
Costa Rica has a robust and well-funded public healthcare system, offering universal healthcare to its citizens and permanent residents. However, the country also has a small number of private hospitals, which are popular among expats and medical tourists due to their modern facilities, specialised services, and English-speaking staff. These private hospitals provide an alternative to the long waiting times and bureaucratic challenges sometimes associated with the public system. While private healthcare in Costa Rica is more expensive than public care, it is still significantly more affordable than in countries like the United States, making Costa Rica a popular destination for medical tourism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of private hospitals in Costa Rica | 3 |
| Number of public hospitals in Costa Rica | 30 |
| Number of beds in private hospitals | 6,223 |
| Locations of private hospitals | San José area |
| Popularity of private hospitals | Very popular among expats, visitors, and those seeking personalized healthcare |
| Reasons for popularity | Excellent services, modern technology, English-speaking staff, specialized treatments |
| Examples of popular private hospitals | Hospital CIMA, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, Hospital La Católica |
| Average cost of a doctor's visit in private hospitals | $60 to $75 |
| Average cost of a specialist care visit in private hospitals | $100 |
| Private health insurance cost | $60–$250/month per person |
| Percentage of the population using private health services at least once a year | 30% |
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What You'll Learn
- Costa Rica has 3 internationally accredited private hospitals
- Private hospitals are mostly located in San José
- Private healthcare costs $60-250/month for insurance or $60-75 per doctor's visit
- Private hospitals are popular with expats and tourists
- Private hospitals offer modern facilities and technology

Costa Rica has 3 internationally accredited private hospitals
Costa Rica has a robust and well-funded public healthcare system. The country's healthcare system is ranked highly by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has placed Costa Rica in the top country rankings for long life expectancy. The United Nations (UN) has also ranked Costa Rica's public health system within the top 20 worldwide and the number one in Latin America.
Despite the high quality of public healthcare in Costa Rica, there are a small number of private hospitals in the country. These private hospitals are very well-regarded and are especially popular with expats, visitors, and those seeking more personalised healthcare experiences. Private hospitals in Costa Rica are known for their modern facilities, use of the latest medical technology, and English-speaking staff. They are mostly located in San José.
Costa Rica has three internationally accredited private hospitals: CIMA Hospital in Escazu, Clinica Biblica in San Jose, and Clinica Catolica in San Jose-Guadalupe. Hospital CIMA, which is part of a Texas-based group, is known for its specialised care in cardiology, orthopaedics, and oncology. It has over 600 doctors across 60 specialties and is a popular choice for North Americans. Clinica Biblica offers a wide range of healthcare services, including neurology, dermatology, and fertility treatments, and is also popular among expats and visitors. Clinica Catolica is well known for the friendliness and warmth of its staff.
While private hospitals in Costa Rica offer excellent services, they are more costly than the public option. Private medical insurance in the country costs about $60–$250 per month per person, and uninsured patients can expect to pay around $60 to $75 for a doctor's visit and $100 for specialist care.
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Private hospitals are mostly located in San José
Costa Rica has a very robust and well-funded public healthcare system. The country has 30 public hospitals and 3 internationally accredited private hospitals. Private healthcare in Costa Rica is more expensive than public healthcare, but many people opt for it due to shorter wait times and the ability to choose one's doctor. Around 30% of the population utilizes private health services at least once a year. Private hospitals in Costa Rica are mostly located in San José. These include Hospital CIMA San José, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, and Hospital La Católica in the suburb of Guadalupe. These hospitals are known for their modern facilities, use of the latest medical technology, and English-speaking staff. They offer a wide range of specialized treatments, including cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, neurology, dermatology, and fertility treatments. The CIMA hospital is especially comprehensive and offers a wide variety of specialist care. It is also the only hospital in Central America that is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The public healthcare system, CAJA, has hospitals located all over the country, ensuring that everyone, including locals and visitors, can access medical help no matter where they are. This system is also well-funded and offers a range of medical services, from simple check-ups to complex surgeries. However, it sometimes faces issues with long wait times and bureaucratic red tape.
Expats and visitors to Costa Rica often choose private hospitals for their excellent services and modern technology. These hospitals are a top choice for those seeking quality healthcare and a more personalized healthcare experience. Private hospitals in San José are particularly popular with visitors, but it is important to also understand the public hospital system to ensure access to healthcare anywhere in the country.
Costa Rica's healthcare system is highly regarded, with the country frequently ranking in the top spots worldwide for life expectancy and quality healthcare. The country's focus on preventive care and reinvestment in healthcare infrastructure, hospitals, and equipment contribute to its strong healthcare system.
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Private healthcare costs $60-250/month for insurance or $60-75 per doctor's visit
Costa Rica has a robust and well-funded public healthcare system, which is continually being upgraded. However, many visitors opt for private healthcare due to shorter wait times and the ability to choose one's doctor. Private healthcare in Costa Rica costs $60-250 per month for insurance or $60-75 per doctor's visit. The cost of private insurance depends on factors such as gender and age.
There are three internationally accredited private hospitals in Costa Rica, all located in the San José area. These include CIMA in the suburbs of San Jose, Clínica Biblica in the centre of San Jose, and Clínica Católica in the Guadalupe suburb of San Jose. Hospital CIMA is especially popular with expats and medical tourists and is the only hospital in Central America accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It offers a wide range of specialist care and has English-speaking staff.
The public healthcare system in Costa Rica is also highly regarded, with the UN ranking it within the top 20 worldwide and the number 1 in Latin America. The country spends a significant portion of its GDP on healthcare, focusing on preventive care. As a result, Costa Rica has achieved impressive health outcomes, with long life expectancy and low per capita healthcare spending.
Expats in Costa Rica often utilise a mix of public and private healthcare services. They may see a local CAJA physician for regular appointments but use private facilities for faster diagnostic testing. Physicians in private facilities can also write prescriptions for CAJA pharmacies, where patients can obtain medications at no cost. Some expats opt for private insurance through the Costa Rican government's monopoly, Instituto de Seguro Nacional (INS), which is available to legal residents.
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Private hospitals are popular with expats and tourists
Costa Rica has a very robust and well-funded public healthcare system. The country spends one-tenth as much per capita on healthcare as the United States, focusing on preventive care. However, many visitors to Costa Rica opt for private hospitals. These hospitals are known for their excellent services, modern facilities, and use of the latest medical technology. They are mostly located in San José.
Private hospitals in Costa Rica are popular with expats and tourists for several reasons. Firstly, they offer many specialised treatments and have English-speaking staff, making them a top choice for those seeking quality healthcare. Hospital CIMA San José, for example, is a leading private hospital known for its specialised care in cardiology, orthopaedics, and oncology. It has over 600 doctors across 60 specialties and is part of a Texas-based group that draws many North Americans. Another popular private hospital is Hospital Clínica Bíblica, which offers a wide range of healthcare services, including neurology, dermatology, and fertility treatments. Its focus on patient satisfaction and English-speaking staff make it a favourite among expats and visitors.
Private hospitals in Costa Rica also offer shorter wait times and the ability to choose one's doctor. While the public healthcare system, CAJA, provides universal healthcare to all residents and has hospitals across the country, there can be long waiting times for diagnostic testing and specialist appointments. Expats and visitors who require timely medical attention may prefer the faster access provided by private hospitals. Additionally, private hospitals in Costa Rica offer the convenience of having staff who speak English, which can be reassuring for those who do not speak Spanish.
The cost of healthcare in Costa Rica is also relatively affordable, especially compared to other countries. Medical visits, tests, and even complex surgeries are a fraction of the price in the United States. This affordability contributes to the country's popularity as a medical tourism destination. Expats and tourists can take advantage of these lower costs while still receiving quality healthcare services. However, it is important to note that private healthcare in Costa Rica is more expensive than the public option, and insurance coverage may be necessary to manage the costs.
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Private hospitals offer modern facilities and technology
Costa Rica has a strong healthcare system for both locals and visitors. The public system, CAJA, offers universal coverage and quality care across the country. There are also private hospitals for expats and tourists. These hospitals have top facilities, specialised services, and English-speaking staff.
Private hospitals in Costa Rica offer modern facilities and technology. They are very well-regarded healthcare facilities, with modern equipment, highly trained doctors, and excellent patient care. Private hospitals in Costa Rica are mainly for expats, visitors, and those wanting a more personal healthcare experience. These hospitals have staff who speak English, offering care that’s as good as back home.
Private healthcare in Costa Rica costs more than the public option. However, the quality of care and the hospital’s comfort make it a top choice for many. People from all over come to Costa Rica for their top-notch healthcare services. They choose private health insurance plans for this reason. For those who are uninsured or using private facilities, the average cost of a doctor’s visit in the country ranges from $60 to $75, while specialist care visits are closer to $100.
Private hospitals like CIMA San Jose, Clinica Biblica, and Clinica Catolica are top choices. They have the latest technology and are recognised worldwide. Hospital CIMA San Jose has over 600 doctors across 60 specialties. It has modern equipment, English-speaking staff, and great patient care. Patients give it 5-star ratings. Hospital Clinica Biblica is a top private hospital in San Jose, founded in 1929. It is part of a group of international hospitals based in Texas and is the most popular with North Americans and English speakers.
Costa Rica has three internationally accredited private hospitals. The country spends one-tenth as much per capita on healthcare as the United States, focusing on preventive care. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) frequently place Costa Rica in the top country rankings for long life expectancy.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 3 internationally accredited private hospitals in Costa Rica, with a total of 223 beds.
Many foreigners choose private hospitals as the facilities and procedures are similar to what they're used to in their home countries. The doctors are specialised and speak English, and the hospitals have first-rate accommodations. Private hospitals are also newer and have shorter wait times.
Some popular private hospitals in Costa Rica are Hospital CIMA, Hospital Clinica Biblica, and Hospital la Catolica.
A hospital stay in a private hospital in Costa Rica is around $200 per day for a private room. If you're willing to share a room, it could be as low as $100 a day.










































