Health insurance in Costa Rica
Have you decided to live in or visit Costa Rica?
Don’t overlook one of the most important things before you travel: getting health insurance. Whether you’re a retiree, digital nomad, student or tourist, Costa Rica travel insurance or Costa Rica expat insurance is essential to protect yourself and you family from unexpected medical, financial or legal risks. Good insurance coverage typically includes hospitalization, repatriation, civil liability, outpatient care, and prescription costs.
Student insurance Costa Rica
Insurance to cover your studies in Costa Rica.
From
27€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 35
- Covers emergencies and accidents
- Covers hospitalization and routine medical care
- Up to €250,000 per year
- Standard dental and optical expenses up to €550
- Contraception coverage + vaccines
- Maternity care
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Repatriation assistance
- Civil liability
- Individual protection
Expatriate insurance Costa Rica
Health insurance to cover your expatriation to Costa Rica.
From
93€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers hospitalization and routine medical care
- Up to €1,500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,000
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs up to €370
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Travel insurance Costa Rica
International health insurance to cover your trip to Costa Rica.
From
34€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 85
- Covers emergencies and accidents
- Up to €500,000 per trip
- Covers loss, theft or destruction of baggage
- Repatriation assistance
- Travel assistance
- Civil liability
Any questions? Need advice?
Costa Rica health insurance information
Political system: Democratic Republic
Capital: San José
Surface area: 51,100 km²
Population: 4.906 million
Languages spoken: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican Colon
How the Costa Rican healthcare system works
Costa Rica is recognized for having one of the most advanced healthcare systems in Latin America, reflected in its high life expectancy (around 78 years) and low mortality rate (approx. 9%). That said, it does not yet match the healthcare systems of countries such as Canada, Australia, or the UK.
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), commonly called “la Caja,” is the foundation of Costa Rica’s public healthcare system. It’s funded by contributions from the government, employers, and workers, and currently covers over 85% of the population.
There are two types of public insurance:
- General public insurance (for low-income individuals)
- Contributory insurance (for employed residents and expats)
Costa Rica’s healthcare system is quite good in comparison to other Latin American countries. It has the highest life expectancy on the continent, at 78 years of age. It also has one of the lowest mortality rates on the continent, at 9%.
However, if you’re planning to expatriate to Costa Rica or stay there for a while, this doesn’t mean that the system is similar to those in Europe. Notably, the medical infrastructure and equipment is less developed. Another major problem facing the Costa Rican healthcare system is the fact that the public health sector is increasingly unable to keep up with demand.
The Costa Rican healthcare system has a social security system, financed by contributions from the state, employers and workers, which ensures that the entire Costa Rican population receives health care. In fact, over 85% of the population is covered by this social insurance scheme. This social security fund provides comprehensive health coverage and services under two types of insurance:
- General public insurance
- Contributory public insurance
Healthcare contribution for expats
Costa Rica’s free healthcare system only applies to low-income Costa Rican citizens. As an expatriate or resident, you are required to contribute to la Caja, with monthly rates ranging from 7% to 11% of your income. Retirees are assessed based on the declared income in their residency application.
There are three types of healthcare facilities:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- EBAIS (Basic Integrated Health Care Teams): The first point of contact in the public healthcare system, staffed by a doctor, nurse, and medical records assistant.
How to see a doctor or specialist in Costa Rica
If you’re living in or visiting Costa Rica, getting access to medical care is relatively straightforward but knowing your options will help you avoid long waits and language barriers.
Public Sector: Visiting an EBAIS or clinic
You can consult a general practitioner (GP) at an EBAIS (Basic Health Care Team) or a public clinic. These facilities are widely available across major towns and cities and are typically open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, they can get crowded and waiting times are often long, especially at EBAIS centers.
- Cost: $40–$60 USD per GP consultation (usually includes medication)
- Tip: Arrive early, as these clinics serve the majority of Costa Rica’s population.
Private Consultations
For faster service and shorter wait times, many expats and travelers choose private healthcare providers. Private clinics and hospitals are available throughout the country, especially in cities like San José, Heredia and Escazú.
- Cost: Around $70 USD per consultation
- Advantage: Better facilities, more English-speaking doctors and generally higher service quality
Private health insurance is highly recommended if you plan to use private care regularly. Having reliable international health insurance is essential not just for convenience, but also to avoid unexpected medical costs. Think about it before doing business in Costa Rica.
Mondassur offers comprehensive international health insurance plans tailored for expats and long-term travelers in Costa Rica. With coverage for both general and specialist consultations, hospitalization, and even medical evacuation, Mondassur ensures you receive quality care without the stress of high out-of-pocket expenses.
Public Hospitals: What to Expect
If you visit a public hospital, be aware that English is not always spoken, particularly outside major urban centers. Bring a Spanish-speaking friend or translator if possible. Alternatively, ask in advance if any staff members can assist you in English.
- Important: Always carry your passport or official ID.
- Language tip: If you take regular medication, look up the Spanish name beforehand to ensure accurate prescriptions.
Specialists in Costa Rica :
The same process applies when seeing a specialist doctor. While referrals are often needed in the public system, you can book directly with a specialist in the private sector. Check your embassy’s website for a list of trusted English-speaking doctors and clinics.
Pharmacies in Costa Rica
If you need prescription-only medication, make sure to bring a may refuse to dispense certain drugs without it. That said, the cost of most medications in Costa Rica is generally lower than in Europe. However, not all international medicines are available. You may need to ask for local equivalents and, in some cases, certain medications may be completely unavailable.
Important note: Abortion is not permitted in Costa Rica and some reproductive health products, like emergency contraception, can be difficult to access. If you rely on specific medications, including contraceptives or morning-after pills, it’s best to bring them with you.
Never purchase medication from street vendors. Counterfeit drugs are a known issue and could pose serious health risks.
Dental care in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has earned a reputation as a top destination for medical tourism, especially for dental treatment. Many international visitors travel here to receive high-quality care at a fraction of the cost in North America or Europe.
- Dentists in Costa Rica are highly qualified, and clinics especially in private practices maintain international standards of hygiene and care.
- While public dental care is available, private clinics are recommended for faster service and more personalized treatment.
Average Fees in Private Dental Clinics:
- Oral exam / specialist assessment / CT scan: $200
- Deep cleaning with scaling (per quadrant): $140
- Tooth extraction (non-surgical): $90
If you plan to have dental care done in Costa Rica whether for routine checkups or advanced procedures, Mondassur’s international health insurance can help cover your expenses. Many of our plans include dental coverage, or can be customized to fit your needs.
Hospitals in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to some of the best hospitals in Latin America, offering quality care in both public and private sectors. However, the system still doesn’t match the level of healthcare found in many European countries or nations like Canada and Australia.
Public hospital often come with long waiting times and limited English-speaking staff. Accessing consultations or procedures through the public system can mean facing significant delays.
That’s why having private health insurance is not just recommended it’s essential.
With a private policy, you can access modern private hospitals and clinics with:
- Shorter wait times
- Better-equipped facilities
- English-speaking medical professionals
Mondassur offers tailored international health insurance plans that provide coverage for both public and private healthcare in Costa Rica. Whether you’re an expat, digital nomad, or long-term traveler, we help you access the care you need—when you need it.
Paramedical care in Costa Rica
You can consult an optician in Costa Rica at a significantly lower cost than in Europe or North America.
- Prescription glasses: $100 USD
- Sunglasses: $130 USD
Many opticians offer same-day service and carry international brands, making it a convenient and affordable option.
Physiotherapy services are widely available in specialized clinics and private practices.
- Standard consultation: $35 USD
- Neurology session: $40 USD
This makes Costa Rica a solid choice for those needing regular follow-up or rehabilitation therapy. With the right international insurance plan, many of these treatments can be partially or fully reimbursed.
All you need to know about pregnancy and maternity in Costa Rica
In both private and public hospitals, the cost of pregnancy and maternity is much lower than in Europe or North America.
If you are insured with AMO (Caja) or private health insurance, your childbirth and maternity costs will be covered. The difference between these two types of coverage is in the quality of care you will receive, depending on the coverage you choose.
Pregnancy in Costa Rica with public health insurance (Caja)
Expectant mothers enrolled in the public system are given ‘preferred patient’ status, which ensures quicker access to essential services. This means shorter waiting times and prioritized care throughout your pregnancy.
One of the biggest advantages is that your baby’s healthcare will be completely free until the age of one, covering medical checkups, lab tests and routine care. However, appointment scheduling tends to be quite difficult, most dates are assigned to you by the clinic and rescheduling is often not possible. In addition, it’s common for healthcare professionals in the public sector to only speak Spanish, which could be a challenge if you don’t speak the language fluently.
Pregnancy in Costa Rica with private health insurance
Choosing private health insurance offers more comfort and control during your pregnancy. You’ll be able to select your own doctor, more flexibility in scheduling appointments and benefits from shorter waiting times, even compared to ‘preferred patient’ status in the public system.
Private hospitals also tend to have more modern facilities and staff who speak English, making the process smoother for international patients. The three most reputable private hospitals in Costa Rica for maternity care are:
- Clinica Biblica
- CIMA
- Clinica La Catolica
Vaccines in Costa Rica
If you’re planning to move to Costa Rica or to stay for several months or even years, you’ll need to have your vaccination schedule up to date. The vaccines that must be kept up to date are those against:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Rabies
- Typhoid
There’s a low risk of contracting malaria, so when you’re in Costa Rica, we strongly recommend you wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, impregnated if possible, with insecticide, especially mosquito repellent. Use DEET-based repellents (30% to 50%), Icaridine (30%) or Citriodiol on all exposed parts of your body when you go out.
Is private health insurance necessary in Costa Rica? Yes, absolutely. Whether you’re moving permanently or visiting for a few months, private international health insurance is strongly recommended in Costa Rica.
While public healthcare (la Caja) is accessible to residents and expats, demand is very high. This leads to very long waiting times especially for specialist care or non-urgent treatments. In addition, English speaking medical staff are not guaranteed.
Public insurance does not cover repatriation under any circumstances. If you’re not privately insured, you’ll be responsible for all costs.
Which private international health insurance should I take out in Costa Rica, and for whom?
Mondassur offers tailored international health insurance plans to match your situation whether you’re an expat, traveler, student, or retiree.
For Expats, Digital Nomads, Entrepreneurs, and Retirees:
We recommend GoldExpat, a comprehensive plan that covers:
- Private healthcare costs in Costa Rica
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Continued care in your home country or other destinations
For Tourists:
Opt for travel insurance that protects you during your stay. You’ll avoid long wait times in the public sector and gain access to reliable private clinics.
For Students and Volunteers:
The GoldStudent plan is designed for young people studying, doing internships, or on humanitarian missions. It ensures you receive the care you need, wherever you are in the country.
Visas and diplomacy
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, you generally do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Costa Rica. You must have a valid passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date.
If you plan to stay longer, work, study or move to Costa Rica permanently, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residency permit. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, so it is highly recommended to check with the nearest Costa Rican embassy or consulate for the latest application procedures and documentation.
Is Costa Rica safe?
As in other countries, follow the basic safety rules (i.e., don’t show off your wealth, don’t leave your belongings unattended, and depending on the area, don’t risk going out alone too late at night). The crime rate is high, with a steady increase over the past few years in the homicide rate due to drug trafficking. As for crimes against foreigners, snatchings are not uncommon, and there are occasional cases of armed robbery with assault.
