Learn why Costa Rica is a top medical tourism destination

A Guide to Medical Tourism in Costa Rica, Presented by Summer Coast Realty

Welcome to Costa Rica, a Premier Destination for Health and Wellness

Famed for its breathtaking natural landscapes and the tranquil “Pura Vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica has solidified its position as a global leader in medical tourism. This rise is fueled by an unbeatable combination of affordable medical care in Costa Rica, top-tier healthcare, and an ideal setting for rest and recovery. Consequently, a growing number of international patients are making Costa Rica their go to choice for medical procedures.As experts in Guanacaste real estate, we at Summer Coast Realty understand the country’s appeal.

At the core of this industry is San José, the nation’s capital, where you’ll find a concentration of private hospitals in Costa Rica delivering outstanding medical care for a fraction of the price of many Western countries, equipped with advanced infrastructure and multilingual staff.

So, what should you expect from a medical tourism trip to Costa Rica? Let’s take a closer look at the services, costs, key locations, and diverse options available to you. For those considering a longer stay, our Flamingo Beach properties are an excellent option.

What is Medical Tourism? A Deeper Look

At its core, medical tourism involves traveling to another country to receive medical care. For many, this is driven by the high costs of healthcare in their home countries, particularly for elective procedures or specialized treatments not covered by insurance. Costa Rica healthcare addresses this need by providing world class medical facilities and highly trained professionals at a fraction of the cost found in North America or Europe, without compromising on quality. The vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings, including our spectacular Tamarindo Beach properties, enhance the recovery process.The private healthcare sector in Costa Rica is particularly impressive, especially within the capital city of San José.

Here, world class medical services are provided at a cost significantly lower than in many Western nations. These facilities are not only modern and well equipped but are also staffed by professionals who often speak multiple languages to ensure a comfortable experience for every patient. This is why more people are choosing properties in Costa Rica by Summer Coast Realty for a permanent residence.

Services: A Comprehensive Range of Treatments

Dental Care: The Most Sought After Service

Dental tourism in Costa Rica is, without a doubt, the most popular and sought after service. Its immense popularity is driven by a powerful combination of significant cost savings, expert dental professionals, and the use of cutting edge technology. This makes it a prime destination for a wide range of procedures, from simple cleanings to complex full mouth reconstructions.

Unmatched Cost-Effectiveness
The primary reason patients travel for dental implants in Costa Rica is the dramatic price difference. Patients can save anywhere from 50% to 70% on dental treatments compared to costs in the United States and Canada, even after factoring in travel and accommodation expenses.

Example Savings:

Dental Implant: $800 – $1,600 (vs. $3,000 – $5,000 in the U.S.)
All-on-4 Full Mouth Restoration: $9,000 – $11,000 (vs. $24,000+ in the U.S.)
Porcelain Veneers and Crowns: Savings of over 50%

Costa Rican dental clinics are renowned for their high standards, supported by highly qualified dentists. Many trained in the U.S. or Europe and specialize in prosthodontics or endodontics. Clinics are equipped with the latest technology, including 3D digital imaging and CAD/CAM systems, ensuring precision and faster treatment times.

Cosmetic Surgery: Excellence in Aesthetics

Costa Rica is also a leading destination for cosmetic surgery abroad, offering procedures like facelifts, breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and liposuction. These are performed by board certified plastic surgeons in Costa Rica in state of the art surgical centers. Patients benefit from significant cost savings while receiving care in JCI accredited hospitals such as CIMA, Clínica Bíblica, and Hospital La Católica.Popular procedures include:

Facelifts in Costa Rica (50–70% cheaper than in the U.S.)
Breast Augmentation with FDA approved implants
Tummy Tucks and Liposuction

Orthopedics and Other Services

Orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica is increasingly popular, particularly for knee and hip replacements. For example, a knee replacement costing $35,000+ in the U.S. can be performed for as little as $11,000 in Costa Rica. Patients also benefit from a tranquil recovery setting in Guanacaste.

Other sought-after services include:

Weight loss surgery in Costa Rica (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass)
Ophthalmology (LASIK, cataract removal)
Fertility treatments in Costa Rica
Preventative care and wellness check-ups

Notable Medical Facilities in Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts several world-class private hospitals:

Hospital CIMA (JCI-accredited, advanced technology)
Clínica Bíblica (patient-centered care, long history)
Hospital La Católica (modern, personalized services)
Hospital Metropolitano (affordable healthcare, branches in Guanacaste and San José)
Hospital San Rafael Arcángel in Liberia (a key option for medical tourism in Guanacaste)

These facilities, alongside specialized clinics in Tamarindo, Huacas, Flamingo, and Playas del Coco, make Guanacaste medical tourism highly convenient for expats and international patien

Prices: Exceptional Value without Compromise

Patients can expect to save between 30–70% on treatments. Average costs include:

Dental Implant: $700 – $1,500
Full Mouth Restoration: $15,000 – $30,000
Knee Replacement: $10,000 – $15,000
Breast Augmentation: $3,500 – $5,500

Costa Rica healthcare is among the best in Latin America, with a robust mix of public and private services. Life expectancy here is one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere, ranking just below Canada. This makes Costa Rica medical tourism a reliable and attractive option for those seeking both quality and affordability.Contact Broker CEO Lindsey Cantillo and the team at Summer Coast Realty to find your home in Guanacaste where recovery, wellness, and real estate investment come together.

AUTHOR

Lindsey Cantillo

C.E.O. of Summer Coast Realty. Flamingo Tamarindo Beach Properties

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