Costa Rica's Medical Tourism
Affordable healthcare, Board Certified surgeons, and highly trained medical professionals have made Costa Rica one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism. Moreover, Costa Rica’s proximity to the States – most major cities are a five hour flight or less – makes it an accessible and convenient choice for the one million Americans who take medical vacations every year.
read more closeMedical vacations combine surgical procedures with pampered escapes, often at comfortable recovery centers or hotels that cater to patients on the mend. Surgery packages typically include airfare, recovery and sightseeing, and run 1/4 to 2/3 the cost of the surgery alone in the United States.
Of course, price is not the only concern when researching a medical vacation: safety and patient comfort also top the list. Costa Rica’s modern hospitals, cutting-edge technology, and Board Certified plastic surgeons are some of the country’s biggest draws. A majority of the country’s physicians have studied abroad, earning their degrees from some of the best medical schools in the United States and Europe. As in the United States, Costa Rican law requires surgeons to carry liability insurance to assure patients protection from malpractice.
All surgeons catering to medical tourists speak fluent English, and at many of the country’s most reputable hospitals, most of the staff is bilingual as well. Patient comfort is a priority, and Costa Rican physicians take pride in providing personalized follow-up care, visiting patients several times after surgery to review progress and addressing any concerns.
If you’re considering a medical vacation, research is key. Do your due diligence on any hospital and surgeon, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What do your surgery package costs include? What is not included?
At which hospital will my surgery take place?
Will I be able to speak to my doctor before arriving in Costa Rica?
Do all doctors and staff speak English?
What are the hospital’s recovery and post-op practices?
What are the specifics of the hospital’s and surgeon’s malpractice insurance?
Can you provide me with references and contact information for recent patients?
Cost Comparisons:
Cosmetic Surgery |
USA |
Costa Rica |
Breast Augmentation |
$6,000-$10,000 |
$2,500-$3,500 |
Facelift |
$7,500-$15,000 |
$3,500-$5,000 |
Smart Liposuction |
$4,000 per area |
$2,000 per area |
Rhinoplasty |
$10,000-$15,000 |
$3,000-$4,000 |
Tummy Tuck |
$5,000-$8,500 |
$3,500-$4,500 |
Medical & Dental Procedures |
USA |
Costa Rica |
Gastric Bypass |
$20,000-$35,000 |
$10,500 |
Heart Bypass |
Up to $130,000 |
$24,000 |
Hip Replacement |
$35,000-$40,000 |
$12,000 |
Conventional Lasik |
$4,300 for both eyes |
$1,300 for both eyes |
IntraLase Lasik |
$5,100 for both eyes |
$2,500 for both eyes |
Porcelain Veneers |
$1,500 per tooth |
$300-$500 per tooth |
Teeth Whitening |
$500-$1000 |
$200-$300 |