Costa Rica Health Insurance for Foreigners and Expatriates

November 9, 2022

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Health Insurance in Costa Rica: Exploring the Options

If you are a foreigner living in Costa Rica, it’s essential to have health insurance coverage. Fortunately, there are several plans available to cater to your needs. One popular option is a global medical plan, which offers numerous benefits. With this plan, you can receive medical care anywhere in the world, including your home country. Additionally, you’ll have access to a wider range of private health centers, ensuring shorter waiting periods and top-quality care.

Reading: How much does travel health insurance cost for costa rica

The Best Health Insurance for Expats in Costa Rica

For expats from any country, Cigna Global is the most popular health insurance plan. Cigna’s global health plan provides comprehensive coverage, including doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, maternity services, surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, lab work, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation. You can customize your coverage to include or exclude the United States, making it a versatile choice for expats.

The Ideal Health Insurance for US Citizens in Costa Rica

If you’re a US citizen living in Costa Rica, the GeoBlue Xplorer Global Plan is an excellent choice. This top-tier coverage offers comprehensive benefits and grants access to a network of esteemed doctors worldwide. Moreover, you’ll have the added advantage of connecting with America’s Blue Cross Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals.

Ensuring Coverage for Students in Costa Rica

International students studying in Costa Rica also have insurance options to consider. WorldTrips Secure Student Plan is highly recommended for most students studying abroad. To fulfill visa requirements and obtain international student insurance, it’s essential to review the specific coverage needed.

Costa Rica Health Insurance: An In-depth Overview

Costa Rica boasts an exceptional healthcare system, consistently ranking among the top 25% globally. With the best public health program in Latin America, it’s no surprise that foreigners residing in Costa Rica enjoy the country’s beautiful landscapes, pleasant weather, and convenient access to North and South America. To ensure peace of mind during your stay, obtaining Costa Rica health insurance is crucial.

Important Considerations When Choosing Insurance in Costa Rica

Many individuals wonder if it’s possible to obtain health insurance in Costa Rica. Private health insurance plays a pivotal role for all foreigners residing in the country, especially because the process of obtaining residency documents can take up to 18 months. Until you have these documents, you won’t be eligible for the Costa Rican health system. It’s therefore essential to have independent coverage during this waiting period.

While researching insurance plans, you may come across discussions about discount health plans. It’s important to note that health insurance plans and discount health plans are distinct entities. In Costa Rica, doctors working within the public health system may also have private practices. Since the public system does not cover these visits, patients incur additional costs. Discount plans provide an economical solution for patients without insurance or those with limited private insurance coverage, allowing them to plan for medical expenses.

The Cost of Health Insurance in Costa Rica

The price of international health insurance plans in Costa Rica varies based on several factors, including age, selected benefits, deductibles, and minor considerations. Costs can start as low as $100 per month and can reach up to $1,000 per month for the most comprehensive plans with no deductibles. On average, an international health insurance policy in Costa Rica costs between $200 and $500 per month or $3,000 to $6,000 per year.

Here are some examples of costs:

For a 30-year-old residing in Costa Rica, Cigna’s global plan ranges from $120 to $887 per month.
The IMG Global Health Insurance plan costs between $93 and $465 per month for global coverage, including the United States. Excluding coverage in the US can result in cost savings.
Local plans, although less expensive, offer limited options in terms of doctors and hospitals. They typically do not provide coverage outside of Costa Rica.

The National Health System in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has had a universal health insurance system since the 1940s, commonly referred to as “la caja.” This system, known as the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), is primarily funded through payroll taxes based on individual income. In addition to the CCSS, there is another public health plan administered by the Costa Rican government called “ins.” This plan covers dental work, optometry, annual checkups, and visits to hospitals and private clinics. The Costa Rican government continually invests in both systems, aiming to enhance healthcare services and infrastructure.

Pros and Cons of Utilizing the Local Health Insurance System

Costa Rica’s public medical program, “La Caja,” is highly regarded for its affordability and efficient management. The system places great emphasis on preventive care and community wellness. Expats and Costa Ricans alike often choose a combination of public and private insurance programs. While the public system may have longer waiting times for certain procedures, it works seamlessly with the private system. For instance, individuals can opt for imaging at private facilities to avoid delays. The results of these tests can then be forwarded to public doctors for follow-up. Additionally, utilizing the public pharmacy system for prescriptions helps save money.

Qualifying for Health Insurance as an Expat in Costa Rica

All legal citizens and individuals with residency papers are part of the Costa Rican public health insurance system. It’s important to note the distinction between residing in the country and having official residency documents. Legal residency, such as under a pensioner or annuitant program, is required to be considered part of the public health system. Tourists and visitors are only eligible for limited emergency care at public hospitals if they are unable to cover the costs.

Being part of the public system is mandatory for all residence applicants since 2010. This requirement is beneficial as it provides foreigners with flexibility and options. For example, emergency room visits at public hospitals do not incur fees. In contrast, some private hospitals in Costa Rica demand significant upfront payments for admission.

Understanding the Processes Involved

As with any international endeavor, paperwork is a crucial step in Costa Rica. Registering at the nearest regional government office is the primary requirement. Proof of residency status is necessary to complete this process. The regional office will then direct you to the local clinic (ebais) in your area, where you must also register. This registration allows you to obtain your “carnet,” a card that functions similarly to an insurance card.

Routine Medical Visits in Costa Rica

In non-emergency situations, routine medical visits for Costa Ricans and long-term residents may not involve seeing a doctor directly. Instead, they often visit their neighborhood pharmacy. Pharmacists, highly respected in Costa Rica, can consult with patients and make recommendations. If an underlying emergency is suspected or non-drug treatments are required, patients are directed to the appropriate medical facility.

For day-to-day medical care, small community clinics known as ebais handle most non-emergency cases. Many ebais clinics offer online appointment booking systems, while others require traditional in-person visits with early morning queueing. Another unique aspect of Costa Rica’s medical system is home visits. Medical teams from ebais regularly visit houses in the community to provide comprehensive care, including evaluating vaccination records and assessing the health status of residents and their pets. Preventive care plays a vital role in Costa Rican healthcare.

Finding a Family Doctor in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the process of finding a family doctor is different from traditional methods. Rather than seeking out a doctor, each individual is assigned to a local clinic based on geographic location. While you may see the same doctor for most visits, other doctors may fill in occasionally.

Hospitals Accepting Health Insurance in Costa Rica

While there are numerous hospitals in Costa Rica, here are some recommendations for those accepting health insurance:

Clinica San Miguel: Located 250 meters west of the Juan Santamaría Museum in Alajuela. Contact: +506 2442-5958
Santa Ritaav Clinic: Situated at Gonzalez Lahmann, near the Supreme Court in San Jose. Contact: +506 2221-6433 / 2255-1618
Clinica Unibe: Positioned 200 meters east of ICE in Tibás, San Jose. Contact: +506 2297-6300
CIMA Hospital: Found on Autopista Próspero Fernández in San Rafael, San José. Contact: +506 2208-1000
Hospital Clinica Biblica: Situated on Av. 14 in Labyrinth, San Jose. Contact: +506 2522 1000
Hospital Metropolitano: Located in Merced, San Jose. Contact: +506 2521 9595
Jerusalem Christian Hospital: On Jerusalem Hospital’s second floor, El Alto de Guadalupe. Contact: +506 2216 9191
Hospital Hotel La Catolica: Found in Pilar Jimenez, Guadalupe, San Jose. Contact: +506 2246 3000

Best Global Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners in Costa Rica

Here are three highly recommended international health insurance plans for foreigners, expats, and retirees residing in Costa Rica. Each plan offers different costs, benefits, and designs. By requesting a plan, we can provide you with a quote along with a comparison of other suitable plans that align with your specific needs, budget, and circumstances.

Travel Insurance for Costa Rica

If you are visiting Costa Rica, having travel medical insurance is essential. These plans provide coverage for basic emergencies, as well as medical evacuations, trip interruptions, and other unforeseen circumstances. Consider the following when selecting your Costa Rican travel insurance plan:

Does your plan meet Costa Rican requirements for travelers?
Will you be participating in adventure sports activities?
Are you visiting for a week or an extended period?

Coverage Required for US Citizens Traveling to Costa Rica

For US citizens visiting Costa Rica, the Safe Travels Voyager Plan is highly recommended.

Coverage for International Citizens Visiting Costa Rica

The Safe Travels Voyager International Plan is suitable for all other nationalities visiting Costa Rica. This plan covers COVID-19 and meets the requirements for entry into the country.