Healthcare in Costa Rica Isn't Free, But Still a Great Value

Costa Rica is known for great medical care, ranked among the top 20 healthcare systems globally (the best in Latin America). This reputation makes it a hotspot for expats and medical tourists seeking quality care at a good price. But what does this mean in practice? Is healthcare free in Costa Rica?

The short answer: healthcare in Costa Rica isn’t free for everyone — the poorest residents receive it free, but others contribute based on income. Expats typically must pay into the public system.

Key Takeaways

• Costa Rica’s healthcare system is highly ranked globally and considered the best in Latin America.
• Life expectancy in Costa Rica is nearly 80 years, reflecting high-quality medical care.
• Expats in Costa Rica must pay 7–11% of their income into the public healthcare system (the CCSS or “Caja”).
• Private healthcare options exist and are significantly cheaper than in the U.S.
• Costa Rica is a popular medical tourism destination, especially for dental and optical procedures.

Overview of the Healthcare System

Costa Rica provides universal healthcare through both public and private options. The public system is run by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), operating hospitals and clinics nationwide. The private system includes top facilities like CIMA Hospital, Clínica Bíblica, and Hospital La Católica, offering modern, high-quality care.

Quality of Care

Healthcare quality in Costa Rica is on par with many developed countries. The World Health Organization ranked it 36th globally (ahead of the U.S. and New Zealand). Costa Rica’s emphasis on preventive care and public health contributes to its success.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Costa Rica are much lower than in the U.S. For example, a doctor’s visit costs $65–$85 (versus $150–$300 in the U.S.), and a specialist might charge $90–$110 (vs. $250–$500 in the U.S.). Private insurance plans (like Cigna Global or GeoBlue) are available to cover care in Costa Rica and abroad.

Costa Rica’s Public Healthcare System

The CCSS (Caja) public system includes around 30 public hospitals and 250+ clinics. It’s funded by payroll contributions so that everyone can have access. Lower-income people pay little to nothing. All legal residents must enroll in the CCSS, paying the monthly fee (7–11% of income) which covers the member and dependents. This grants access to a wide range of medical services with minimal additional cost.

What’s Covered Publicly?

The Caja covers routine check-ups, prescriptions, lab tests, specialist visits, major surgeries, maternity care, and emergencies — essentially comprehensive care. Costa Rica’s focus on healthcare has led to improvements; life expectancy reached 79.4 years in 2014.

Private Healthcare and Insurance

Private hospitals and clinics provide quicker access and more comfort, but at higher cost (though still a fraction of U.S. prices). Many doctors in private facilities are trained internationally and speak English. Expats often carry private health insurance for flexibility. Popular expat insurance plans include international providers that allow treatment both in Costa Rica and home countries. These plans supplement the public system, ensuring immediate access to specialists or elective procedures without wait.

Overall, while healthcare in Costa Rica isn’t free except for the truly needy, it offers excellent value. By contributing to the system or obtaining insurance, residents and expats receive high-quality care at a cost far below that in many other countries.