Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 911. Public hospitals will treat emergencies. Private hospitals offer faster, English-speaking care.
Response time: 10-20 minutes urban
Cost: Public ER: minimal charge. Private: $100-500.
Healthcare System
Costa Rica has excellent healthcare for a Central American country. CCSS (Caja) provides universal public coverage. Private hospitals (CIMA, Clínica Bíblica) offer high-quality, affordable care popular with medical tourists.
Designed for: Costa Rican residents via CCSS. Visitors use private clinics or pay at public hospitals.
GP Access & Costs
Private clinics widely available. Walk-in accepted at many. EBAIS (public health centres) for residents.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: days to weeks.
GP Visit
Private GP: $50-100
Private GP
$50-100
ER Without Insurance
$100-500 at private hospitals.
Medication
Affordable. Farmacias widely available. Some medications available without prescription.
Health insurance is required for visa
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Daily 8am-8pm commonly. Fischel and Sucre chains widespread. Some 24-hour pharmacies.
OTC: Some medications available without prescription. Pharmacists can advise on treatments.
Controlled substances: Carry doctor's letter for controlled medications. Costa Rica has moderate drug regulations.
Practical Tips
- Hospital CIMA and Clínica Bíblica offer excellent English-speaking care
- Travel insurance is mandatory for entry — ensure you have it before departure
- Medical tourism packages available for dental, cosmetic, and wellness
- INS (national insurance) offers tourist insurance at the airport
- Learn basic Spanish medical terms for smaller clinics
Who can get care in Costa Rica?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Costa Rica treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Private clinics widely available. Walk-in accepted at many. EBAIS (public health centres) for residents. Typical cost: Private GP: $50-100. Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: days to weeks.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Proof of medical insurance is required for entry or for a visa to Costa Rica.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
Local contacts in Costa Rica
Emergency services
911
Call 911. Public hospitals will treat emergencies. Private hospitals offer faster, English-speaking care.
Pharmacies
Daily 8am-8pm commonly. Fischel and Sucre chains widespread. Some 24-hour pharmacies.
Some medications available without prescription. Pharmacists can advise on treatments.
What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?
911 in Costa Rica. Call 911. Public hospitals will treat emergencies. Private hospitals offer faster, English-speaking care.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Costa Rica?
Private GP: $50-100. Private consultations: $50-100.
Join the waitlist to see 4 more FAQs
Sources: Costa Rican Ministry of Health, CCSS Costa Rica, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare