Can expats use the public healthcare system in Costa Rica?
Summary: Expats who have obtained residency must pay into the public healthcare system, called CAJA.
Expats who have obtained residency must pay into the public healthcare system, called CAJA. CAJA is short for Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (abbreviated as CCSS). Your payment can be estimated using Costa Rican social security fees calculator on the CCSS website. This tool is more straight-forward for expats are working in Costa Rica. For expats living in Costa Rica on a Rentista or Pensionado visa, for example, your CAJA payment is based upon the income that you declared on your residency application.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceGet Quote
Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceNever worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote
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
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Costa Rica?
- Having a Baby in Costa Rica
- Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica for Christmas Cheer
- 2026 Guide to Living 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