Good Health Care at Low Cost
One of the uppermost thoughts in a retiree's mind is that related with health-care. The retiree will generally not want to be too far away from a hospital, clinic or other health facility. Or at least be close enough so that with the communications and transportation means existing he can reach any of these places quickly in case of an emergency.
The Costa Rican Social Security System is an autonomous state institution which offers universal health services - free or paid as the case may be - throughout the country. To your surprise, you'll find that the smallest town or rural community has a clinic of the Seguro Social. And you can avail yourself of its services. The system is supported by payroll deductions and almost 95% of the country's population is covered.
Many of the doctors, especially specialists, are bilingual and have had specialized training in the best medical schools and hospitals in the United States. Fortunately the cost of medical care is a fraction of the cost of what it is in the United States. Perhaps that's why health Tourism has grown so rapidly in recent years. Hundreds of men and women come from abroad annually to Costa Rica for a face lifts, hair transplants, liposuctions, wrinkle elimination or receive low-cost top quality dental care.
Others have come for a bypass, angioplasty or several types of coronary surgery. I myself have had two angioplasties in past years and their cost was a fraction of what they would have cost in the States. Hospital stays are also much less costly in Costa Rica. Thus, a retire e can find excellent quality medical care at a reasonable cost for practically any of his health problems.
According to one expatriate retiree: "Health care in Costa Rica seems much more rational and reasonable compared to the United States. Pharmacies and pharmacists are allowed to prescribe remedies for low-grade problems without consulting a doctor. The result seems to be faster, less expensive solutions to the majority of ailments experienced by most people. So far, the system is a delight".
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