{"id":4117,"date":"2023-11-25T07:29:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T12:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/startabroad.com\/?p=4117"},"modified":"2026-05-14T09:23:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T13:23:12","slug":"how-to-find-a-doctor-in-costa-rica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/startabroad.com\/pt\/how-to-find-a-doctor-in-costa-rica\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find a Doctor in Costa Rica as an American or Canadian Expat"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Note: This blog is our personal view on the best service providers for expats. We make no money on referring customers to these services.<\/em><\/p>

One of the things you\u2019ll want to do shortly after arriving in a new country is develop a detailed medical plan that includes: pick the right health insurance for your needs, identify a primary care doctor, and understand how to meet your day-to-day, medication, emergency, and\/or specialist medical needs. Here\u2019s our advice on where to start when making a medical plan in Costa Rica as an expat.<\/p>

Understanding the Costa Rican Healthcare System<\/h3>

First, you should have a basic understanding of the Costa Rican healthcare system<\/a>, and decide if you\u2019ll be seeking care through the public system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or \u201cCaja\u201d) or private system.<\/p>

Public healthcare in Costa Rica<\/b><\/p>

Under the public system, you must first be a resident or citizen of Costa Rica, be enrolled in Caja, and have received your residency card (DIMEX). Once you\u2019ve met these requirements, you\u2019ll want to register at your local \u00e9bais (clinic). From then on you can access care at your \u00e9bais whenever you need, without paying at the point of use. You can also access care at any public hospital or clinic around the country. Your care options are pretty straightforward under the public system. You also have less choice on doctors \u2013 you will need to be flexible in receiving care from whichever doctor is available.<\/p>

Private healthcare in Costa Rica<\/b><\/p>

If you want to use the private health system you\u2019ll have the ability to select a primary care doctor, specialists, and hospital of preference. The private system is also more likely to have English-speaking doctors and offers quicker wait times. We generally recommend that expats, particularly recent arrivals, rely on the private system.<\/p>

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica has an informational sheet to help Americans receive quality care in Costa Rica. Many of the doctors on their list speak English and\/or have had medical training in the United States: https:\/\/cr.usembassy.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/248\/medical-practitioners-list.pdf<\/a><\/p>

Recommended hospitals in Costa Rica<\/b><\/p>

Commonly recommended private hospitals include:<\/p>