Are expats eligible to enroll in CAJA (Costa Rica's public healthcare and pension system)?
Summary: If you are moving to Costa Rica, one question that you'll want to ask is if you are eligible for CAJA or public healthcare.
"Once you have Costa Rican residency you could just rely on CR public healthcare (CAJA), which you will be required to pay for. Some do that and some also buy worldwide insurance as we have done. I do use the public health care for routine medical visits and prescriptions, but I use private health care for more critical health issues. Public health care can be of varied quality in CR and is often overloaded," wrote one expat in a thread about medical coverage for retirees.
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RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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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.
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:
- Costa Rica Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica
- Mental Health Care in Costa Rica
- Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Costa Rica?
- Having a Baby in Costa Rica
- Health Insurance for Expats in Costa Rica
- 2025 Guide to Living in Costa Rica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica