Costa Rica Medical Insurance News
Costa Rica, located in between other Central American nations Nicaragua and Panama, was originally explored by Spaniards during the 16th century. However colonization did not occur until later due to many health risks, attacks by natives, searing heat, constant pirate raids and heavy rainy season. Costa Rica gained independence from Spain in 1821 on May the 10th, and then entered as one of many independent states into the United Provinces of Central America. This federation, however, later fell apart, and Costa Rica became a fully independent nation in 1838. In recent years a number of expatriates have started to relocate to Costa Rica due to the large amounts of foreign investment by big businesses, like Intel, creating jobs and wealth thus propelling the economy forward. During this time Costa Rican health infrastructure has seen a major boost due to increased flow of funds. Despite this most expatriates elect to be taken to Mexico or Panama for any major surgeries. This is because although Costa Rican facilities can offer these surgeries, quality remains high, however can be very expensive for some types of surgeries.
Because of its location, Central America, there are many diseases in Costa Rica. Some of these serious infectious diseases include Chaga′s Disease, Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Leishmaniasis, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Rabies and Typhoid. Chaga′s Disease, Dengue Fever, Leishmaniasis and Malaria are all insect borne diseases. To prevent these sorts of diseases it is advised that insect repellent is worn, and mosquito nets are put over your bed at night. These infections are more common in urban areas where stagnant water, such as that found in discarded tires, provide for a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other infectious insects. The other infectious diseases such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Leptospirosis and Typhoid are all water and food borne diseases which are quite deadly and easily caught if food and water quality is not checked. It is therefore advised to use non street food vendors, to avoid possible development of these diseases.
In Costa Rica when receiving healthcare, hospitals and private doctors expect up front payment, even you already have health insurance. This is the reason many expensive lengthy medical procedures are done either in Panama or Mexico. This being said most surgical procedures cost only a fraction of what they do in the United States. For example, a heart bypass operations costs about a third of what it does in the United States.
Costa Rica has universal health care, one of the best health systems in Latin America. As always with nationalized health care, expect red tape and long waits, but the quality of Costa Rica′s health care is excellent. In private healthcare many doctors speak English and have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S. There are three large, private hospitals that most expatriates use, which are; CIMA hospital in Escazu, Clinica Biblica in San Jose, and Clinica Catolica in San Jose-Guadalupe.
Statistics from the World Health Organization frequently place Costa Rica in the top country rankings in the world for long life expectancy, often ahead of Great Britain and the United States, even though the per-capita income of Costa Ricans is about one-tenth that of the U.S. and the U.K. Arguably, one reason for this is the slower more relaxed pace of living in Costa Rica and, of course, the healthy, fresh, non-preservative-laden foods found there, and the welcoming tropical climate.
Overall Costa Rica has a well rounded healthcare service. As is true with any country in the world, there are some problems inherent in the system; however most people are able to receive the care that they need when they need it. The only way to avoid the issues and concerns of any healthcare system in the world is through a quality international health insurance plan. These Costa Rica expat health insurance plans give you the flexibility to go to the doctor or hospital of your choice, meaning that no matter where in the world you may be located, from Australia to the Zimbabwe, you will always be able to receive the highest standard of care available.
For more information about the Costa Rica healthcare system, Costa Rica expat health insurance, or to receive a free comprehensive international health insurance quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.
For more information about Costa Rica Expat Health Insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.
Recent Questions / Comments: Pacific Prime can offer International Health Insurance coverage in the US and Canada for individuals moving overseas. Global medical insurance policies which we can provide will ensure that you have sufficient health coverage and are able to receive quality health care while you are living in the US and Canada. Pacific Prime offer comprehensive health insurance as well as additional coverage benefits to meet your specific health needs. 2011-02-08 12:01:21 |
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| Category: Coverage , Hospital , Emergency Evacuation , Individual , in-patient , out-patient | Read Answer Here |
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2012-01-06 11:23:09 |
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| Category: Coverage , Maternity , Family , Emergency Evacuation , Individual , Group , Company , Travel , IHI-BUPA , BUPA , Insurance Company | Read Answer Here |
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