Health Care in Escazu
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Escazu: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Escazu.
Escazu is home to a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and is used by both locals and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Escazu for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Escazu are typically crowded and have long wait times, but the care is generally good. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Escazu are typically more modern and have shorter wait times, but the care is more expensive.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Escazu
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Escazu for expats. Clinica Biblica is a private hospital located in San Jose, about 10 minutes away from Escazu by car. Clinica Catolica is a private hospital located in San Jose, about 15 minutes away from Escazu by car. Clinica Santa Monica is a private hospital located in Santa Ana, about 20 minutes away from Escazu by car. Clinica San Jose is a public hospital located in San Jose, about 10 minutes away from Escazu by car. Clinica San Rafael is a public hospital located in San Rafael, about 15 minutes away from Escazu by car.
Emergency Services in Escazu
There are ambulance services in Escazu. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or call the local fire department. Ambulances typically come quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.
Health Insurance Companies in Escazu
The most popular private health insurers in Escazu are Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Nacional. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.
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.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Escazu
- Best Markets in Escazu
- Retire in Escazu Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Escazu
- Pros & Cons of Living in Escazu
- Cost of Living in Escazu
- Health Care in Escazu
- Discovering the Best of Escazu
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- 10 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Costa Rica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica


