In a United Nations study conducted in the 1980s, Costa Rica's medical system was first in Latin America and ranked near the United States and Canada among the 20 best in the world.

The situation still remains the same at present time.

With a government - sponsored network, of 29 hospitals and more than 250 clinics, throughout the country, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) primary responsibility for providing low cost, health services, to the Costa Rican population.

Though presently somewhat overburdened, like most of the Costa Rican infrastructure, the Health system in Costa Rica has worked well for its people for the past 50 or so years. Open not just to Ticos, the CCSS provides affordable medical service to any foreign resident or visitor.

Foreigners living in Costa Rica, can join the CCSS by paying a small monthly fee based on their income or they can buy health insurance, from the State monopoly Instituto de Seguro Nacional (INS), valid with over 200 affiliated doctors, hospitals, labs and pharmacies in the private sector. However the health service in Costa Rica is free for Costarican citizens and visitors on vacation.

The nation's health system has a record of significant achievements:  Costa Ricans enjoy one of the best levels of health in the world.  The country has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world and lowest infant mortality rates in Latin America . However the service might not be up to American standards and we therefore suggest treatments at private facilities

Two well-known private hospitals, Clinica Biblica and Clinica Catolica, where many CCSS doctors practice in the afternoons and evenings, offer first-class, ultra-modern services.

Affiliated to some U.S. hospitals, these two private providers have costs somewhat higher than the public sector , but still way below anything found in the States and Europe.

Most Costa Rican doctors and dentists receive their basic medical training in Costa Rica. From here, they travel far and wide, seeking specialized training from the finest teaching hospitals in the world, often becoming certified in their specialties in the countries where they receive their advanced training.

It is not uncommon to find a Costa Rican doctor or dentist, speaking several languages, all learned, while pursuing advanced degrees in foreign countries. It might be the CCSS work or the experience gained by travelling and stuying abroad that does it, but the loving care expressed by doctors and dentists throughout the country is a remarkable gift indeed.

Over the years, Costa Rica has attracted those in search of uplifting cosmetic surgery.

People from around the world arrive daily to partake of the healing waters in over 100 thermal and mineral springs located here.

Dental work, from fillings to implants, is done routinely on people from every corner of the world. Many people from Latin America plan for their medical needs from hip replacement to heart valve replacement to be taken care of by the well-trained and skillful physicians, in Costa Rica, rather than in their native countries.

 You are unlikely to encounter any serious diseases in Costa Rica . Health care and sanitary standards are very good. The country presents a very low risk of malaria or any other type of disease. Hence, vaccination is unnecessary. 

Water is safe for drinking, however we recommend you to drink bottled water.

During the rainy season care should be taken to prevent “dengue”, an infection caused by the sting of the “aedes egypty” type of mosquito.

Wash well your vegetables or salads, avoid uncooked seafood if you do not know where (or when…) they come from, peel your fruits.

If you require medical attention consult your hotel, most keep a list of doctors, medical centres and practitioners. We suggest you keep any recepts or paperwork for insurance claims. Keep a record of the generic name of any drugs you take before you leave home, they might be sold under a different name.

Traveling from the U.S.

Information for travelers on health precautions, immunizations and areas with specific health issues can be obtained from local health departments, private doctors, travel clinics or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta , Georgia (CDC). The CDC can be reached by telephone at 404-332-4559, or, you can visit their home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. General guidance can be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $14.00 from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington , D.C. 20402 .

Any further information before you start your trip from the US can be obtained from:
Embassy of COSTA RICA in the U.S.
2112 S St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Phone (202) 328 6628
Fax (202) 234 6950
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

What to pack……. first aid kit and medications

- Personal prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you.
- Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes.
- Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide) and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to self-treat moderate to severe diarrhea. Butterfly closures (useful to close deep cuts)
- Neosporin or similar to prevent infection of insect bites, small cuts, etc….
- Sun screen (at least SPF 15, waterproof)
- Antibiotic for self-treatment of moderate to severe diarrhea
- Antihistamine
- Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine
- Antimotion sickness medication
- Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medication for pain or fever
- Mild laxative
- Cough suppressant/expectorant
- Throat lozenges
- Antacid
- Antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
- Epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen), especially if history of severe allergic reaction. Also available in smaller-dose package for children.
- Disinfecting agent
- Always carry medications in their original containers, in your carry-on luggage.

What to pack……. other important Items

- Sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater)
- Aloe gel for sunburns
- Digital thermometer
- Oral rehydration solution packets
- Basic first-aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, ace wrap, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators)
- Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Moleskin for blisters
- Lubricating eye drops (e.g., Natural Tears)
- First Aid Quick Reference card
- Insect repellent containing DEET (up to 50%)

Travelers should be advised that the possibility of adverse reactions to DEET will be minimized if they take the following precautions:

Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Do not apply repellent to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection. Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas; do not inhale the aerosol. Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to the face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth. When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on the child. Avoid the child's eyes and mouth and apply sparingly around the ears. Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children tend to put their hands in their mouths.) Do not allow children <10 years old to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. Keep repellents out of reach of children. Protect infants 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit. Bed nets, repellents containing DEET, and permethrin should be purchased before traveling and can be found in hardware, camping, sporting goods, and military surplus stores. Overseas, permethrin or a similar insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes.

HOSPITALS IN COSTA RICA
Hospitals of the CCSS: in San José

- Hospital Calderón Guardia / Phone 257-7922
- National Children hospital (Hospital de Niños) / Phone 222-0122
- Hospital San Juan de Dios / Phone 257-6282
- Hospital de la Mujer / Phone 257-9111
- Hospital México / Phone 232-6122
Private hospitals in S. José (24/7 chemist service)

- Hospital Cima / Phone 208 1000
- Clinica Biblica / Phone 257 5252
- Clinica Catolica / Phone 246 3000

Hospitals of the CCSS: elsewhere in the country

- Alajuela / Phone (506) 440-1333
- Cartago / Phone (506) 550-1999
- Heredia / Phone (506) 261-0091
- Puntarenas / Phone (506) 663-0033
- Limón / Phone (506) 758-2222
- Liberia / Phone (506) 666-0011
- Quepos / Phone (506) 777-0922
- San Carlos / Phone (506) 556-4343
- Turrialba / Phone (506) 556-4343
- Golfito / Phone (506) 775-1001
- Ciudad Neilly / Phone (506) 783-4111

Some useful contacts:

- COSTA RICA DOCTORS AND SURGEON ASSOCIATION: phone 232 3433
- COSTA RICA PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATION : phone 258 0396
- COSTA RICA SURGEONS AND DENTIST'S ASSOC. phones 221 6062 – 223 6383
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