• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
International Citizens Insurance
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    ▼
    • International Health Insurance
      ▼
      • Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
      • International Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      ▼
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Health Insurance for UK Citizens Living Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      ▼
      • Travel Health Insurance
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Annual Travel Insurance
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • International Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
      ▼
      • International Life Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
      • The Importance of a Life Insurance Review for Expats
  • Group Plans
    ▼
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Group Global Medical Insurance
    • Group Travel Insurance
    • Group Life Insurance
    • Foreign General Liability for Organizations
    • Missionary Groups
    • School & Student Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
  • Insurance Companies
    ▼
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      ▼
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
    • GeoBlue
      ▼
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Voyager Travel Medical Plan
      • Navigator Health Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • International Medical Group
      ▼
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • Global Prima Medical Insurance
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      ▼
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners Travel Insurance
    • Trawick International
      ▼
      • Trawick Safe Travels USA
    • Unisure International Insurance
    • William Russell Insurance
      ▼
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      ▼
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    ▼
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    ▼
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Health Insurance in South America
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      ▼
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      ▼
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      ▼
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      ▼
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      ▼
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Travel Insurance for Mexico
  • Resources
    ▼
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      ▼
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Request a free international health care quote

Or call for a quote:
877-758-4881
+44 (20) 35450909

International Citizens Insurance

Medical, Life and Travel Plans!

U.S. 877-758-4881 - Intl. +44 (20) 35450909

Request a Quote
  • Home
  • Individual Plans
    • International Health Insurance
      • Best Global Medical Insurance Companies
      • International Student Insurance
      • Overseas Health Insurance
    • Expatriate Insurance
      • Insurance for American Expats Abroad
      • Canadian Expats – Insurance and Overseas Health
      • Health Insurance for UK Citizens Living Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Japanese Abroad
      • Expat Insurance for Germans Living Abroad
    • Travel Insurance
      • Travel Health Insurance
      • Trip Cancellation Insurance
      • Annual Travel Insurance
      • Visitors Insurance
      • Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
      • The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
      • Evacuation Insurance Plans
      • International Student Insurance
    • International Life Insurance
      • International Life Insurance for US Citizens Living Abroad
      • The Importance of a Life Insurance Review for Expats
  • Group Plans
    • Corporate and Employee Groups
    • Group Global Medical Insurance
    • Group Travel Insurance
    • Group Life Insurance
    • Foreign General Liability for Organizations
    • Missionary Groups
    • School & Student Groups
    • Volunteer Programs and Non-Profits
  • Insurance Companies
    • Cigna Global Insurance Company
      • Cigna Global Health Insurance
    • GeoBlue
      • Xplorer Health Insurance Plan
      • Voyager Travel Medical Plan
      • Navigator Health Insurance Plan
      • Trekker Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
    • International Medical Group
      • Global Medical Insurance Plan
      • Patriot Travel Insurance
      • Global Prima Medical Insurance
      • Student Health Advantage
      • Patriot Exchange – Insurance for Students
    • Now Health
      • SimpleCare Health Plan
      • WorldCare Health Plan
    • Seven Corners Travel Insurance
    • Trawick International
      • Trawick Safe Travels USA
    • Unisure International Insurance
    • William Russell Insurance
      • William Russell Life Insurance
      • William Russell Health Insurance
    • WorldTrips
      • Atlas Travel Insurance
      • StudentSecure Insurance
  • Compare
    • Compare Global Health Insurance Plans
    • Compare Travel Insurance Plans
  • Country Guides
    • Health Insurance Plans in North and Central America
      • Health Insurance in the USA
      • Health Insurance in Mexico
      • Health Insurance in Canada
    • Health Insurance in South America
      • Health Insurance in Argentina
      • Health Insurance in Colombia for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Chile
    • European Health Insurance
      • UK Health Insurance Plans for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Germany
      • French Health Insurance
      • Italian Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Sweden for Foreigners
      • Portuguese Health Insurance
      • Health Insurance in Spain for Foreigners
    • Health Insurance Plans in Asia
      • Health Insurance in China
      • Health Insurance in Japan
      • Health Insurance in Dubai
      • Health Insurance in India
      • Thailand Health Insurance
      • Malaysian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in Singapore for Foreigners
    • Understanding Health Insurance in Oceania
      • Australian Health Insurance for Foreigners
      • Health Insurance in New Zealand
    • Health Insurance Options in Africa
      • South Africa Health Insurance for Foreigners
    • Travel Insurance Plans by Country
      • USA Travel Insurance
      • Australia Travel Insurance
      • Travel Insurance for Mexico
  • Resources
    • News, Global Health Advice, and Travel Tips
    • Insurance Articles
    • Travel Advice and Tips
    • International Hospitals for Expatriates
      • Best Hospitals in the United States
      • Best International Hospitals in the UK
      • Best Hospitals in Mexico
Home > Best International Hospitals > Hospitals in Costa Rica

Hospitals in Costa Rica

Best Hospitals in Costa Rica for Expats and Foreigners

best hospitals in costa ricaWith its wide array of activities, beautiful beaches, and favorable cost of living, Costa Rica is popular with visitors and expats alike. Those who land in Costa Rica from abroad range from the young, eager to partake in the many activities, to retirees, looking forward to enjoying life by the beach at a cost within reach. But whether your trip to the land of “Pura Vida” is temporary or you plan something of a longer duration, it is important to be prepared if something goes wrong or if you need to take precautions to safeguard your health. From scheduling routine appointments to dealing with an unexpected emergency, this often means accessing the country’s hospital system. You are likely wondering about the cost, whether or not Costa Rica’s healthcare is up to standards and what kind of access you will have to services as you visit different parts of the country. Here is what you need to know about hospitals in Costa Rica to be sure you will have a great stay, no matter what happens.

Private Hospitals in Costa Rica Recommended to Visitors and Expatriates

Probably the most popular hospital for expats and medical tourists is the private hospital, Hospital CIMA, located just west of the city center in the capital. It is part of a group of international hospitals that is based in Texas and is the most popular with North Americans and English speakers. In San José, there is a private hospital named Hospital Clinica Biblica, which also has a great deal of English-speaking staff. In the Guadalupe suburb of San José is the Hospital la Catolica, which is well known for the friendliness and warmth of the staff, and is accessible by car or taxi from the center of the capital.

  • Hospital CIMA San José
    Autop. Próspero Fernández,
    San José, San Rafael, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2208 1000
  • Hospital Clínica Bíblica
    Avenida 14, Calle 1 Y Central
    San José, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2522 1000
    WhatsApp: + 506 8529 2100
  • Hospital La Católica
    San Antonio de Guadalupe
    Goicoechea, Costa Rica
    (in front of the Courts of Justice)
    Tel: + 506 2246 3000
    WhatsApp: + 506 8830 6765

Public Hospitals in Costa Rica by Location

While all of Costa Rica’s private hospitals are in the San José area, as are the majority of public hospitals, unlike private hospitals, public ones are also equally spread out across the country. Here is a look at some of the options available in areas that are popular with visitors and expats. And remember, while the private hospitals in San José remain a popular choice with visitors, it is worth knowing the public hospital system so you can be sure of healthcare wherever you go in Costa Rica.

Limón Province Hospitals

  • Hospital Tony Facio Castro
    In front of the ICE's main offices
    Limón, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2758 2222
  • Hospital Guápiles
    Av 7, Limón
    Guápiles, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2710 6801

Puntarenas Province Hospitals

  • Hospital de Ciudad Neily
    From the main entrance to Ciudad Neily 2 kilometers road to Paso Canoas, adjacent to the gas station
    Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2785 9600
  • Golfito Hospital Manuel Mora Valverde
    14, Puntarenas Province
    Golfito, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2775 7800
  • Hospital Monseñor Víctor Manuel Sanabria Martínez
    31, Provincia de Puntarenas
    El Roble, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2630 8000

Alajuela Province Hospitals

  • San Rafael Hospital
    Radial Francisco J. Orlich
    Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2436 1001
  • Hospital San Carlos
    141, Barrio San Roque
    Provincia de Alajuela, Cd Quesada, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2401 1200
  • Hospital Carlos Luis Valverde Vega
    3GVJ+424, Provincia de Alajuela
    San Ramón, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2456 9700

Cartago Province Hospitals

  • Hospital Max Peralta Jiménez
    C. 2, Provincia de Cartago
    Cartago, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2550 1999
  • William Allen Taylor Hospital
    10, Cartago Province
    Turrialba, Costa Rica
    Tel: +506 2558 1300

Guanacaste Province Hospitals

  • Hospital La Anexión de Nicoya
    Santa Lucía, Guanacaste Province
    Nicoya, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2685 5066
  • Hospital Enrique Baltodano Briceño - Liberia
    918, Moracia, Provincia de Guanacaste
    Liberia, 50101, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2690 9700

Heredia Province Hospitals

  • San Vicente de Paúl Hospital (Hospital de Heredia)
    700 m. sur del Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero
    Heredia, Costa Rica
    Tel: + 506 2562 8100

Best Health Insurance Plan for Expats in Costa Rica

Cigna Global Logo

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

  • The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
  • Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
  • The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

Best Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens Living in Costa Rica

GeoBlue Xplorer Global Medical Insurance

Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan

  • Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
  • Define your deductible and prescription benefits
  • For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
Plan Details | View Brochure
Plan Details
Get a Quote

Are Hospitals in Costa Rica Good?

In the middle of the twentieth century, after a short but brutal civil war, the country decided to abolish the military and instead invest in the country’s healthcare system. This means that Costa Rica has a very robust and quite well-funded public healthcare system. That being said, many visitors to Costa Rica opt to take advantage of the private hospitals. These are very well-regarded healthcare facilities, but there are only a small number of them, and in the more remote parts of the country or the tourist areas, there may be no access to private hospitals. However, whether you face an emergency injury or only seek to schedule a routine procedure, it is worth investigating the public option. This can save a great deal of time, money, and hassle not just in medical expenses, but in travel expenses as well. Any travel that requires emergency medical evacuation is billed directly to the patient to transport them to a private facility.

How Many Hospitals Are in Costa Rica?

There are only three private hospitals in Costa Rica, with a total of 223 beds. Meanwhile, in the public system, there are 30 hospitals, 16 of which are in the country’s Central Valley region, as half of the population lives here. The three private hospitals are also located in this area. It is worth mentioning that for expats and visitors, the most favored locations in the country are on the coasts, and not necessarily an easy distance from the San Jose province. In addition to the 30 hospitals in the public system, which have 6,000 beds, there are an additional 500 clinics and about 1,000 “Equipos Basicos de Atencion Integral,” which offer basic medical attention in remote areas.

It is a smart idea to make sure you have great health insurance before you arrive in Costa Rica!

Best Health Insurance in Costa Rica for Expats and Foreigners

What Is the Difference Between the Public and Private Hospital Systems?

Costa Rica’s public hospital system is run by the country’s public healthcare system, the Costa Rican Social Security System of CCSS, which is more commonly referred to as “Caja.” The public hospital system offers strong medical services; however, the hospital settings and waiting rooms might be more chaotic than what visitors from other countries are accustomed to. Additionally, non-Spanish speakers may find some difficulties navigating the system. It’s a good idea to begin brushing up on your Spanish if you plan to use the Caja system. Otherwise, you should bring someone who can act as a translator if you’re not up to speed on Spanish words for body parts or other words you may need to describe your condition.

On the other hand, the private system’s hospitals are designed to cater to people looking for the hospital experience they have “back home.” English speakers will not have to worry about major language barriers. These hospitals are more expensive but are very popular with visitors and expats. Visitors from the United States will often visit Costa Rica because costs are lower than the medical expenses in the U.S., even with insurance. Costa Rica is known for its world-class healthcare, amongst the best in Latin America. The private hospitals take a range of insurances, and if you are planning to spend time in the country, it is a good idea to make sure you are covered. While expenses are lower than healthcare costs in the United States, private hospitals in Costa Rica have costs that are still high. They can easily range in the thousands of dollars for more major procedures and routine surgeries.

Find more International Hospitals and healthcare options in popular Expat countries: Hospitals in France, Hospitals in China, Hospitals in Canada, Hospitals in Australia, Hospitals in Italy, Hospitals in Mexico, Hospitals in Thailand, Hospitals in Philippines, Hospitals in the USA

Related:

  • Complete Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
  • Cost of Living in Costa Rica
  • Healthcare System in Costa Rica
  • Moving to Costa Rica from the US

Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Primary Sidebar

Search Website

Related Pages

  • Best Hospitals in China for Expatriates
  • Best Hospitals in Dubai for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in India for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in Indonesia for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in Israel for Foreigners
  • Best Hospitals in Mexico for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in Portugal for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in Singapore for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in South Korea for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in the Bahamas for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in the Netherlands for Expats and Visitors
  • Best Hospitals in the United States
  • Best Hospitals in UK For Visitors and Expatriates
  • Best International Hospitals in Panama
  • Hospitals in Australia for Expatriates
  • Hospitals in Brazil
  • Hospitals in Canada
  • Hospitals in Chile
  • Hospitals in Costa Rica
  • Hospitals in Cuba
  • Hospitals in Finland
  • Hospitals in France for Expatriates
  • Hospitals in Germany for Expatriates
  • Hospitals in Greece
  • Hospitals in Guatemala
  • Hospitals in Hungary
  • Hospitals in Ireland for Visitors and Expats
  • Hospitals in Italy for Visitors and Expatriates
  • Hospitals in Japan
  • Hospitals in Kenya
  • Hospitals in Malaysia
  • Hospitals in New Zealand
  • Hospitals in Russia for Foreigners and Visitors
  • Hospitals in South Africa
  • Hospitals in Spain
  • Hospitals in Switzerland for Expatriates
  • Hospitals in Thailand
  • Hospitals in the Philippines for Expatriates
  • Hospitals in Turkey
  • Hospitals in Vietnam for Visitors and Expats
  • The Best Hospitals in Sweden for Expats
  • Best Hospitals in Colombia

International Citizens Insurance

Offering the best international health, life, and travel plans.

Pick a Plan


We Contact You

One of our expert international advisors will respond to you promptly.

Request a Quote Today

Get a fast, free, international insurance quote.

Request a Quote

Footer

Global Medical Plans

International Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health
GeoBlue Xplorer Premier
IMG Global Medical
William Russell
Expatriate Plans
Travel Medical Plans

Specialty Coverage

Overseas Health Insurance
US Citizens Abroad
US Health Insurance
Senior Travel Insurance
Visitors Insurance Coverage
Nomad Travel Insurance
Annual Multi Trip

Company Info

About Us
The Team
International Brokers
Testimonials
Agents / Affiliates
Group Services

Customer Service

United States 877-758-4881
US Direct 617-500-6738
International +44 (20) 35450909
US Travel Insurance Association Member International Citizens Insurance Business Review

18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043 USA | info@internationalinsurance.com

Contact US | Privacy Policy | Licensing | Sitemap

Copyright © 2025, International Citizens Insurance, an International Citizens Group, Inc. company


International Citizens Insurance is a licensed agency providing guidance on international insurance plans. Select products and services listed on this site may not be available to citizens or residents of certain countries.
This site provides consolidated and summary descriptions of insurance plans, benefits, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. A certificate containing the complete certificate wording with all terms, conditions, and exclusions will be provided at the time of purchase or upon request. For additional advice and guidance, contact us for assistance.
International Citizens Insurance is a subsidiary of International Citizens Group, Inc. In the State of California, operating as International Citizens Insurance Agency. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 6005545.

By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies.