Health Insurance Options
Costa Rica is widely known for its low cost and high-quality health care. While medical costs are significantly cheaper than in the U.S., it is still possible to accumulate hefty charges, particularly in cases of emergency. Many expats protect themselves from potential financial disaster by purchasing health insurance coverage through the government-owned company INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros), which held a nationwide monopoly until the recent CAFTA free trade agreement.
FAQs
What options do I have for health insurance?
Legal residents must affiliate with the Caja (CCSS), Costa Rica’s public health system. The cost to affiliate with CCSS is approximately 10 to 11.5% of your income. You may also choose to purchase private insurance, which generally costs $50-100 per month and entitles you to benefits within Costa Rica’s excellent private healthcare system.
Last updated: Oct 22, 2023