Can a foreigner be covered by the Costa Rican social security?

Summary: Can expats use Costa Rica's public healthcare system, CAJA?

This question was posted in the frequently asked questions section of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CAJA / CSS) website. Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social website had the following answer: "Yes, the Costa Rican social security regime is a non-exclusive regime, for those who meet the requirements established by the legal system, including foreigners, residents or inhabitants who are legally in the country can be insured under the principles of universality and solidarity."

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.