What actually happens to travelers here.
Coastal and lowland regions. Use DEET.
Ziplining, surfing, whitewater, ATV. Verify your travel insurance covers adventure activities — most default policies exclude them.
The system.
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: ★★★★☆ Very Good
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.
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.
Where to actually go.
JCI-accredited private hospital. International patient services.
Historic private hospital. Popular with medical tourists.
Finding what you need.
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.
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.
Available over the counter
- acetaminophen/paracetamol (Acetaminofén)
- ibuprofen
- antacids
- antihistamines
- anti-diarrheals
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
- basic first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Necesito medicina para el dolor de cabeza
- Necesito un médico
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Tylenol or paracetamol generic
Tylenol is widely available; locals often ask for 'paracetamol' or 'acetaminofén'. - ibuprofen → Advil or Motrin
Advil is the dominant retail brand. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
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.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Codeine · Xanax
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 is controlled. Some products may be available with prescription. Carry alternatives if possible.
Benzodiazepines require documentation. Carry a doctor's letter explaining medical necessity.
If something breaks.
Availability: Costa Rica is a popular dental tourism destination. High quality at 40-60% less than US prices.
Cost range: $30-60 for consultation; $50-150 for fillings
San José area has many dental clinics catering to North American tourists.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $25-50/week
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.).
Filing a claim
Private hospitals often accept direct billing from US insurers. Keep all receipts. Hospital CIMA has an insurance desk.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $25-60 |
| ER visit | $80-300 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $150-500 |
| Ambulance | $30-150 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Houston or Miami
Secondary destination: Mexico City
Typical cost band: $25,000-80,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases — air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Houston, Miami, and Mexico City are the primary medical hubs for Central America.
What to get done before you fly.
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.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: 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
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.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: IAFA (Instituto sobre Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia): 800-4232-800
English-speaking therapists: Available in San José and tourist areas.
Limited English-language mental health services outside San José.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is limited. Modern hotels and hospitals are accessible. Streets and nature areas have significant barriers.
Hospital accessibility: Private hospitals are accessible.
Accessible transport: Limited accessible public transport. Taxis are the best option.
Rainforest and volcano tours have limited wheelchair access. Beach resorts are generally more accessible. Manuel Antonio has some accessible trails.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID requirements.
Mask policy: No mandates.
Testing availability: Available at clinics.
Dengue and food/water safety are more relevant health concerns.
Costa Rica travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health