dr. Garita at his web site at dentalimplantscr.com.

Costa Rica has some really excellent retreats where you can recover after surgery. Here are two to choose from...

Las Cumbres Inn



Las Cumbres Inn is the finest surgery recovery retreat in Costa Rica offering the perfect way to recover from plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and eye surgery. Located just 15 minutes from beautiful San José, Costa Rica, Las Cumbres Inn is a remarkable 14 room inn designed especially for post-operative care. With a breathtaking view, luxurious pool and gardens, Las Cumbres Inn is modern and spacious, yet just the right size to provide the personal care and comfort needed after surgery or dental procedures. Las Cumbres is the only surgery retreat in Costa Rica with a full staff of registered nurses, a complete support staff, 24 hour medical care and just minutes from all major hospitals, doctor and dentist offices and state-of-the-art medical facilities. The Inn offers first-class accommodations including Standard, Deluxe, Studio Deluxe, Mini-suite and Deluxe Suite rooms with everything inclusive in their rates.

Las Cumbres Inn Web Site

Villa Le Mas Aftercase Facility



Le Mas maintains it's high standards by accepting only a limited number of patients to avoid a commercial atmosphere. Wireless high speed Internet is available in your room. All suites include cable TV with DVD. Our suites include their own private entry, pool and gardens as well as a fully equipped bath to ensure your healing time to be the most comfortable and personalized. Hundreds of acres of protected rain forest grace the estate. The Mountain of Pico Blanco and the evenings dazzling showcase of city lights awaits your private peaceful viewing. Located in Costa Rica's best location, the multi-cultural city of Escazu.

Villa Le Mas Web Site