Health Traveler
Definite Guide to Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism Destinations - Costa Rica

In 1991 nearly 15 percent of all visitors to Costa Rica came to this beautiful Central American country to receive some form of medical care, mostly either cosmetic surgery or some kind of dental work. Since then, the number of people seeking treatment abroad that have come to Costa Rica for medical care has grown exponentially and while cosmetic surgery is still predominant many other procedures are now sought out on a routine basis.

A number of factors make Costa Rica a logical choice as a medical tourism destination, and any one of these would make this nation a great place to visit. But when combined, it isn't hard to understand why it has become one of the fastest growing markets for quality medical care. Costa Rica is a land rich in tropical rainforests, spectacular mountain vistas, wonderful beaches, and a perfect climate.

Over the last few years, the country has progressed from being a primarily an eco-tourism destination to being a destination of choice for a multiplicity of reasons for tourists from the United States, Canada and points beyond. The costs of living and favorable, and the low value of the US dollar has created the perfect economic climate where medical procedures are significantly lower than in the US or Canada. As a result tens of thousands of US citizens flock to the moderate climate for some time in the sun and high quality, low cost health care. McKinsey & Company report that medical tourists from the United States and Canada favor Latin American countries like Costa Rica for three reasons: affordable costs, short travel time, and unforgettable vacations.

Superior Medical Care

There are three hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International in San Jose, Costa Rica alone and at least one more in Guanacaste designed to target the influx of medical tourism arriving in the Liberia International airport every year. In total, there are 22 public and six major private hospitals ranking Costa Rica as the 36 best health system in the world, highest of all Central American countries, and higher than the US.

Comparing estimated medical costs in the US and Costa Rica:

• Heart Bypass: USA (up to $130,000) Costa Rica ($24,000)
• Heart Valve Replacement: USA (up to $160,000) Coast Rica ($15,000)
• Angioplasty: USA (up to $57,000) Coast Rica ($9,000)
• Hip Replacement: USA (up to $43,000) Costa Rica ($12,000)
• Hysterectomy: USA (up to $20,000) Costa Rica ($4,000)
• Knee Replacement (up to $40,000) Costa Rica ($11,000)
• Spinal Fusion: USA (up to $62,000) Coast Rica ($25,000)
• Facelift: USA ($7,000 - 9,000) Costa Rica ($4,600 – 5,000)
• Rhinoplasty: USA ($8,000-$12,000) Costa Rica ($3,500 – 3,900)
• Breast Augmentation: USA ($5,000-8,000) Costa Rica ($2,700 – 2,900)
• Brazilian Butt Surgery: USA (up to $10,000) Costa Rica ($3,000 - 3,300)
• Tummy Tuck: USA ($6,000-8,500) Costa Rica ($3,900 – 4,200)
• Facelift: USA ($7,000-9,000) Cost Rica ($4,600 – 5,000)
• Laparoscopic Gastroplasty: USA (up to $30,000) Costa Rica ($10,500)
• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y: USA (up to $35,000) Costa Rica ($14,000)

Quality dental work is also available with everything from bridgework to implants at costs ranging well below 50% of that in the US or Canada.

Another plus to medical care in Costa Rica is the strength of malpractice and liability laws in the country. Compared to other medical tourism destinations, visitors have the highest possible assurance against malpractice. Dentists, clinics, and physicians are required by law to maintain professional liability insurance ensuring you will receive a high level of medical and dental care. Medical tourists are also encouraged to have comprehensive medical coverage options obtainable through certified international insurance.

Costa Rica, the Country

Costa Rica seems like the perfect choice for health travel. It is considered to be the most stable nation in Latin America and is marked by high standards of living and education. It is a multicultural society with many residents who have emigrated from other countries. The Constitution guarantees "equality according to law, for citizens and foreigners" and democracy is central to everything in Costa Rica. Even the smallest of town have safe water, public and private telephones, dependable electricity service, and free compulsory elementary and high school education.

The Rest of Your Vacation

One of the reasons destinations like Costa Rica are chosen for medical procedures is that visitors can combine necessary health care at great prices with a truly memorable vacation in one package. Some of the activities many medical tourists enjoy while in the country include:

• White Water Rafting - Costa Rica has some of the premium whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers in the world. Many of these rafting courses take you through spectacular tropical wilderness much of which still shows little signs of exploration. All levels of rating and kayaking are available so there is something for everyone.
• Canopy Tours – If you want to see the forest canopy most like the creatures that live there this is the way to go. Cables designed by engineering experts allow visitors to move through the forest at bird's eye level in safety.
• Scuba Diving – The best diving is concentrated in the northern Flamingo-Coco and the Osa peninsula areas. Whether it's snorkeling or scuba diving, the fish varieties and populations are astounding.
• Sport Fishing - Costa Rica is the acknowledged sailfish capital of the world on the Pacific, the tarpon capital on the Caribbean. There is a variety of fresh water and salt water game fishing as well as great spots to do some fly fishing as well.
• Golf – There are number of world-class golf courses designed by golf architects such as Robert Trent Jones II, Arnold Palmer, George Fazio, Ted Robinson, and Mike Young. There are few places on earth one can enjoy 18 holes while taking in so much natural beauty.

With a world-class medical care, hotels, food, and entertainment it isn't hard to see why the number of medical tourists to Costa Rica increases every year.