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Healthcare in Costa Rica: cost & waiting times

Tax-funded universal

The 'Caja' (CCSS) runs a tax/contribution-funded universal system with a strong primary-care network (EBAIS clinics). A well-developed private sector serves medical tourists and those avoiding waits.

Emergency number: 911

How residents get care

  1. Legal residents: enrol in the CCSS — Contributions are income-based; enrolment gives access to EBAIS clinics, hospitals and pharmacy.
  2. Public: attend your area EBAIS — It's assigned by address and refers to clinics and hospitals.
  3. Private: book directly — Hospitals CIMA, Clínica Bíblica and Hospital Metropolitano cater to international patients; pay by card or insurance.

Official waiting-time source

Public elective surgery and some specialties have long waits; private care is immediate and moderately priced.

CCSS surgical waiting-list data (published periodically) ↗

MilestoneReference
Public specialist appointment (variable)60 days (~9w)
Public elective surgery (often long)180 days (~26w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

ItemTypical range
Private GP consultation€50–€90
Private specialist consultation€70–€130
Private MRI€350–€600

Prescriptions

CCSS medicines are free to members from its own formulary; anything outside it is bought privately.

Visiting Costa Rica?

No reciprocal cover. Tourists use private hospitals, which are used to foreign patients and insurers.

Emergencies Call 911. Public 'Cruz Roja' ambulances respond; private hospitals require payment guarantee.

Official links

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