Costa Rica Retirement

If you are thinking of making a move to Costa Rica, to avoid the spiralling costs of healthcare in your home country, go ahead! You can get high-quality healthcare for less in Costa Rica, in fact, Costa Rica has just ranked #3 Best Healthcare in the World.

InternationalLiving.com has just released its Annual Global Retirement Index listing the best countries for affordable, high-quality healthcare for retirees.

Ranking criteria includes cost of procedures, availability of public and private healthcare and quality.

The top 4 countries in the Healthcare category are

1. Malaysia

2. Colombia

3. Costa Rica

4. Panama

And which of these countries is best located for US and Canadian retirees? COSTA RICA!

You can read the full report here 4 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World but here’s the Costa Rica part.

“The top notch but low-cost medical care available in Costa Rica is a huge draw for retired expats and also makes it one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism.

There are two healthcare systems operating in Costa Rica:

The public system, called ‘La Caja’ is available to Costa Rica citizens and legal residents, including expats. Once you have your residence you are required to join the Caja. The monthly fee (for the applicant and dependent spouse) is 7% to 11% of your reported monthly income. After that you get completely free care. Doctor’s visits, prescriptions, testing, therapies, surgeries, emergency care…its all covered. In general, expats report good results with the Caja system. But there are some issues, including wait times for non-emergency procedures.

The private system is fast and efficient…and cost effective. Prices are a fraction of the cost of the U.S., so even if you pay cash it’s affordable. A doctor’s visit is $50; $80 to $100 for a specialist. Ultrasounds will run $75. X-rays are less than that. Even surgeries are a half to a third of the cost in the U.S. But you don’t have to pay out of pocket. International insurance, Costa Rican insurance, and some U.S. policies are accepted at the major private hospitals. Patients can mix and match private care. For example, you can see a private specialist doctor but get your prescription filled for free at a Caja pharmacy.

There are three large, private hospitals that most expatriates use: CIMA hospital in Escazú, Clínica Bíblica in San José, and Hospital La Católica in San José-Guadalupe. All these facilities are in and around the capital of the country, San José.

In both systems, doctors often speak English (although nurses and administrators probably won’t), physicians are trained in all the latest techniques, the facilities have modern technology, and the bedside manner is outstanding. Doctors in Costa Rica are kind and willing to spend time with you to make sure you understand your treatment plan and that all your questions are answered.—Jason Holland”

So what are you waiting for? Whether its just a health vacation or a retirement location – Come to Costa Rica!

Contact us for help with any questions you have about healthcare in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Retirement – Verdeza – the first assisted living center of its kind in Central America – read more here.