🇨🇷 Costa Rica Healthcare Guide
Costa Rica's public CAJA system covers residents and is well-regarded, but visitors typically use the private sector — Hospital CIMA and Clinica Biblica in San Jose are the most established — where care is good and costs are moderate by North American standards. Outside the Central Valley, particularly on the Nicoya Peninsula and the Caribbean coast, facilities are more basic and further apart, so knowing the nearest private clinic to your accommodation is worth looking up before you arrive.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 911
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $30 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: medium
Healthcare overview
San José has strong private hospitals (CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clínica Bíblica) that serve both local patients and medical tourists. The public CCSS system (Caja) is well-regarded but has long wait times. Tourist areas like Guanacaste and the Caribbean coast have basic clinics; serious cases require transfer to San José. Private GP visits cost $50–100 USD.
Medical tourism hub
Costa Rica is a popular medical tourism destination. CIMA Hospital and Clínica Bíblica have international patient departments with English-speaking coordinators.
Remote area transfers
The Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, and parts of Guanacaste have clinics for basic care only. Hospitalisation requires air or road transfer to San José.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacia) are common in San José and tourist towns, with many medications available over the counter at reasonable prices. Rural and coastal areas have fewer options. Carry your full supply for travel to the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, or remote mountain areas.
Relaxed OTC rules
Many medications requiring a prescription in North America or Europe are available over the counter in Costa Rica. Ask at the pharmacy counter.
Tips for travellers
CIMA Hospital and Hospital Clínica Bíblica in San José provide comprehensive specialist care, with Clínica Bíblica’s cardiology and oncology departments particularly strong. Having your treatment history saved and accessible in Spanish helps specialists continue your care directly. For visitors staying in beach towns or rural areas, plan for any specialist follow-up to happen in San José.
Clínica Bíblica specialists
Hospital Clínica Bíblica in San José offers direct specialist bookings and is one of Central America’s best-equipped private hospitals.