Why Costa Rica as a Medical Tourism Destination?
Fast growing Medical Tourism in Costa Rica owes its existence to tourists from the US and Canada travelling primarily to get medical & surgical procedures done abroad. Many unique factors make Costa Rica healthcare a preferred medical travel destination.
Medical treatments are usually about 50-70% cheaper than in the US and no one has to wait their turn for surgery.
Easily accessible from US and Canada. There are frequent flights from important cities in both these countries. Also Americans, Canadians and most Europeans staying in Costa Rica for less than 90 days do not require a visa. They do need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days.
Presence of top private accredited hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica. It is very common for leading doctors and surgeons in Costa Rica hospitals to have gained experience, certifications or trainings from the USA.
Traditionally, the procedures that have been popular with medical tourists in Costa Rica have been cosmetic and dental treatments. But with growing standards of medical care, there is rapid medical tourism demand for various other surgeries and medical procedures.
Medical treatments are usually about 50-70% cheaper than in the US and no one has to wait their turn for surgery.
Easily accessible from US and Canada. There are frequent flights from important cities in both these countries. Also Americans, Canadians and most Europeans staying in Costa Rica for less than 90 days do not require a visa. They do need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days.
Presence of top private accredited hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica. It is very common for leading doctors and surgeons in Costa Rica hospitals to have gained experience, certifications or trainings from the USA.
Traditionally, the procedures that have been popular with medical tourists in Costa Rica have been cosmetic and dental treatments. But with growing standards of medical care, there is rapid medical tourism demand for various other surgeries and medical procedures.
About Costa Rica Medical Tourism
- Costa Rica is the only country in the world where 100% of the private hospitals have earned JCI accreditation
- Costa Rica is politically stable and has a friendly environment
- The government of Costa Rica has taken an active role promoting the regulation and quality of medical tourism
- Travel to Costa Rica is only a few hours from major U.S. cities, not a 20+ hour trip away
- Costa Rican medical & dental providers have been hosting international patients for many years and provide a welcoming and comforting environment
- Costa Rica is one of the top 5 medical tourism destinations in the world
How Much Can a Medical Vacation in Costa Rica Save?
The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Costa Rica and equivalent procedures in the United States:
USA Costa Rica Average Savings
Medical Procedures
Heart Bypass Up to $130,000 $24,000 70-80%
Heart Valve Replacement Up to $160,000 $15,000 80-90%
Angioplasty Up to $57,000 $9,000 70-80%
Hip Replacement Up to $43,000 $12,000 60-70%
Hysterectomy Up to $20,000 $4,000 70-80%
Knee Replacement Up to $40,000 $11,000 60-70%
Spinal Fusion Up to $62,000 $25,000 50-60%
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Facelift $7,000-$9,000 $4,600 – $5,000 30-40%
Rhinoplasty $8,000-$12,000 $3,500 – $3,900 50-65%
Breast Lift $5,000-$8,000 $3,000 – $3,400 40-55%
Breast Augmentation $5,000-$8,000 $2,700 – $2,900 50-65%
Blepharoplasty(Eyelid Surgery) $4,000-$5,500 $2,000 - $2,200 50-60%
Brazilian Butt Surgery Up to $10,000 $3,000 - $3,300 55-65%
Tummy Tuck $6,000-$8,500 $3,900 – $4,200 45-50%
Facelift $7,000-$9,000 $4,600 – $5,000 35-45%
Male Breast Reduction Up to $6,000 $2000 - $2600 50-60%
Bariatric Surgery
Laparoscopic Gastroplasty Up to $30,000 $10,500 55-65%
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Up to $35,000 $14,000 50-60%
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Bridges $1,000+ per tooth $250 – $400 60-70%
Crowns $1,000+ per tooth $250 - $400 60-70%
Implants $3,500+ per tooth $700 – $900 70-80%
Porcelain Veneers $1,500+ per tooth $300 – $500 65-80%
Root canal Up to $800 $315 55-60%
Teeth whitening Up to $700 $250 55-65%
USA Costa Rica Average Savings
Medical Procedures
Heart Bypass Up to $130,000 $24,000 70-80%
Heart Valve Replacement Up to $160,000 $15,000 80-90%
Angioplasty Up to $57,000 $9,000 70-80%
Hip Replacement Up to $43,000 $12,000 60-70%
Hysterectomy Up to $20,000 $4,000 70-80%
Knee Replacement Up to $40,000 $11,000 60-70%
Spinal Fusion Up to $62,000 $25,000 50-60%
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Facelift $7,000-$9,000 $4,600 – $5,000 30-40%
Rhinoplasty $8,000-$12,000 $3,500 – $3,900 50-65%
Breast Lift $5,000-$8,000 $3,000 – $3,400 40-55%
Breast Augmentation $5,000-$8,000 $2,700 – $2,900 50-65%
Blepharoplasty(Eyelid Surgery) $4,000-$5,500 $2,000 - $2,200 50-60%
Brazilian Butt Surgery Up to $10,000 $3,000 - $3,300 55-65%
Tummy Tuck $6,000-$8,500 $3,900 – $4,200 45-50%
Facelift $7,000-$9,000 $4,600 – $5,000 35-45%
Male Breast Reduction Up to $6,000 $2000 - $2600 50-60%
Bariatric Surgery
Laparoscopic Gastroplasty Up to $30,000 $10,500 55-65%
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Up to $35,000 $14,000 50-60%
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Bridges $1,000+ per tooth $250 – $400 60-70%
Crowns $1,000+ per tooth $250 - $400 60-70%
Implants $3,500+ per tooth $700 – $900 70-80%
Porcelain Veneers $1,500+ per tooth $300 – $500 65-80%
Root canal Up to $800 $315 55-60%
Teeth whitening Up to $700 $250 55-65%
Travel Time to Costa Rica from North America
Due to the close proximity of Costa Rica to the United States and Canada (unlike other medical tourism destinations), medical travelers do not need to spend long hours on the plane. Because of Costa Rica's close proximity to the USA and Canada, the country is able to attract over 20,000 US patients a year.
Average estimated travel time in hours from/To San Jose, Costa Rica to:
New York City 4.5
Chicago 4.5
Washington, DC 4
San Francisco 6
Los Angeles 5.5
Toronto 5
Montreal 5
Vancouver 7
Average estimated travel time in hours from/To San Jose, Costa Rica to:
New York City 4.5
Chicago 4.5
Washington, DC 4
San Francisco 6
Los Angeles 5.5
Toronto 5
Montreal 5
Vancouver 7
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