Hi Amigos,

One of the biggest hurdles people face when thinking about moving to Costa Rica is the "What If?" factor. What if I get sick? What if I need surgery? Can I afford the care I'm used to?

Today, I want to pull back the curtain on how healthcare actually works here, because it’s often much better—and much more affordable—than the headlines in the U.S. or Canada suggest.

The Dual System: Public vs. Private

In Costa Rica, we have a "best of both worlds" approach:

1. The Caja (Public): As a resident, you pay a monthly fee (usually 7–11% of your reported income) and all your care—from check-ups to major surgeries and prescriptions—is covered with zero out-of-pocket costs. No deductibles, no co-pays, and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

2. Private Care: For those who want faster access or English-speaking specialists, private hospitals like CIMA or Clínica Bíblica are world-class. An office visit with a top specialist often costs less than $100, and many expats use a mix of both systems.

A Special Note for Our Veterans

If you are a U.S. Veteran with a service-connected disability, Costa Rica is one of the best places you can live. Through the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP), the VA actually pays for the treatment of your service-connected conditions right here in Costa Rica.

Many of our local private clinics and hospitals are well-versed in FMP, meaning you can get high-quality private care for your specific needs, often with the VA picking up the tab. It is a benefit many veterans don't realize they can take with them!

"Test Drive" the Lifestyle

I know that reading about healthcare is one thing, but seeing the facilities and talking to expats who actually use the system is another.

On my Relocation Tours, we don't just talk about the beach. We go deep into the logistics. We discuss insurance, we talk about the best pharmacies, and we help you understand exactly how your specific health needs will be met here.

Flash Update: We just had a few seats open up for our June and August tours. If you’ve been on the fence, this is your sign.

[Click here to reserve one of the remaining seats]

Warm regards,

Pura Vida!

Christopher Howard
35+ Years Expert in Costa Rica Relocation

Helping people relocate smarter — and warmer.

P.S. Next week, I’m going to share a story about the "Gringo Tax"—and how you can avoid paying it. Don't miss it!

ALL tours include a one-of-a-kind highly informative two-day seminar by Costa Rica’s most renowned experts in their respective fields: ”Tips and Tricks for Pura Vide: A seminar— how to be an informed expat."

There is nothing like an “in-person tour” to see and experience what life here.

See our available tour dates on our website. Our tours sell out quickly, so don’t let someone beat you to a seat.

We also offer private tours and our Official Costa Rica Relocation Guide.

Have questions about our tours? Reply to this email or call us toll-free: +1 877-884-2502

LiveinCostaRicaTours 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube

Check the Regular entry requirements to Costa Rica