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PJP
  5/6/2022 07:42 EST

Is the medical care in Costa Rica comparable to health care in Canada?
Can you purchase private medical insurance if you live there or if you apply for residency?
Are law enforcement professionals well trained and trustworthy?
Anything a reader feels I should know or consider before moving to Costa Rica.

Kohl
  5/6/2022 12:38 EST

If you are meaning 'for many appointments will I have to wait for a long time to see a specialist, have surgery, etc', yes, it is similar to Canada.' However, you can purchase health insurance there, in fact, most expats do. And very often, that appointment can be had on the following day. Other expats choose to 'pay as you go' to some of the other smaller private facilities, if the are available where you choose to live.

CAJA, the socialized healthcare, works OK for a sore throat, bad cold or other minor problems, but you will have to wait inline for a few hours, then go home , then return to pick up a Rx which will cost you nothing. You can't 'choose' which doctor you would prefer to see or what facility you prefer to use.

It is mandatory that you affiliate with the CAJA but if the principal applicant is under 55 it could cost US$450+ per month and you won't know the exact amount of your monthly premium until the application process is nearly complete. You will not be covered until you receive your cedula, and presently, that is taking a long time.

In regards to police, lets say, you have to have make sure that you home is protected. In the many areas it takes them a long time to check out your complaint and have rarely ever heard of home insurance paying up, or the police 'finding' your stolen items. The latter being from my own experiences.

Realize that on many fronts, it can be just as expensive to live in Canada...depending of course on where you live...so don't expect, 'cheap' especially if you have children attending a private school, which is preferable as many public schools are still 'very rustic.' and few have any extra curricular activities, if any.

Vaccinations for childhood diseases are required for entry into all schools, and copies of them must be provided from your present healthcare facility.

It is often said, that 50-60% of expats return 'home' after 3-4 years.

Best to rent for an extended time, until you are sure that CR is for you. It is very easy to buy...but often very difficult to sell.

Visit first, although living there is very different from being on vacation, especially with children.

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