
Immigration and Health Insurance Requirements in Costa Rica
Immigration Requirements
Foreigners or ‘Expats’ and their dependents intending to reside in Costa Rica, must apply for an immigration category that suits their living conditions or needs
This official government link provides the updated requirements:
https://migracion.go.cr/regularizacion-migratoria/
Health Insurance is Required in Costa Rica
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Costa Rica, both citizens and foreign nationals, regardless of immigration or residency status.
The local law requires all residents to have either a private health insurance plan or health insurance coverage through the state system.
AccessHMO health insurance plans are qualified to meet the residency requirements in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s State Health Insurance System
The state health insurance system in Costa Rica, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), or the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, provides coverage for basic medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, laboratory tests, and medication.
The monthly cost for enrollment in this CCSS basic insurance ranges between 10% and 12% of the resident’s declared monthly income or salary
CCSS provides coverage for basic medical services only, and there are usually ong wait times for appointments with very limited access to see specialists or schedule certain procedures. Foreigners will often experience language barriers and cultural differences when navigating within this system.
The advantages of AccessHMO and Private Health Insurance membership in Costa Rica
Although CSS provides decent (employee only) coverage for basic medical services, most foreigners choose to have private medical insurance for higher coverage and benefit levels with prompt customer service.
Here are the advantages of AccessHMO private health insurance for foreign residents in Costa Rica:
Access to private doctors and specialists including pediatrics
AccessHMO health insurance plans provide access to higher quality, English speaking medical facilities with board certified specialists who do not participate in the CCSS.
Shorter waiting times for appointments and to schedule medical procedures
AccessHMO health insurance plans usually provide shorter waiting times for appointments and scheduling medical procedures. This saves our clients precious time to enjoy more of Costa Rica.
Flexibility and Coordination
AccessHMO health insurance plans are tailored to the budget and needs of the individual clients which allows greater flexibility and choice of benefit and coverage levels.
In conclusion, while health insurance is mandatory for all legal residents in Costa Rica, most foreigners choose to have additional private health insurance for greater coverage and benefits. It is important to compare different insurance options to find the plan that best fits your budget and needs.
AccessHMO’s licensed professionals stand ready to answer your questions and address your individual needs to find the most suitable health insurance plan with popular options such as medical evacuation and coverage for medical treatment locally as well as for follow-up treatment, often needed back in the U.S., Canada or Europe.