Healthcare
Public & Private Healthcare Systems in Costa Rica
Public Healthcare (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social — “La Caja”)
- The public healthcare system in Costa Rica is built around the national social-security institution, Caja. Once you are enrolled (as a resident), basic medical care — doctor visits, hospital stays, lab work, surgeries, prenatal care and more — is covered under the plan.
- Funding is through monthly contributions based on your income.
- The main advantage: once enrolled, there are no or minimal out-of-pocket costs at the time of care.
- The trade-off: because of demand and limited resources, wait times for specialists, non-urgent procedures, or elective surgeries can be long.
- Public hospitals and clinics exist throughout the country — including rural and remote areas — offering reasonably good access even outside major cities.
- Costa Rica’s public healthcare offers broad coverage at a low monthly cost based on income.
This makes the public system ideal for routine care, chronic conditions, emergencies, prenatal care and long-term health maintenance — especially if you’re seeking affordability and universal coverage.
Private Healthcare: Comfort, Speed & Flexibility
- Private clinics and hospitals provide quicker service with more language options and shorter wait times. Often less costly than U.S. private plans.
- Costa Rica also has a well-developed private healthcare sector. Private hospitals and clinics (some internationally accredited) offer faster service, more comfort, and often allow you to choose your physician.
- Many doctors in private hospitals are internationally trained, and English-speaking staff is common — a plus for expats and foreign residents.
- Private care tends to be used for specialist visits, diagnostics (imaging, scans), elective procedures, and for those who prefer quick appointments rather than waiting in public-system queues.
Sample Costs (Approximate)
Public Healthcare – Sample Costs
Under Costa Rica’s public system (Caja / CCSS):
- Primary care visits: Included with monthly Caja contribution
- Specialist care: Included (but may involve wait times)
- Diagnostics (X-rays, labs): Included
- Emergency treatment & hospitalization: Included
- Medications: Included (availability can vary)
Out-of-pocket at time of service:
➡️ Usually $0, once enrolled and paying monthly contributions.
Private Healthcare – Sample Costs
| Service Type | Typical Price Range* |
|---|---|
| Specialist Consultation | $60 – $120 |
| MRI / Advanced Imaging | $300 – $450 (some facilities range $300–$700) |
| General Doctor Visit | $40 – $70 |
| CT Scan | $250 – $500 |
Public vs. Private — Which Makes Sense?
- If you want low cost, broad coverage, and don’t mind potential delays — the public system is an excellent foundation.
- If you prefer personalized care, short wait times, or quicker access to specialists and diagnostics, combining public coverage with private care (or private insurance) often offers the best of both worlds.
Healthcare FAQ
Must I use public healthcare?
No — private insurance is optional but popular for speed and comfort.
What’s the difference between public & private costs?
Public tends to be lower cost but slower; private care is more efficient.