Costa Rica is more than ever for medial tourism and all of the celebrities know about it. On my world-famous, monthly relocation retirement tours I talk about the quality of health care in Costa Rica. I take my clients to visit the country’s two premier private hospitals and we go into depth about the country’s health care system at our highly-informative two-day seminar. Below is an excerpt which talks about the quality of the country’s health care. People who relocate here should not have to worry about their health concerns here. I have had many clients on my tours who have come here specifically to take advantage of the country’s low-cost medical care.

San José, Costa Rica – Conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh said this week he’d go to Costa Rica for medical treatment if Congress passes proposed reforms to the US healthcare system. That might sound like an unusual choice, since this is a country with one of the longest standing socialized healthcare systems on the planet. Everyone here (including resident foreigner), are required to pay into the government-run health system, whether they use it or not.

But Limbaugh’s choice may also serve to advertise what many Americans traveling here for medical treatment already know: Costa Rica is a fabulous place for medical tourism.

Life expectancy in this little Central American country surpasses that of the United States and at one point, back in the early 2000s when the World Health Organization rated countries’ general health, Costa Rica ranked higher (No. 36) than its northern neighbor (No. 37), despite spending 87 percent less on health care per capita. Some who’ve studied Costa Rican health care consider it better overall, and attribute that to the fact that free coverage extends to 86.8 percent of the population.

But the Cadillac-style private hospitals at Chevy Aveo prices are what really draw 25,000 Americans to Costa Rica every year.

“People travel to Costa Rica (and) receive the same quality of medical services for a fraction of the cost,” said Jorge Cortés, president of the Council for International Promotion of Costa Rica Medicine and medical director of Hospital Biblica, one of three internationally-accredited private hospitals in Costa Rica. “When people see they can get the same surgery for three or four times less, they decide to get medical care abroad.”

Lower labor costs and fewer malpractice suits keep the prices down here. In Costa Rica’s private system, a teeth-cleaning might run $40 and a general check-up costs $50.

Medical bargains

More extensive surgeries? A facelift averages $2,800 to $3,200 in Costa Rica, compared to $7,000 to $9,000 in the United States. A knee replacement may cost $11,000 in Costa Rica, but can be as much as $45,000 in the United States.
But there’s another arm of the country’s medical system – the public system – which is relied upon by a majority of the population. While celebrated by Costa Ricans for “universal access,” it’s often criticized for long wait times and delays in treatment.

“There’s a difference between the healthcare system that serves people living in Costa Rica verses that which is known to foreigners,” said Robert Book, a healthcare economist for the conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation. “It’s the private option for foreigners that Mr. Limbaugh was referring to when he said he would go to Costa Rica.”

On Tuesday, Mr. Limbaugh clarified his comment about leaving the United States, after “the liberal media” celebrated his vow of self-imposed exile, viewing healthcare reform as a way to rid themselves of the conservative talk show host.
“If I have to get thrown into this massive government health care insurance business and end up going to the driver’s license office every day when I need to go to the doctor, yeah, I’ll go to Costa Rica for treatment, not move there,” he told listeners Tuesday, according to a transcript on his website.

Mr. Cortés said Limbaugh would not be alone in traveling abroad for medical care. He’s expecting medical tourism to increase by 5-7 percent over the next year, regardless of what happens with the US healthcare reform bills.
Booming business and that increase is building upon a growth Costa Rica has already seen. Since the recession forced many Americans out of jobs, Costa Rica has seen a surge in the number of their northern neighbors coming here for health services. In fact, there’s an entire industry catering to the medical tourist, including post-surgery spa services, sightseeing packages, hotels, and transportation.

But, if Limbaugh did move to Costa Rica and chose to initiate the process of residency, he’d be required to pay into the government-run social security system – which runs the health care system too. Under law, all people employed in Costa Rica must contribute 5.5 percent of their salary to the state-run social security system and employers are required to match their payment with 9.25 percent. Even those here for retirement are obligated to contribute under new immigration laws, regardless of whether they hold private insurance.

“The strengths of our health system (is) that it is universal, that it’s based on the idea of solidarity and that it’s fair,” says Dr. Ana Morice, vice health minister in Costa Rica. “What we need to improve is access to health services. Many times someone requests an appointment and doesn’t receive it until a year later. In that area, we have much to improve.” Of course, if Limbaugh decided to move to or buy real estate in Costa Rica, he wouldn’t be the first celebrity. His neighbors might include actor Mel Gibson, model Gisele Bundchen, AOL executive Steve Case, or Vice President Joe Biden’s brother, Frank.

I just reached a milestone by finishing my 250th relocation/retirement tour to Costa Rica. In case you don’t know Costa Rica is Latin America’s #1 retirement and relocation haven. We have more Americans living here per capita than any other country outside of the United States. They can’t be wrong.

Anyway over the years I have personally helped 1000s of people relocate successfully to Costa Rica through 16 editions of my best selling guidebook, The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica, and my monthly tours.

February’s tour was fantastic! I had nine guests from the United States. All of them were first-time visitors to Costa Rica and loved my tour because of the breathtaking sunsets at the beach, the great variety of exotic foods, the information imparted at the two-day seminar and the jovial atmosphere of the tour. As on my other tours all of the participants bonded and became good friends during the tour. I am sure they will remain in contact with each other for years to come.

I am really happy to be changing people’s lives and helping them make their dreams come true.

The other day while waiting in my doctor’s office I picked up a well-known publication about living overseas. I hadn’t seen a copy of this magazine for many years. After leafing through it and looking at all of the ads for living in different countries, I realized what they were advertising was for the most part crap. The quality of life in the countries in Latin America they are hawking leaves a lot to be desires. Political stability in countries like Nicaragua one concern. Safety in places like Mexico is another problem. Mexico is now famous for kidnappings and drug wars.

None of these problems exist in Costa Rica. Yes, we do have some crime but not to the extent of Mexico. Furthermore, Costa Rica is the most stable country in Latin America and has the longest democracy. Costa Rica just elected its first female president. Our outgoing president, Oscar Arias, is a former noble Peace prize winner.

Uruguay is another country which is highly publicized in the magazine. I admit the country is beautiful but that is it. Unlike Costa Rica, Uruguay is about an 8 hour flight from the States. The winters are also cold and the country is not tropical like Costa Rica. They have also had some political issues in the past including right-wing death squads in the 1970s.

How can this publication recommend these places to their readers?

The bottom line is that one has to read between the lines of the so-called retirement magazines. The places they recommend do not have the quality of life like Costa Rica and said magazines are hyping low-end, less that desirable real estate in these places. They even go so far as to slant a lot of information in their direction by inventing charts raking places to retire. Of course the countries where they vested interests are ranked highly.

Summer and fall are enjoyable seasons in northeast Ohio. And then there’s winter…my thoughts drifted to the ice storm of 1991. Downed trees and powerlines closed many roads. Driving was trecherous. Stores were closed, schools too, and cable TV was out. “How would you like to see Costa Rica?” my husband Jim’s question interrupted my thoughts.

“Christopher Howard is leading a tour in January,” Jim remarked. “Do you think you could get time off? “What are Costa Rica winters like?” I asked. “January is their summer, and in the Central Valley it’s 72 degrees year round,” he replied. “If you like it we could live there comfortably on my pension. You wouldn’t have to work, it would be optional.” “Even with the two children,” I asked. “Yes,” was his reply.

We departed from Cleveland and had an enjoyable, uneventful flight to San José. Jim and I were weary of customs, but it proved to be easier than car trips to Canada. Costa Rican warmth and hospitality were immediately evident; we felt welcome. Someone from the tour company was expected to meet us, but we were flattered and amazed this it was Christopher Howard! Our Costa Rica adventure had begun.

On the way to our hotel Chris helped us get our bearings and was more than willing to answer our many questions.
I was immediately struck by the absolute beauty of the country. Such contrasts! It is even more beautiful that the photographs.

The Hotel Torremolinos was convenient and comfortable. The location was perfect for touring the city on our own. Meals were delicious and reasonable, and in close proximity to numerous “sodas” (small cafés), souvenir shops, a museum, the Central Market and casinos. Hotel security watched over us. We were able to mail our postcards and exchange money at the hotel. They also gave directions and called taxis for us. Imagine that at a Holiday Inn. The streets felt safe too, unlike big cities in the States.

We enjoyed the tour of the different neighborhoods in the Central Valley. We were able to have a good sampling of how people actually live and even see a couple of homes. We were also able to see hospitals, malls, supermarkets and get a good idea of the infrastructure in the area.

We also loved the Banco de Mariscos restaurant in Heredia. It is touted as the best seafood restaurant in the country. Their dishes are absolutely delicious and a bargain. Tiny’s American Sports bar was great fun. We had a group luncheon there and enjoyed hamburgers and fries Costa Rica style.

The two days of lectures and seminars were helpful and informative, especially the representative from the Residents Association of Costa Rica. We have been in touch with several speakers from the tour since our return to the States. Without Chris, we would have never met the realtors, movers, a business consultant, attorneys and other contacts.
We could have NEVER done this on our own.

The Clinica Bíblica Hospital offers great medical care. Not wanting to miss any of the tour, I saw a doctor there for a minor problem. The doctors and nurses speak great English. Bedside manner far exceeds what I’m accustomed to. The wait was short, care great and fee minimal.

When we departed paradise, our flight from New Jersey was cancelled due to the weather. The next flight was delayed for hours while all planes de-iced. Both at the airport and at home we shoveled snow. Sniff, sniff, good-bye for now, paradise.

Update : We are now in the process of selling our two homes in the States and plan to move with the kids to Costa Rica before the new millennium. It came down to a choice between Costa Rica and Florida and the former won out easily. Florida’s sweltering summers cannot compete with Costa Rica’s spring-like climate.

By Carol Burch

I feel very lucky to have moved to Costa Rica 30 years ago. Every year has been a “golden year” in this marvelous country. I really feel blessed to live here. On my most recent monthly relocation and retirement tours all of my guests told me the same thing. After seeing all that the country has to offer, my clients said that I was extremely fortunate to have made the correct decision to come here to live.

I gave up a lot when I cam here; a career, security and a whole lot more. But everything worked out because I followed my dream and it came true. Others can do the same if they fall love with the country. Costa Rica just may be the solution to what ails you in your home country. The have a saying here, “Costa Rica cures it all.”

Pura vida!

People really enjoy my tours but this one was really special. There were two couples and five single women. The participants instantly bonded because of their common interest in Costa Rica. By the end of the tour everyone had made new friends and promised to keep in contact with each other. This is was usually happens on my tours.

What my guests really liked was the food, different types of housing, infrastructure, the incredible sunsets and views, options for expats and most of all the ambience of the country.

I really enjoy helping people change their lives by introducing them to this wonderful country. It is really rewarding

On the other hand, high speed Internet has been available in Costa Rica for a number of years now. The phone company offers it as well as the private cable TV companies. I really don’t have many complaints about the high-speed Internet here. Once in a while there is a glitch but the same same thing happens in the States.

So in general Costa Rica’s Internet providers are offering good service. On all of my monthly relocation/retirement tours my guests are always curious to know about the quality of the Internet services here and their options. I make it a point to cover everything about the Internet and other relevant topics so that people on the tour understand what life in Costa Rica is really like.

There are even a few video-type blogs portraying people’s experiences who have moved here. While they are entertaining they shouldn’t be considered a true source of information. Unfortunately, the internet has now given every “Tom, Dick and Harry” with amateur computer and video skills a chance to be the star of their own reality show.

The hobby websites are another toy of many people who move here. Like the blogs they tell about daily life here and what the country has to offer. It seems that almost every foreigner who has a computer makes their own blog or hobby website. Some who have advanced computer skills are even including videos about life here on their hobby websites. A few expats are even posting their videos on You Tube. Most of these efforts are very amateur and the people are not experts about relocating here. Nevertheless, the videos do provide a view of life here.

On my monthly relocation/retirement tours I try to have my guests experience as much possible of what Costa Rica has to offer in a short period of time, so that they can decide whether they want to make the move or not.

All you have to do is follow the advice below and you should be able to purchase property and minimize the chances of something bad happening.

1. Have a good time-tested reliable attorney
2. Make your attorney is 100% bilingual so that you can understand every step of the process of purchasing property.
3. Have your attorney do the proper “due diligence.” Attorneys who handle real estate transactions can do this to ensure you are making a safe purchase.
4. Don’t be an impulsive buyer. Also take your time and DO your homework.
5. DO NOT trust people just because they are from the States, Canada, England or any other English-speaking country. Over the years I have come across many English-speaking scoundrels. So be careful!
6. Read all of the guidebooks about purchasing real estate in Costa Rica. There are three at the present time. They will give you a basic understanding of the how the local real estate scene works. Be wary of any real estate guidebook that continuously hypes the services of its author. Finally, remember no book should take the place of a good broker and lawyer.

I always give the guests on my monthly relocation/retirement tours a lecture about the above to help them distinguish betweens myths and reality when purchasing property in Costa Rica.