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Costa Rica Has Superb Health Care Services

By Jane Goodwin | October 5, 2007

Baby Boomers, or anyone of any age, really, who are thinking about relocating to another country would do well to check into the health care facilities and systems first. After doing so, choose a country that will best serve your interests and needs, AND that you can be a contributing, useful citizen of. Don’t use your pensionado status to ‘take;’ be sure you ‘give back’ as well.

Many people choose to retire or relocate to Costa Rica. And no wonder.

Costa Rica’s public health system is one of the top 20 in the world and the best in Latin America. Life expectancy of Costa Ricans (76 years for men and almost 80 years for women) is actually longer than the U.S. life expectancy, and the infant mortality rate is lower.

Costa Rica has a well-earned reputation for the highest standard of medical care in Latin America. You can find the three largest and most sophisticated Costa Rican hospitals in San Jose, the country’s capital. The government maintains a national network of 29 hospitals and 250+ clinics, which provides low cost health services to Costa Ricans.

Are foreigners and expats eligible for any of this? Absolutely. Even foreign residents and visitors can avail of this service if they pay a monthly fee that will be computed based on their income. If they prefer, they can instead get government health insurance that will allow them to tap 200 private sector doctors plus hospitals, laboratories, and other facilities.

How much does medical care cost in Costa Rica, compared to comparable services in the States? A lot less! Medical care is very affordable; for instance, a heart bypass operation in Costa Rica will cost only a third of what you will be charged in the U.S. Office consultations usually cost $30-$40. Many medicines are up to 80 percent cheaper that in the U.S. Most Costa Rican doctors speak English, devote more time to the patient, and even make house calls. Find any of THAT back in the States!

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Topics: Pensionado, Costa Rica, Prices, Language, Destinations, Healthcare, Retirement Overseas |

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