Over the last decade, Costa Rica has evolved from a mere eco-tourism destination to emerge as a country of choice for medical tourists, particularly from United States and Canada.
People from all over the world seek quality healthcare services and surgeries at a much lower price than their home countries. In a report from McKinsey & Company, it was highlighted that medical tourists from the United States and Canada prefer Latin American countries like Costa Rica due to the shorter travel time, affordable costs, and an opportunity for a memorable vacation.
The Healthcare System in Costa Rica
Aside from the traditional activities available to tourists in Costa Rica, the country is also credited for providing high quality public and private healthcare services in their prestigious and reputable hospitals and health facilities. It is home to various modern hospitals and state-of-the-art clinics which utilize the latest in medical technology. Additionally, you will be able to find a variety of board-certified surgeons who are trained and certified in North America or Europe.
Indeed, it is not a surprise that medical tourists flock to Costa Rica: their healthcare system was recently ranked higher than the American system.
Consider the following healthcare facts:
Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's top hospitals are accredited by the
Joint Commission International. Additionally, the Ministro de Salud de Costa Rica (The Costa Rica Health Ministry) offers a local license called the Habilitacien Hospitalaria, and local municipalities like the Municipio de Escazu in San Jose offers licenses such as the Funcionamento. Some hospitals, such as the CIMA Hospitals, are owned and managed by leading US hospital corporations.
There are currently
2 JCI-accredited hospitals in Costa Rica and all are located in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.
These hospitals include:
- Hospital CIMA - San Jose, Costa Rica
Accredited by the JCI on May 2008. CIMA is also certified by the ISO and was the first hospital to be certified for Quality Processes by the Ministry of Health in Costa Rica. Other CIMA hospitals can be found in other locations in Costa Rica, like the CIMA Hermosillo, CIMA Chihuahua and the CIMA Santa Engracia. However, the CIMA San Jose is the top destination for medical tourists. - Hospital Clinica Biblica - San Jose, Costa Rica
Accredited by the JCI on October 2007. The largest private hospital in Costa Rica, it was founded in 1929 by evangelical missionaries and has grown into a high-quality medical facility with a capacity for 120 in-patients and 5000 out-patients per day. They have a dedicated Medical Tourism department, with fluent English and Spanish speaking staff and employees.
Common Treatments done by Medical Tourists in Costa Rica
Known initially for its excellent dental surgery services, medical tourism in Costa Rica has spread to a variety of other medical procedures, including:
Cost of Medical Treatment in Costa Rica
The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Costa Rica and equivalent procedures in the United States: [sources:
1,
2]
| Procedure | USA | Costa Rica | Average Savings |
| Heart Bypass | Up to $130,000 | $24,000 | 70-80% |
| Heart Valve Replacement | Up to $160,000 | $15,000 | 80-90% |
| Angioplasty | Up to $57,000 | $9,000 | 70-80% |
| Hip Replacement | Up to $43,000 | $12,000 | 60-70% |
| Hysterectomy | Up to $20,000 | $4,000 | 70-80% |
| Knee Replacement | Up to $40,000 | $11,000 | 60-70% |
| Spinal Fusion | Up to $62,000 | $25,000 | 50-60% |
| Procedure | USA | Costa Rica | Average Savings |
| Facelift | $7,000-$9,000 | $4,600 $5,000 | 30-40% |
| Rhinoplasty | $8,000-$12,000 | $3,500 $3,900 | 50-65% |
| Breast Lift | $5,000-$8,000 | $3,000 $3,400 | 40-55% |
| Breast Augmentation | $5,000-$8,000 | $2,700 $2,900 | 50-65% |
| Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) | $4,000-$5,500 | $2,000 - $2,200 | 50-60% |
| Brazilian Butt Surgery | Up to $10,000 | $3,000 - $3,300 | 55-65% |
| Tummy Tuck | $6,000-$8,500 | $3,900 $4,200 | 45-50% |
| Facelift | $7,000-$9,000 | $4,600 $5,000 | 35-45% |
| Male Breast Reduction | Up to $6,000 | $2000 - $2600 | 50-60% |
| Procedure | USA | Costa Rica | Average Savings |
| Laparoscopic Gastroplasty | Up to $30,000 | $10,500 | 55-65% |
| Laparoscopic Gastroplasty | Up to $30,000 | $10,500 | 55-65% |
| Procedure | USA | Costa Rica | Average Savings |
| Bridges | $1,000+ per tooth | $250 $400 per tooth | 60-70% |
| Crowns | $1,000+ per tooth | $250 - $400 per tooth | 60-70% |
| Implants | $3,500+ per tooth | $700 $900 per tooth | 70-80% |
| Porcelain Veneers | $1,500+ per tooth | $300 $500 per tooth | 65-80% |
| Root canal | Up to $800 | $315 | 55-60% |
| Teeth whitening | Up to $700 | $250 | 55-65% |
Malpractice and Liability Laws in Costa Rica
Medical Tourists can receive better reassurance against malpractice in Costa Rica as compared to most medical travel destinations. This is because most dentists, physicians and clinics are required to have and maintain professional liability insurance during the course of their practice. Any malpractice claims can be initiated through the court system as required under the laws of Costa Rica. Additionally, medical travelers are encouraged to purchase comprehensive medical coverage options offered by certified international insurance companies to medical tourists and their travel companions.
Pros
-
Quality healthcare system
The WHO ranked the quality of healthcare in Costa Rica as among the top nations in Latin America, a rank that is even better than that of the United States -
Close to North America
The close proximity of Costa Rica to the United States and Canada makes it an ideal destination for North American medical tourists. -
English is spoken among doctors
Language is no barrier as hospital staff can usually speak English. -
Culture
The culture in Costa Rica is family-oriented, friendly and visitors are assured that they will receive a warm and hospitable welcome not only by the hospital staff and crew but also from all other locals. -
Prices
The cost of medical treatments in Costa Rica varies from a third to even a fourth of what it can cost in the United States or Canada. -
Liability
As required by law, medical practitioners carry liability insurance at all times, giving patients protection and coverage from malpractice. -
Tourism opportunities
Costa Rica is known as a prime Eco-tourism destination so visitors are assured of majestic views, amazing destination spots and a temperate climate. These factors assure medical tourists of an excellent vacation experience that is conducive for recovery and relaxation.
Cons
-
Strict visa policies
Costa Rica is strict with regards to overstaying visitors and may be stringent in providing visas for anyone with previous overstaying records. They are also meticulous with regards to documentation requirements if visitors are accompanied by children.
Traveling to Costa Rica
Due to the close proximity of Costa Rica to the United States and Canada, medical travelers do not need to spend long hours on the plane.
Average estimated travel time in hours | From/To | San Jose, Costa Rica |
| New York City | 4.5 |
| Mexico City | 11 |
| Washington, DC | 4 |
| San Francisco | 6 |
| Buenos Aires | 3 |
| Toronto | 5 |
| Montreal | 5 |
| Vancouver | 7 |
| London | 7 |
| Rio de Janeiro | 9.5 |
Entry and Exit Requirements to Costa Rica
Citizens of most South American countries do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica.
USA and Canadian medical travellers with a valid passport and a prepaid airline ticket do not need to obtain a visa, and can stay up to 90-days in Costa Rica.
Should there be a need for an extension to the 90-day allotted period, (particularly if required by medical procedures and recovery needs), a request for an extension can be submitted to the Office of Temporary Permits of the Department of Immigration in Costa Rica.
It is strongly advisable that medical travellers adhere to this allotted period, as Costa Rica may deny entry for people who have a record of previously overstaying in the country.
Statistics of Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
According to the
Costa Rican Tourism Institute, approximately 48,000 medical tourists visited Costa Rica in 2011 for medical procedures.
Over 80% of the tourists come from the U.S., seeking affordable medical services including dental, orthopedic, cosmetic, infertility treatments and more.