Healthcare in Costa Rica for expats
How the healthcare system works for a foreign resident — whether you can use public care, how good it is, and what private cover actually costs. Information current as of 2026; verify current rules before relying on it.
System
Public + private mix
A public system alongside a large private sector — expats commonly choose private care for speed, English, and comfort.
Care quality
Private cover
$60–130/mo
Healthy adult, 30–45. Get a quote.
Public access for foreign residents
Enrollment in the public CCSS ('la Caja') is mandatory for all legal residents as a condition of residency; you contribute roughly 7–11% of declared monthly income and then get the same coverage as citizens, dependents included.
Official source →What works well
Universal CCSS coverage plus a respected private sector (strong medical-tourism reputation) give residents broad access with no pre-existing-condition or age exclusions once enrolled.
What to watch out for
Caja enrollment and its income-based fee are compulsory (not optional), and public wait times for non-urgent specialists and surgery can be long, so many expats buy private cover on top for speed.
Healthcare eligibility, costs, and system rules change and vary by residency status, nationality, region, and age. This is directional information current as of 2026 — not medical or insurance advice. Confirm your access eligibility with the official source and get a private quote for your own situation before relying on either.
Moving to Costa Rica?
Get the expat toolkit — visa routes, cost of living, arrival checklist, and healthcare guide for Costa Rica — plus a heads-up when the rules or figures change. One email, no spam.
Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.
Healthcare in Costa Rica: FAQ
Can I use public healthcare in Costa Rica as an expat?
Enrollment in the public CCSS ('la Caja') is mandatory for all legal residents as a condition of residency; you contribute roughly 7–11% of declared monthly income and then get the same coverage as citizens, dependents included.
How much does private health insurance cost in Costa Rica?
For a healthy adult aged 30–45, comprehensive local or international cover in Costa Rica typically runs about $60–130 per month. Premiums rise with age, pre-existing conditions, and plan breadth — treat this as a starting band and get a personalised quote for your situation.
What is the healthcare quality like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's healthcare rates as "Strong" by international measures. Universal CCSS coverage plus a respected private sector (strong medical-tourism reputation) give residents broad access with no pre-existing-condition or age exclusions once enrolled.
What should expats watch out for with healthcare in Costa Rica?
Caja enrollment and its income-based fee are compulsory (not optional), and public wait times for non-urgent specialists and surgery can be long, so many expats buy private cover on top for speed.
What type of healthcare system does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica runs a "Public + private mix" healthcare model. A public system alongside a large private sector — expats commonly choose private care for speed, English, and comfort.