The nearly calamitous economic meltdown in the United States, combined with skyrocketing health care prices, has had a surprising bonus for thousands of Americans—and for Costa Rica.
Each year, more than 25,000 people, mostly Americans, hop a jet or ocean liner and travel south for medical care in the land named by Christopher Columbus, Costa Rica. Why? Because they are finding that medical and dental care in Costa Rica is now on par with the best clinics and hospitals in the States but at a fraction of the expense.
Plastic surgery procedures make up about 13% of all Costa Rica medical tourism. Today’s tourists expect, and get, quality medical care in Costa Rica.
Only the world’s finest hospitals have Joint Commission International Accreditation and 3 Costa Rica hospitals are so certified and accredited, providing assurance that they meet the highest world benchmarks for hospitals and patient care. Those hospitals are Cima, Clinical Biblica, and La Catolica Hospital, all in or just outside San Jose.
It’s no secret that American medical care is the priciest in the world—by a long shot.
And, for the nearly 50 million USA citizens without medical insurance, there is insult added to injury because its hospitals charge uninsured patients much more for services than people having good insurance.
This is where Costa Rica hospital treatment comes in for thousands of suffering American travellers. Why? Because they often can save 65% in Costa Rica for the same medical or dental care they would receive in the US.
Not convinced? For patients without healthcare insurance, total knee replacement surgery in the U.S. Can cost $35,000 or even more. Clinica Biblica charges less than $12,000.
Globally accredited medical hospitals and board certified physicians—many who’ve studied and trained in the U. S. at world famous universities charge about $3,200 for breast enhancement. Lasik eye surgery that might run up to $5,000 in the States is less than $2,000. For more women wanting surgery, Costa Rica is the solution. Instead of paying $10,000 for a facelift, they hop a plane, pay $3,000 or less, recuperate in a tropical paradise on a Costa Rica vacation, and go home with money they have saved in their pocket.
In addition to the three JCI accredited hospitals, there are 3 clinics accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Facilities.
They are UNIBE (Universidad de Iberoamerica) which offers ambulatory and surgical care; Sonrisa Por Todo (Smiles for Everyone) providing dental care; and Pino Cosmetic Surgery Clinic.
And, more than a 3rd of all Costa Rica medical tourists come for dental surgery or dental implants. Implants that often cost up to $3,000 in the United States are between $500-$750 in Costa Rica.
Periodontal surgery that is more than $2,500 in America is about $400.
Thinking about finally taking that eagerly awaited get away? Maybe it is time for a great Costa Rica vacation. And, while you are at it, why not combine that time in a tropical nirvana with great medical care in Costa Rica?