Costa Rica Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Costa Rica — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Costa Rica has excellent healthcare for a Central American country. CCSS (Caja) provides universal public coverage. Private hospitals (CIMA, Clínica Bíblica) offer high-quality, affordable care popular with medical tourists.
System type: Universal public (CCSS/Caja) with private sector
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 911
Typical response time: 10-20 minutes urban
Costs: Public ER: minimal charge. Private: $100-500.
Call 911. Public hospitals will treat emergencies. Private hospitals offer faster, English-speaking care.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Private clinics widely available. Walk-in accepted at many. EBAIS (public health centres) for residents.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: days to weeks.
Typical cost: Private GP: $50-100.
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio, Flu), COVID-19, Hepatitis A (strongly recommended), Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (pre-exposure for outdoor activities), Malaria prophylaxis (Limón province)
Yellow fever certificate required from endemic countries. Dengue and Zika present — use insect repellent. Malaria risk in Limón province (Caribbean coast). Chagas disease in rural areas.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: yes
Public coverage for visitors: no
Travel insurance mandatory for entry since 2021. Many nationalities get 90 days visa-free. Digital nomad visa and rentista visa popular with expats. INS tourist insurance available at airport.
Documents to prepare:
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $50-100
Emergency care without insurance: $100-500 at private hospitals.
Medication: Affordable. Farmacias widely available. Some medications available without prescription.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Daily 8am-8pm commonly. Fischel and Sucre chains widespread. Some 24-hour pharmacies.
Over the counter: Some medications available without prescription. Pharmacists can advise on treatments.
Controlled substances: Carry doctor's letter for controlled medications. Costa Rica has moderate drug regulations.
Things that catch visitors out in Costa Rica
- Healthcare quality is among the best in Central America
- Private hospitals popular for medical tourism — dental and cosmetic especially
- Travel insurance is mandatory for entry since 2021
- English spoken at major private hospitals but limited elsewhere
- Rural areas have limited healthcare facilities
Practical tips for travellers
- Hospital CIMA and Clínica Bíblica offer excellent English-speaking care
- Travel insurance is mandatory for entry — ensure you have it before departure
- Medical tourism packages available for dental, cosmetic, and wellness
- INS (national insurance) offers tourist insurance at the airport
- Learn basic Spanish medical terms for smaller clinics
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