❗️Think Healthcare in Costa Rica Is Risky?

Here’s How It Actually Compares to Canada in 2025

For Canadians considering a move to Costa Rica, one of the most common concerns is healthcare.

You're accustomed to tax-funded public medical care through Canada's provincial systems — and the idea of starting over in a new country can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: Costa Rica offers high-quality, accessible healthcare that’s both affordable and efficient — especially when compared to what many Canadians are now experiencing at home.

In fact, Costa Rica ranks among the top healthcare systems in Latin America, according to the World Health Organization, and consistently places in the top 5 globally for healthcare on the International Living Global Retirement Index.

Let’s break it down.

🇨🇷 How Costa Rica’s Healthcare System Works

Costa Rica operates a dual system — a public option (Caja) and a private sector open to anyone.

1. Caja (CCSS) – Public System

Costa Rica’s national health service, La Caja, is accessible to all legal residents.

• Monthly contributions: $75–$150 USD per household

• Covers: doctor visits, specialists, labs, prescriptions, hospital care, surgeries

• Clinics: Available in nearly every community

• Wait times: Can be long for non-urgent matters, but urgent and chronic care is prioritized

💡 Many expats rely on Caja for peace of mind and regular care, while using private clinics when speed is essential.

2. Private Healthcare – Fast, Modern & Affordable

The private system in Costa Rica is widely used and praised for its accessibility.

• Appointments usually available within 1–5 days

• English-speaking doctors and modern hospitals

• Short waits, direct access, and transparent pricing

Average private prices (2024–2025):

• General doctor visit: $40–$70 USD

• Specialist consultation: $60–$100 USD

• Dental cleaning: $45–$65 USD

• Ultrasound: $60–$110 USD

• Private ER visit: $150–$300 USD, depending on treatment

• Routine surgery: 30–70% cheaper than in Canada

What About Private Insurance?

Expats who prefer private care full-time often opt for private health insurance.

Options include:

• INS (Costa Rica’s national insurer)

• Blue Cross Costa Rica

• International insurers like Cigna, Allianz, IMG

Monthly premiums range from $75 to $250 USD, depending on age, deductible, and coverage level.

Many expats choose no insurance at all for everyday visits — they simply pay out of pocket.

🇨🇦 Healthcare in Canada: Waits, Costs & Immigration Pressures

While Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded, access has become increasingly strained.

According to the Fraser Institute’s 2023 report:

• 27.7 weeks: Average wait between GP referral and treatment

• 12.7 weeks for an MRI

• 11.9 weeks for orthopedic surgery

• 7.4 weeks for a CT scan

• 17.8% of patients report waiting over 4 months for necessary surgery

These delays have led many Canadians to seek private care options, which can be costly:

• Walk-in private GP (without provincial coverage): $125–$225 per visit

• Specialist consultation: $275–$500

• MRI (private clinic): $900–$1,300

• Physiotherapy (uninsured): $90–$120 per session

• Dental cleaning: $140–$200

Despite these out-of-pocket expenses, Canadians contribute significantly to healthcare funding through taxes. In 2023, the average Canadian family of four paid approximately $15,847 CAD per year in taxes for healthcare. Even a single adult earning a moderate income paid around $4,000–$5,000 CAD per year toward healthcare through taxes.

Moreover, many essentials are not included in public coverage:

• Dental care (cleanings, fillings, braces, etc.)

• Vision care (eye exams, glasses, contacts)

• Prescription drugs (for most people under 65)

• Mental health services, physiotherapy, and more

Immigration Pressures on Canada's Healthcare System

Canada's immigration levels have reached historic highs, adding further strain to public services, including healthcare.

• In 2024, Canada welcomed 483,390 new permanent residents, the highest number in recent history.

• As of January 2025, the temporary resident population (including international students and temporary workers) was estimated at 3.02 million, representing approximately 7.25% of the total population.

While immigration supports economic growth and addresses labor shortages, the rapid influx has outpaced the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, leading to longer wait times and increased demand for services.

Side-by-Side: Costa Rica vs. Canada

Service	Costa Rica (Private)	Costa Rica (Public – Caja)	Canada (Public Wait)	Canada (Private)
General doctor visit	$40–$70 USD  1–5 days	Included  Wait: 1–2 weeks	3–7 days	$125–$225
Specialist consultation	$60–$100 USD  2–7 days	Included  Wait: 3–12 weeks	4–12+ weeks	$275–$500
MRI	$350–$600 USD  2–5 days	Included  Wait: 1–3 months	12.7 weeks (avg)	$900–$1,300
CT Scan	$150–$300 USD  2–4 days	Included  Wait: 2–4 weeks	7.4 weeks (avg)	$600–$900
Dental cleaning	$45–$65 USD  Same-day	Not included	N/A (not covered)	$140–$200
Emergency care	$150–$300 USD  1–2 hrs	Included Immediate triage	3–12 hours wait (avg)	$300–$600+

One More Surprise: You Don’t Always Need a Doctor for Prescriptions

In Costa Rica, many medications that require a prescription in Canada can be purchased directly at the pharmacy — including antibiotics like penicillin and even injections like tetanus, which pharmacists are authorized to administer on site.

No appointment. No waiting room. Just a quick visit to your local farmacia — often open late and available in every town.

For minor infections, allergies, inflammation, and preventive care, the pharmacy is often the first stop — and in many cases, the only one you need.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica’s healthcare system isn’t just affordable — it’s practical, modern, and accessible.

For Canadians used to long waits, rising insurance premiums, and limited public access to dental, vision, and paramedical care, Costa Rica offers real alternatives — whether you choose Caja, private care, or a mix of both.

Thousands of expats here rely on a balance of public and private care to get timely treatment without financial stress — and without sacrificing quality.

🩺 Looking for Health Insurance Options?

Here are a few trusted providers expats commonly use in Costa Rica:

🇨🇷 INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros)Costa Rica’s national insurer offering local private health plans.📞 +506 800-835-3467🌐 www.ins-cr.com

🇨🇷 Blue Cross Blue Shield Costa RicaKnown for English-speaking support and regional expat plans.📞 +506 2291-2200🌐 www.bluecross.cr

🌍 International Providers (Global Expat Coverage):

• Cigna Global – www.cignaglobal.com

• IMG Global – www.imglobal.com

• Allianz Care – www.allianzcare.com

Each company offers quotes online, with options for full coverage, major medical, and flexible deductibles based on your needs and travel habits.

—Arcadia Team