Costa Rica Expat Forum

Healthcare and Preexisting conditions

TK1975

2/21/2022 12:13 EST

I have a pre-existing condition that requires IVIG every month, we understand it would be an extra premium. Does anyone have any experience getting insured for a pre-existing condition and then receiving infusions each month?
thank you!

Lifelongstudent

5/23/2022 15:13 EST

Hi - Which medical air evacuation plan have you chosen? Thank you.

Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

Learn More

AshfordTravel

5/18/2022 22:31 EST

My wife just had major surgery here yesterday CR & we paid out of pocket it was so cheap! She was just transferred to a beautiful "extended care/retirement complex) in Escazu and my dinner with her tonight was amazing including wine of our choice. Not hospital food like in the states! And only $ 1000 for 7 days in-house. Crazy!

Husker22

5/18/2022 11:10 EST

My family and I plan to move to CR in July and I will be needing IVIG infusions there. Curious if you gained traction on your healthcare pursuit in Costa Rica and what hospitals and doctors you found.

Any insights on this would be helpful, thanks.

TK1975

2/22/2022 16:36 EST

Right now that sounds cheap compared to what we pay in the states, lol. My medicine is out of pocket $40,000-70,000/month, with insurance I meet my out of pocket max the first month. I'm still fairly young - 46, so I'm finding that most private insurances we chat with have already said no outright. We'll keep on digging...thanks for your response-

TK1975

2/22/2022 16:24 EST

Thank you so much, super helpful. I'm finding that's the case for pretty much every country. Appreciate your response.

Learn More

AshfordTravel

2/22/2022 16:12 EST

Depending upon your age and having a pre-existing condition, private health insurance can be tough to get and quite expensive with very high deductibles (e.g. 10,000). The silver lining is the cost of all medical, drugs, dental services, etc. are crazy less then in the States. We have a good private medical air-evac policy to get us back to the states after stabilization for any serious medical condition.

Kohl

2/22/2022 15:44 EST

All I have read & heard regarding preexisting conditions, is that they are generally not covered. However, once you have gained legally residency, you would be covered by CAJA , the socialized healthcare system which is mandatory, but which won't help you until you have your cedula 'in hand.' Presently, many residency applicants have reported that it is taking over 3+ years to complete their application process.

Even then, not all medications are available here through CAJA. Many expats also purchase additional coverage with private healthcare due to long wait times, for specialized conditions.

Costa Rica Legal Residency

Costa Rica Legal Residency is a bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience on Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship.
Learn More

Costa Rica Legal Residency

Costa Rica Legal Residency is a bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience on Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship.
Learn More

Living in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Costa Rica.

Healthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

Additional Information:

Visit our Costa Rica Index for a Full List

Costa Rica Legal Residency

Costa Rica Legal Residency is a bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience on Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship.
Learn More

Costa Rica Legal Residency

Costa Rica Legal Residency is a bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience on Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship.
Learn More

Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.