Costa Rica is the happiest place on earth  (World Happiness Report). And incredible healthcare opportunities are one of the key reasons here. 

According to insights from the International Trade Administration, the country spends nearly 6% of its GDP on healthcare. Medical tourism in Costa Rica is booming – in 2022, this Central American country attracted over 50,000 medical tourists.

So, why go to Costa Rica for medical tourism? Costa Rica’s popularity as a medical travel destination is attributed to the high-quality yet affordable healthcare services available in the country. From advanced dental work to orthopedic surgeries and numerous fantastic resorts, Costa Rica is a mighty force, offering a broad range of medical services with positive patient outcomes.

Read this guide to the end to learn about all of Costa Rica’s medical tourism opportunities and trends.

What is medical tourism in Costa Rica?

Medical tourism involves traveling to another country to receive medical care. Costa Rica draws in medical tourists due to its excellent healthcare system, accredited medical facilities, experienced doctors, and cost-efficient services.

There are many more benefits of medical tourism in Costa Rica. The Green Jewel of Central America ranks high for its MedTech, patient care quality, and affordable treatments. 

Here are some important statistics about medical tourism in Costa Rica:

• In 2020, Costa Rica’s maternal mortality rate was 22.0 in 10,000 births (23.8 in the USA).
•  14 of the world’s top 30 medical equipment manufacturers are based in Costa Rica.
• The country is a global leader in stem cell therapy for the treatment of heart disease and diabetes.
• According to ITA, knee replacement and hip surgeries top the list of treatments travelers seek in Costa Rica. 

You should also consider some essential things for effective medical tourism in Costa Rica.

As a tourist, you can easily access Costa Rica’s medical care. You do not need a visa if you’re staying for less than 90 days and are from a visa-exempt country, like the United States. But you will most definitely need a valid passport and an onward ticket.

Planning a trip involves researching and selecting a reputable medical facility or provider. That’s where Heal CR comes to your aid. Our top medical tourism agency in Costa Rica will facilitate your appointments, travel arrangements, and accommodation.

Top benefits of medical tourism in Costa Rica

1. Costa Rica is strategically located in Central America

Costa Rica holds a unique geographic position in Central America, bordered to the north by Nicaragua and south by Panama. This country is logistically convenient for visiting medical tourists. 

Two international airports—the Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia—provide easy access to major cities and medical facilities. If you are coming from U.S. cities like Miami, Atlanta, and Houston, flights take about 3-5 hours to San José.

The time zone of Costa Rica, equal to the U.S. Central Standard Time (UTC-6), facilitates real-time communication with patients and healthcare providers back at home. This reduces hassles and improves patient care coordination.  

Culturally, Costa Rica models its life around the Pura Vida mantra which is a concept of wellness, warmth (friendships), and relaxation. You will feel at home.

2. Costa Rica’s medical tourism facilities are globally approved

Costa Rica boasts top-notch medical facilities and highly trained healthcare professionals. Many of their facilities have received international accreditation. In Patients Beyond Borders, Josef Woodman reveals that Costa Rica is a leader in medical tourism due to its affordable yet high-quality healthcare services.

Many of the hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. Also, the Ministry of Health in Costa Rica oversees the industry with stringent regulations and credentialing procedures. Medical tourists can rest easy knowing they are in good hands.

In addition, this Central American country offers beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate that make it an attractive wellness destination. Expect high-quality medical care and a lovely environment for recuperation.

3. Costa Rica medical tourism prices are pretty affordable

The costs of medical treatment in Costa Rica are surprisingly low. The country’s medical facilities offer massive savings that attract people looking for inexpensive healthcare solutions from across the globe.

Procedures such as knee replacement surgery, costing $50,000 in the US, may cost as low as $12,000 in Costa Rica. Similarly, treatment for dental veneers can be done for $300 in Costa Rica, lower than $2,500 in the US.

This price difference extends to cosmetic procedures like facelifts, which in the USA cost between $7,000 and $15,000 compared to Costa Rica’s $3,500 to $5,000. 

In fertility treatments, including IVF, the treatment costs in Costa Rica are significantly low at $5,000 to $7,000 compared to the USA’s $12,000 to $15,000.

4. Costa Rica medical researchers are at the forefront of innovation

Costa Rica has emerged as a haven for medical innovation, with several exemplary breakthroughs initiated by local firms. 

The most prominent example is Establishment Labs, a company from Costa Rica that is very well-known in the sphere of medical devices and new-generation breast implants. Their Motiva Implants have received worldwide approval for safety and aesthetics, banking on TrueMonobloc Technology for enhanced strength. Establishment Labs reflects Costa Rica’s ability to develop high-tech medical technology that meets standards.

Further, Costa Rica shows commitment to the advancement of medicine through global partnerships. San Juan de Dios Hospital in San Jose recently collaborated with Heart to Heart Medical to foster research and innovation in adult cardiac care. Such collaborations synergize local and international insights and skills, leading to excellence in health care.

Research centers in Costa Rica are also leading medical innovation through groundbreaking research. For example, the Clodomiro Picado Institute at the University of Costa Rica focuses on biotechnological research, particularly in antivenoms and other biological products. 

Such centers are catalysts for innovation, blending scientific research and practical application to solve the world’s critical health problems.

The best hospitals for medical tourism in Costa Rica

Some of the finest hospitals in Costa Rica include the Clinica Biblica, in San José. This facility is known for premium quality services and very advanced state-of-the-art medical technology. It’s been accredited by the Joint Commission International. The quality of service here is international.

Another is CIMA Hospital, located in San José. It has highly advanced facilities and skilled specialists trained nationally and internationally. Then, there’s Hospital La Católica in Guadalupe, offering top-class healthcare in Costa Rica for tourists. These hospitals are known for their top healthcare services and advanced treatment methodologies for cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.

On our platform, Heal CR, you can find many more prominent hospitals and reputable doctors for every sort of need.

Heal CR –Empowering Medical Tourism

Heal CR is the ultimate resource for tourists seeking medical care in Costa Rica. Via our platform, patients can easily connect with Caja-ranked doctors and various medical institutions. Our services are aimed at helping you find doctors, dentists, spas, and other healthcare professionals quickly and effortlessly. 

We ensure you get the best possible care at the best price, hence making it easier for you to navigate Costa Rica’s medical tourism landscape.

Conclusion

Medical tourism in Costa Rica offers access to high-quality care at affordable rates, which makes it a top destination for wellness travelers. 

Be it dental work, cosmetic surgery, or any other medical treatment Costa Rica is an excellent alternative to the more expensive countries. 

Our best Costa Rica medical tourism platform, Heal CR, will help you plan a successful medical trip to this tropical paradise! Feel free to contact us with any questions and for support.