Health Tourism in Costa Rica

a vibrant image of tropical birds soaring through the Costa Rican sky

In this article, you will find the answer for:

  • Medical tourism in Costa Rica.

  • Hospital accreditation in Costa Rica.

  • Healthcare progress in Costa Rica.

  • Top medical treatments in Costa Rica.

  • Dentistry prices in Costa Rica.

  • Safety in Costa Rica.

Why Costa Rica for Medical Tourism?

Costa Rica has been among the countries which have been receiving tourists mostly from the US and Canada seeking medical care in one way or the other.  World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Costa Rica among the top three healthcare systems in Latin America. Myths such as questionable healthcare standards and doctors’ qualifications have held back most people from reaping the benefits of medical tourism. Most hospitals in Costa Rica that offer health services for tourists have their doctors trained in U.S. and Europe, so they are as qualified as any other doctor in a tourist’s home country.

The dental medical industry in Costa Rica receives the largest number of foreign patients. This is owed to excellent and affordable services. There are several online sites to hire and book Costa Rican doctors. Last year's reports indicate that San Jose received over 50,000 foreign patients mostly seeking dental and other specialist medical services. Each and every year, the country continues to receive an increasing number of medical tourists because of the world-class medical facilities run by professionally qualified medical personnel. There is absolutely no reason to doubt that the country is becoming an attractive medical tourism destination just like Thailand.

Top Medical Treatments in Costa Rica

In 2015, 42% of medical tourists sought dentistry services, while 22% sought gynecological services, 16% sought cosmetic surgery services while 10% sought other specialty services like bariatric, dermatology, and orthopedics.

See Top Dental Clinics in Costa Rica

Also, Top Clinics Providing Cosmetic Surgery in Costa Rica

Healthcare Progress in Costa Rica

The life expectancy in Costa Rica is 78.5%, and this is widely attributed to the improvements in the health sector. All types of surgery are considered the most advanced medical care offered in Costa Rica. They have skilled doctors who can comfortably handle gastric surgery, tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts, dental implants, hip/knee replacements, and hysterectomies among other forms of surgeries.

Hospital Accreditation System in Costa Rica 

Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global certification that's considered a gold standard in the world medical industry. It accredits hospitals and medical schools in Costa Rica. JCI has programs that help improve hospitals that meet their standards.

Available Medical Services

Dentistry Prices in Costa Rica

  • All on 4- $ 8,000 - $12,000
  • All on 6 - $12,000 - $23,000
  • Single implant with crown - $1,400
  • Bone Graft - $350 - $1,500
  • Sinus lift - $1,500
  • Porcelain veneers - $350 - $450
  • Laser whitening - $250 - $450

Explore more prices with Dental Packages offered by various clinics listed on our platform.

How to Stay Safe in Costa Rica

The three top security concerns are:

  • Theft – robbers target your passports and other personal items. When you don't need these documents, then don't carry them with you. Don't stray away from your group especially when in a nightclub.  
  • Money Laundry – Don’t exchange money in any other place other than banks and other certified financial institutions and avoid using your debit card for point-of-sale purchases. 
  • Environmental Hazards - Earthquakes and floods are common environmental hazards. They mostly occur during the rainy season 

The police hotline toll-free number is 911, but the response is sometimes delayed due to poor infrastructural systems, lack of workforce, and lack of emergency police cars. When detained by police, you should contact your respective Embassy for support and advice.

Costa Rica Quick Facts 

Population: 4,814,144 (July 2015 est.)
Capital: San Jose with over 1.6 million people
Administrative divisions: Traveler’s Diarrhea, Common Cold, Flu, Dengue Fever
Mandatory Vaccinations: Yellow fever, if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa

Recommended Immunizations: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid booster; Yellow fever, if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa

Degree of risk: Low
Passport validity: Length of stay
Currency restrictions for entry: 10,000 USD

Emergency Telephone Numbers:

Ambulance  - 128

Police - 1117

Fire Fighters - 1118

Cities

San Jose

Weather Description

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). During the dry season, it is hot and sunny, while the rainy season brings heavier precipitation, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Coastal areas are hotter and more humid, while mountainous regions are cooler due to higher elevations. The country is outside the main hurricane belt but can still be affected by tropical storms during the hurricane season (June to November).
January
17 °C - 26 °C
63 °F - 79 °F
February
18 °C - 29 °C
64 °F - 84 °F
March
18 °C - 30 °C
64 °F - 86 °F
April
19 °C - 30 °C
66 °F - 86 °F
May
18 °C - 29 °C
64 °F - 84 °F
June
18 °C - 28 °C
64 °F - 82 °F
July
18 °C - 28 °C
64 °F - 82 °F
August
18 °C - 28 °C
64 °F - 82 °F
September
18 °C - 28 °C
64 °F - 82 °F
October
18 °C - 25 °C
64 °F - 77 °F
November
18 °C - 26 °C
64 °F - 79 °F
December
18 °C - 26 °C
64 °F - 79 °F

Available Accreditations

Hospitals, Clinics and Medical Travel Agencies for Costa Rica

Top voted Providers are listed first. Feel free to post a review and vote for the provider you worked with. You can also submit a new provider, if you can't find one.
You can also check Recently Discussed Providers and place your questions to any Provider you want.
Provider Name Score Reviews City
Hospital La Catolica
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Hospital Metropolitano
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Instituto Flikier De Rehabilitacion Oral
Not Rated
0 San José
Kaver Dental Cosmetic
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Kaver Dental Cosmetics
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Kriebel Dental
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Las Cumbres Inn Surgical Retreat
Not Rated
0 San Jose
LS Dental Costa Rica
Not Rated
0 Coco Beach
Medical Tourism Directory
Not Rated
0 N/A
Medical Tourism Experts Guanacaste
Not Rated
0 Guanacaste
Medtravel Costa Rica
Not Rated
0 N/A
Meza Dental Care
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Morera Fujiwara
Not Rated
0 Alajuela
Natural Smile Costa Rica
Not Rated
0 San Jose
New Smile Dental Group
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Nova Dental Clinic
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Odontologia Empresarial Heredia
Not Rated
0 Heredia
Ortodoncia Para Todos
Not Rated
0 San Jose
Pacific Smile Dental Care
Not Rated
0 Tamarindo
Pino Plastic Surgery Clinic
Not Rated
0 San Jose

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