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.
Insider Tips from Expats in Escazu: Health Care
“I’ve been living in Escazu for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. Escazu is known for being one of the more upscale areas in the country, so you’ll find plenty of options for housing, shopping, and dining that cater to expats and locals alike.In terms of housing, you’ll want to look for neighborhoods like San Rafael de Escazu, which is a bit more affordable than some of the other areas in town. You can find nice apartments or houses for rent in the range of $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on the size and location. If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Jaboncillos or Los Laureles, but keep in mind that these areas can be quite a bit more expensive, with rents often exceeding $3,000 per month.As for other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, utilities, and transportation are all relatively affordable in Escazu. You can expect to spend around $500 to $700 per month on groceries, depending on your shopping habits and preferences. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will likely cost you around $150 to $200 per month. If you have a car, you’ll need to budget for gas and maintenance, but if you prefer to use public transportation, you can get around town for just a few dollars a day.One thing to keep in mind is that while Escazu offers many modern amenities, it’s still a developing country, so you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of certain luxuries or conveniences that you’re used to. For example, you might not have access to the same variety of products or brands that you’re used to back home, and you might find that certain services, like home repairs or healthcare, are not quite up to the same standards as you’re used to.Overall, though, I think you’ll find that living in Escazu on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You’ll be able to enjoy a high quality of life, with access to modern amenities, beautiful surroundings, and a welcoming expat community. Just be prepared to make a few adjustments and embrace the local culture, and you’ll have a great experience living in this beautiful part of Costa Rica,” commented an expat living in Escazu.
