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Are you wondering about private healthcare in Costa Rica? In 45 years of living in Costa Rica, I’ve seen many Costa Rican hospitals on the inside, excluding CAJA hospitals. Here, you don’t need a referral from a general practitioner to go to a specialist. You just go directly to a specialist if you use private medical care. Most doctors in Costa Rica hold office in the same private hospital they operate in. In Costa Rica you don’t need to be referred to a specialist, you just make an appointment.
Being reasonably close to a hospital is essential for many of our clients when they shop for a home with us. If you live in Escazu in Santa Ana, it’s only a few minute’s drive in an ambulance to get to a private hospital, even with heavy traffic. If you live in Atenas, I recommend you become an affiliate of Linea Vital. For $80/month, you’ll have access to their first-class healthcare. If you have an emergency, they’ll put you in an ambulance to any hospital you want them to take you. Several clients in Atenas saved their lives with heart trouble by being an affiliate there. The membership also gives you discounts for lab tests and other medical services.
Medical emergencies
If you have a medical emergency, you will be surprised how good the emergency service is in private hospitals. Although they’re much more expensive than 20 years ago (like everywhere else), they do NOT charge you an arm and a leg for medical emergencies and regular attention, as you might be used to elsewhere. They DO take all kinds of tests on you when you ask for emergency service and charge pretty regular rates to cover any surprises. We have a separate blog on ambulances if you need ambulance services in Costa Rica.
Medical Insurance and C.C.S.S.
If you are a resident, you must pay into the CCSS or Caja—Costa Rica’s social security system. But you’ll have to be patient if you want their attention unless it’s an emergency. Check with the ARCR – Resident Association of Costa Rica – to see if you fit in their CAJA service. They also offer I.N.S. insurance, but you must be a resident.
The local insurance company I.N.S. and many international insurance companies cover medical services at private hospitals. But make sure you find out about your insurance coverage before you ask for attention. I.N.S. has a pre-approval system with most private hospitals, so you only have to cover your deductible. I recommend you ask your GoDutch Realty agent for the name and contact of a trusted and local insurance agent or contact the ARCR.
Suppose you don’t have private medical insurance. You can go to any of the Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS) hospitals called CAJA by the locals. These are public hospitals where the government only attends those paying into the social security system. They will attend to the uninsured in an emergency but will bill you before they discharge you.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare will not cover you here, but Medicare Advantage does. Patients with Medicare Advantage can now receive emergency care at any Metropolitan hospital location; see for more information below. Soon, they will offer other private healthcare, too. This makes them the only private hospital in Costa Rica to offer this option, providing expatriate seniors with the convenience of prompt medical attention delivered with the quality and professionalism for which Hospital Metropolitano is known.
Costa Rica private hospitals
CIMA Hospital
The CIMA Hospital is located in Escazu, between Price Mart and Avenida Escazu. The CIMA San José is part of the IHC (International Hospital Consortium) in Dallas, Texas, which also has hospitals in Brazil and Mexico. CIMA Hospital Escazu opened its doors in 2000 and has earned a reputation as one of the leading private healthcare institutions in the region.
Services
They boast a comprehensive range of medical services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and general surgery. Its diagnostic and imaging services utilize cutting-edge technology, ensuring accurate and timely diagnoses. The hospital features modern operating rooms, a 24/7 emergency department, intensive care units, and comfortable patient accommodations that rival luxury hotels.
JCI
CIMA Hospital’s standout features are its focus on medical tourism and its accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a gold standard in global healthcare quality.
Clinica Biblica
The Clinica Biblica is in downtown San Jose and Santa Ana, right off Highway 27. Founded in 1929 by missionaries of the Central American Mission, Clínica Bíblica began as a small medical facility to provide compassionate healthcare to those in need. Over the years, it expanded into a modern hospital while maintaining its core values of service, integrity, and excellence. The institution prides itself on blending Christian principles with cutting-edge healthcare, creating a space where physical and emotional well-being are prioritized.
JCI
Clínica Bíblica is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a prestigious recognition awarded to hospitals that meet rigorous international standards for quality and safety. This accreditation underscores its commitment to excellence and positions it as a leader in Latin American healthcare.
Services
Clínica Bíblica offers various medical services, from routine check-ups to highly specialized procedures. Its departments include cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and gynecology. The hospital has advanced diagnostic tools, operating rooms, and intensive care units, ensuring patients receive top-notch care.
Medical tourism
One of its standout features is the International Department, which caters to medical tourists. Costa Rica has become a popular destination for medical tourism due to its high standards of care at relatively affordable prices. Clínica Bíblica plays a significant role in this sector by offering personalized services such as bilingual staff, streamlined processes, and assistance with travel arrangements.
Clinica Catolica
The Clinica Católica is in Guadalupe, on the north side of San Jose. Clínica Católica is a multi-specialty hospital with advanced medical technology, modern infrastructure, and highly trained professionals.
Services
The Clinic offers General Medicine and Family Practice, including routine check-ups, preventive care, and treatment for common ailments. It also offers Surgical Services, such as orthopedic, cardiovascular, and minimally invasive surgeries, obstetric and gynecological care, and a specialized oncology unit that delivers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions to cancer patients; A 24/7 emergency department and tailored services to meet the needs of international patients, including English-speaking staff and assistance with travel logistics.
Metropolitan
The Metropolitan Hospital was established in the early 2000s and is the only private hospital chain in Costa Rica. They have several locations:
Hospitals
In the Central Valley: San Jose Headquarters and Medical Towers – near San Juan de Dios hospital, Lindora – Santa Ana, Plaza del Sol – Curridabat, Lincoln Plaza Mall – Moravia, Cariari C3 Corporate Center – Cariari
Outside the Central Valley: Marina Pez Vela Branch – Quepos, Huacas – Guanacaste, Liberia – Guanacaste, El Encuentro Shopping Center – Ciudad Quesada / San Carlos
Medical Centers
Plaza Praktico Branch – La Trinidad de Alajuela, Plaza Vizcaya Branch – San Joaquin de Flores, Los Yoses Branch – Adjacent to the Italian Embassy, Ofiplaza Boulevard El Molino Branch – Cartago, Plaza Real Branch – Plaza Real Alajuela
Services
Metropolitan Hospital offers a broad spectrum of medical services, from routine check-ups to complex surgical procedures, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and neurology. The hospital also has advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI and CT scanners, ensuring accurate and timely diagnoses, robotic-assisted surgeries, and telemedicine consultations.
Unibe
Hospital Unibe is a small hospital in Tibas on the north side of San Jose. It was established in 2010, and its website is in Spanish only.
Services
The hospital offers various medical specialties, including anesthesiology, audiology, cardiology, general surgery, and more. In addition to its diverse medical services, it provides hospitalization, surgical procedures, pharmacy services, laboratory facilities, and a medical imaging center.
The hospital has three state-of-the-art surgical rooms designed to handle various procedures, such as orthopedic, plastic, general, laparoscopic, gynecological, maxillofacial, and urological surgeries.
Asembis
Asembis (Spanish-only website) is a very affordable private health service with clinics in every province. Asembis has distinguished itself by addressing the healthcare needs of Costa Rica’s middle and lower-income populations. They provide an alternative by delivering prompt and cost-effective services, ensuring patients do not compromise on timely care due to financial constraints or systemic delays.
The organization operates clinics nationwide, offering specialized care in areas such as ophthalmology, dentistry, optometry, general medicine, and laboratory diagnostics. Asembis is renowned for its vision care services, including affordable eyeglasses and cataract surgeries.
Medismart
Medismart is a private healthcare membership program that provides affordable access to quality medical services across Costa Rica. It offers individuals and families comprehensive healthcare services without the burdensome costs typically associated with private healthcare. By partnering with a network of clinics, hospitals, and specialists, Medismart ensures its members receive high-quality care at reduced rates. It offers great discounts to its members and their pets.
Key Features and Services
Some of its standout features include:
- Instead of paying high insurance premiums, Medismart members pay a fixed monthly fee, which grants them access to discounted medical services.
- Medismart collaborates with a vast network of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, specialists, diagnostic centers, and hospitals, without long waiting times.
- They provide transparent and upfront pricing for consultations, lab tests, and procedures, allowing members to make informed decisions about their care.
- Medismart recognizes the importance of family health and offers plans catering to households, including their pets.
- Beyond treating illnesses, Medismart emphasizes preventive care, encouraging regular check-ups and screenings to catch potential health issues early.
Are you planning to move to Costa Rica and have questions? Then, request a Zoom meeting now.
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