Since most of our leftists are talking out their a$$, here is the scoop on Costa Rica's healthcare systems, both public and private.
http://www.costarica.com/retirement/cost-of-living/health-care/
Public Health Care - Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)
Costa Ricas public health insurance system, commonly known as the Caja, is available country-wide to all citizens and legal residents. There are ten major public hospitals four in San Jose, including the Childrens Hospital affiliated with the Caja. For non-emergencies and everyday medical care, small clinics, known as EBAIS (pronounced ay-vy-ice), are located in almost every community.
The cost to affiliate with CCSS is approximately 10 to 11.5% of your income; alternatively, residents may become members via ARCR, which provides a streamlined and simple joining process. Please note that for those under age 55, Caja payments include a mandatory pension payment, which will be disbursed beginning at age 65. Keep in mind that the Cajas low cost and high quality attract many to its hospitals and clinics, and wait times are long for anything from a routine checkup to an important surgical procedure.
Private Insurance
Note: Before the 2008 ratification of CAFTA (the Central American Free Trade Agreement), Costa Rica operated under a government-owned monopoly insurance system. In 2009, international insurance providers began to offer health insurance within Costa Rica.
Costa Ricas private hospitals and clinics offer high-quality medical care at a tiny fraction of its U.S. equivalent cost. In fact, due to Costa Ricas beautiful surroundings, medical reputation and very lost costs, the country is rapidly becoming a prime destination for medical tourism.
As of 2009, private insurance is available through INS, the government-owned insurance monopoly. Most plans cover dental work, optometry, and cosmetic surgery in the case of an accident, and neither pre-existing conditions nor annual check-ups are included. Prescription drugs, certain medical exams, sick visits and hospitalization are covered at 70% cost, and surgeon and aesthetician costs are covered at full cost. Currently, private medical insurance costs about $50-$100/month per person, depending on age, gender and other factors.
In addition to INS insurance, expats may also purchase international health care insurance from abroad, which will cover most private hospital costs. Be aware that these plans often cost more than their INS equivalents.
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