Costa Rica has become a tourism hotspot with state-of-the-art private hospitals, well-trained physicians, and low-cost medical care. This country allows medical tourists to access routine tests and complex operations at a fraction of the costs in the U.S. or EU.

As a visitor, an expat, or a digital nomad, understanding how to find a good doctor in Costa Rica is critical. You can make an informed decision by inquiring about their qualifications, comparing private and public care, and reading patient reviews. Let’s begin.

How to Get the Best Medical Care in Costa Rica

1. Verify qualifications and experience

Wondering how to find a family doctor in Costa Rica? Start by reviewing their licenses. In Costa Rica, medical licenses are governed by the Costa Rican Ministry of Health. A public register of approved professionals is maintained by the Costa Rican College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Some of Costa Rica’s best medical professionals have received training abroad in America and Europe. Most of them work in private hospitals such as CIMA, Clínica Bíblica, and La Católica and have proficiency with cutting-edge technology and medical gear. Be sure to review their work experience and education history before you make a decision.

2. Review their language and communication style

Costa Rica is a Spanish-speaking nation. For non-Spanish speakers, language can become a strong barrier to medical care access. In private medical centers, you can find English-speaking doctors and care providers, but not necessarily in public hospitals.  

But don’t worry. Highly rated Costa Rican medical centers such as CIMA and Clínica Bíblica, have multilingual healthcare professionals. Websites like HuliHealth can help you figure out how to find a family doctor in Costa Rica if you don’t speak Spanish. The Reviews posted on the platform even disclose the quality of service you can expect from the English-speaking doctors listed there.

3. Public vs. private healthcare

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. Public care, in the form of the CAJA (Costa Rican Social Security Fund), is affordable yet slow. Private hospitals provide speedy services. You can expect state-of-the-art technology, shorter wait times, and access to world-class specialists at private facilities. 

However, private hospitals in Costa Rica can be pricey, with consultation fees ranging between $90 and $200. Some doctors work in both the public and private sectors. Ask your public doctor if they have private care, too. That way, you can access high-quality care without long waits.

4. Go through recommendations and reviews

One of the most underrated yet effective strategies for choosing the right doctor in Costa Rica is by word of mouth. Long-term residents and expats regularly post about their experiences in social network groups and forums online.

Go through these reviews and when you find a positively reviewed doctor, schedule an introductory consultation remotely before you book your travel. Use that opportunity to assess the doctor’s expertise, communication style, and level of care. 

5. Choose a doctor near you

Location matters when choosing the right doctor in Costa Rica. The country’s geography can make access to medical care challenging, especially in rural areas. Most of Costa Rica’s best physicians practice in San José, where larger private hospitals are located. If you’re not in the city, consider how far you have to travel before you access the best care center.

If you have a medical emergency then you must go someplace near your hotel or villa. In some cases, you may also need to find a doctor who can check in regularly to give you ongoing care. In some cases, mobile and satellite branches of larger hospitals can help deliver the care you need.

Conclusion

Traveling through Costa Rican for medical care can be challenging but if you understand how to find a good doctor in Costa Rica, everything becomes easier. Verify their qualifications and language, read reviews, and choose a doctor near you. Regardless of whether you need a specialist or a family doctor in Costa Rica, these strategies will help you find the best care.