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As a foreigner living in Costa Rica, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

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We asked expats in Costa Rica if they have access to public healthcare in Costa Rica. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Costa Rica, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Costa Rica is known for its high quality of care and is considered to be one of the best in Latin America. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents of Costa Rica. The public healthcare system provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system also offers free or low-cost medications and treatments," said a member in Costa Rica.

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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.

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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
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"I am eligible to enroll in the public health system. To do so, the expat must have their legal residence. The amount of the voluntary insurance is about US $ 40 a month (US $ 480 a year), and the registration process is simple. Generally, expats insure themselves, since it is an advantage to have a fairly wide network of public hospitals. Pre-existing conditions are covered. The quality of the public health service is debatable, as the times to get medical appointments are sometimes very long," remarked another expat who made the move to Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

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As a foreigner living in Costa Rica, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of InternationalTravel.ai and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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Experience affordable luxury at CitizenM hotels, with stylish stays at locations like New York, London and Paris. Smart tech and prime locations make your stay unforgettable.
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Experience affordable luxury at CitizenM hotels, with stylish stays at locations like New York, London and Paris. Smart tech and prime locations make your stay unforgettable.
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