Medical Tourism & Medical Services in Costa Rica
Medical care in Costa Rica is second to none, and is recognised all over the world for its high quality, low cost health care system. With well equipped medical clinics and hospitals, guaranteed universal accessibility to public health care and those over the age of sixty five automatically receiving free health care it’s understanding why so many expatriates from other countries are retiring in Costa Rica.
Most Doctors either studied in the US or having taken specialist courses there (or elsewhere abroad) is attributed to Costa Rica being one of the very best health systems in Latin America. Although, there are also private health care systems that residents can join should they wish.
Public and private hospitals can even arrange for air evacuation to US and/or Canada hospitals if it proves necessary, while the use of Red Cross ambulances is free of charge. As in the US, 911 is the number for the emergency telephone operating system, which has been successfully operational for some time now. No vaccinations are needed for anyone travelling to Costa Rica as epidemic diseases have been all but completely eradicated from the region.
 
MEDICAL TOURISM
The health system offers life saving procedures such as heart bypass and transplant operations, as well as a cosmetic surgery service so efficient that many people travel to Costa Rica solely for this purpose. This is a phenomenon that has become known as ‘medical tourism’, whereby people from all over the world are travelling abroad for their medical needs, partly due to the high cost of health care in their own countries, coupled with the improving technology and standard of health care elsewhere – and Costa Rica is certainly top of the list when it comes to this top-class yet affordable service.
Indeed, the gap in cost between service in the US and the same service in Costa Rica is nothing short of astonishing, for example, a procedure such as a hip replacement costing up to sixty five thousand dollars in the US, yet up to only around eighteen thousand (which is including the cost of travel) in Costa Rica. With figures such as these, it is not difficult to see why this ‘medical tourism’ phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent, and it’s not just low cost that is the attraction, with many reporting that patient care – the simplicity of people who are caring, compassionate and genuinely friendly – is also much higher in Costa Rica than it is in the US these days.
Medical tourism is also a phenomenon that, as well as giving people in need a more affordable yet high quality alternative to being treated in their own country, is also having a positive impact all the way down the economic ladder. Directly improving the health care infrastructure in such countries, and generating opportunities for new economic growth there as well. It just might start making those who run the health care system in the US have to actually start competing with their overseas competitors as well, now that consumers have learned they have a choice.
PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGERY IN COSTA RICA
The plastic and cosmetic surgery health system in Costa Rica is among the best in the world, and with prices considerably more affordable than their overseas equivalent, explains why more and more foreigners are coming to the country specifically for surgeries. The country’s doctors are specialists with full credentials.
Cosmetic surgery is of a similar standard to that in the US, offering the latest advances in technology and materials with surgeons who are highly experienced in cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery is also of the highest standard and includes such procedures as breast enlargements, brow lifts, facelifts and hair transplants, among others.
Dentistry in Costa Rica is affordable, comfortable and safe, and of the very highest standard all around. Cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and other procedures such as tooth whitening and cosmetic dental veneers have become very popular with tourists. Why not have your teeth whitened during your vacation.
WELLNESS, ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND RECOVERY CLINICS
Costa Rica ranks first in Latin America for the development of curative and preventative diseases. As you might then expect, there are numerous centers devoted to health, such as spas, gyms and a growing number of Wellness, Alternative Medicine and Recovery Clinics in Costa Rica.
The country is becoming the place to be for recuperating after surgery, drug treatment, strength training, weight loss and general rehabilitation, with specialists devoted to a long-term plan for patients’ future well-being as well as just the short-term solution to immediate problems. All aspects of a person’s life, from their emotional well-being, to their physical and mental health, to their spiritual beliefs and values are considered taken into account when preparing for the holistic healing that is offered.
Not that these places dismiss conventional medicine entirely, quite the contrary but by offering advice on alternative medical care, behaviour modification, education, exercise and nutrition counselling, they provide anyone interested with a good grounding in other ways to live and take control of their lives and health. Certainly, for the healing and recuperation that needs to take place after any kind of surgery, these places are much more appealing than remaining in a cold, sterile hospital.
SPAS AND RESORTS
There are over five hundred spa resorts in Costa Rica, combining the traditional spa experience with a large variety of recreational activities such as golf, horseback riding, tennis, water skiing and other water sports. The spas themselves offer all the usual (and some unusual) services, including massages, body scrubs and polishes, and many different exfoliating treatments. Some spas even offer special programs for children and, with a general cost of around half the price that such pampering is priced at in the US, the resort spas are truly irresistible.
To sum up, medical care in Costa Rica is among the best in the world – and is some of the most affordable.
What are you waiting for?
Located in beautiful and friendly Costa Rica, the Clinica Biblica Hospital has provided high quality medical services and warm personalized attention to each and every one of our patients for over 78 years. Our friendly team of dedicated professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and wide variety of medical procedures make us the ideal choice for all your health care needs.
International Hospital Affiliations
* Mount Sinai, Florida, USA
* Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans, USA
* Oschner Clinic, New Orleans, USA
Please check back with us, this page updates regularly.
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