🏥 Healthcare Overview

System: Mixed public/private (CAJA — Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social for residents; tourists can access both public and private). Private healthcare is excellent and affordable.

Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Private healthcare in San José and major cities is excellent and affordable by US standards. Public hospitals (CCSS/CAJA) are available but often have long wait times. Many private doctors and specialists speak English. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available. Costa Rica is known for medical tourism.

💡 Medical Tourism

Costa Rica is a well-known medical tourism destination, particularly for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and laser eye surgery. Costs are 40-70% lower than in the US. San José is the main hub with JCI-accredited hospitals. Popular for dental implants, crowns, veneers, and plastic surgery.

💊 Pharmacy Guide

Access: easy

Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-10pm; some 24-hour pharmacies in San José; chains include Fischel, Babel, and CVS pharmacies; many pharmacies have a 'pharmacy on call' system for after-hours

Prescription rules: A Costa Rican prescription is technically required for prescription medications. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted. Some antibiotics and common drugs available OTC. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.

Available Over-the-Counter

  • acetaminophen/paracetamol (Acetaminofén)
  • ibuprofen
  • antacids
  • antihistamines
  • anti-diarrheals
  • sunscreen
  • insect repellent
  • basic first aid

💡 Tips

Many medications available OTC. Pharmacists are helpful and often speak English. Bring a list with generic names. Some US brand names may not be available — bring alternatives. In rural areas, pharmacy selection is more limited.

💉 Medications & Restrictions

Carry a doctor's letter in Spanish or English listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. For controlled substances, carry original prescriptions and a note explaining medical necessity. Spanish translations are helpful.

Controlled / Restricted Substances

🚫 Watch out for these

  • ⚠️ ADHD stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) — Stimulants are controlled substances. Bring original prescription, doctor's letter, and only the amount needed. You may need a permit from the Costa Rican health authorities for certain quantities.
  • ⚠️ Codeine-containing medications — Codeine is controlled. Some products may be available with prescription. Carry alternatives if possible.
  • ⚠️ Psychotropic medications (diazepam, alprazolam, etc.) — Benzodiazepines require documentation. Carry a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

⚠️ Strongly recommended

Average cost: $25-50/week

💡 Tip

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare is affordable ($50-200/doctor visit, $500-2,000/day hospital stay) but costs add up without insurance. Medical evacuation coverage is important for remote areas (Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, Caribbean coast). Ensure coverage includes adventure activities (zip-lining, surfing, etc.).

💉 Vaccinations

Recommended

  • 🟡 Hepatitis A
  • 🟡 Hepatitis B
  • 🟡 Typhoid (for extended stays or rural travel)
  • 🟡 Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP)
  • 🟡 COVID-19
  • 🟡 Rabies (for animal exposure)
  • 🟡 Yellow Fever (required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries; recommended for some areas)

No required vaccinations for most travelers unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. COVID-19 requirements vary — check current entry requirements. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. No special vaccines needed for most travelers to standard tourist areas.

🚰 Water & Food Safety

✅ Tap water is safe to drink

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, including San José and major tourist areas. In some rural areas and the Caribbean coast, bottled water is recommended as a precaution. Bottled water is widely available.

Food Safety Tips

Costa Rica has good food safety standards in restaurants and hotels. In San José and tourist areas, restaurants maintain good hygiene. Be cautious with food from very informal street vendors. Gallo pinto (rice and beans) from restaurants is safe. Avoid raw salads from very informal establishments. In coastal areas, eat seafood at reputable restaurants.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘 Emergency: 911 (police, ambulance, fire — nationwide emergency)

📚 Sources & References

Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.

  • CDC Travelers' Health
  • US Embassy Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica Ministry of Health
  • WHO International Travel and Health

⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.