Costa Rica has a strong, universal health insurance system with excellent public and private hospitals. Costa Rica's healthcare system rates high on international levels and Costa Ricans enjoy not only good health care but also high life expectancy. National Geographic and other world groups are studying areas of Costa Rica that have exceptionally high life expectancy rates.
All citizens and legal residents of Costa Rica are eligible for Costa Rica's public health insurance, Caja Costarricense de Sejuro Social (CCSS). The cost to affiliate with CCSS is about 13 percent of a person's income. For those under the age of 55, this payment also includes a mandatory pension payment which is disbursed starting at age 65. The low cost combined with high quality care at its hospitals and clinics sometimes make for long waits at offices and hospitals.
There are ten major public hospitals (29 total) located throughout the country including four in San Jose. For regular medical care there are clinics (250 countrywide), known as EBAIS, in almost every community in Costa Rica. Many medicines that require a prescription in the United States do not require a prescription in Costa Rica. If a Costa Rican needs birth control pills, blood pressure medicine, etc., the medicine is available from the pharmacist without a prescription. A pharmacist is referred to as doctor or doctora and they can diagnose and treat many common illnesses or problems. So usually, the first stop for a person is the pharmacy. If the pharmacist feels the problem is serious, he or she will direct the person to the nearest hospital.
Beginning in 2009, international insurance providers offer health insurance in Costa Rica. Costa Rica also has private hospitals and clinics that offer high quality medical care at a fraction of the cost in the United States. This has made Costa Rica a very attractive alternative for people that need medical procedures, and has given birth to medical tourism. Many people are attracted to the idea of travelling to a beautiful tropical site, with a great medical reputation combined with low cost.
Private insurance is available through INS, the government owned insurance monopoly. Prescription drugs, most medical exams, medical visits, and hospitalization are covered at 70 percent, with surgical and aesthetician costs fully covered. Pre-existing conditions and annual check ups are not included; but most plans cover dental work, optometry, and cosmetic surgery needed as a result of an accident.
Costa Ricans can be very proud of their health care system, and the following facts are proof of the quality of their health care system:
- Life expectancy for men is 76 years, for women 79.8 years (both higher than in the U.S.)
- Infant mortality rates less than in the United States
United Nations ranks Costa Rica's public health system in the top 20 worldwide and the best in Latin America
Costa Rica Safe Travel: Safety and health go hand in hand. Therefore, we have compiled a list of tips and suggestions for your consideration. Click on the "Costa Rica Safe Travel" link to review our recommendations.
The following are important statistics and indicators of the Costa Rica health care system (statistics estimated 2008 unless indicated differently):
Population:
4,195,914
Age Statistics:
0-14: 27.2percent
15 - 64: 66.8percent
65+: 6percent
Growth rate of population:
1.388percent
Birth rate:
17.71 per 1,000 population
Death Rate:
4.31 per 1,000 population
Infant mortality rate:
9.01 deaths per 1,000 live births
Life expectancy:
77.4 years
HIV / AIDS rate:
0.6percent (est. 2003)
Major infectious diseases:
Intermediate risk
Waterborne or food diseases:
bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
Vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
Recommended vaccinations:
(Most recommended vaccinations are required in industrial countries.)
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