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    Costa Rica

    International Health Insurance in Costa Rica

    A land of natural beauty, tropical beaches and vibrant culture, Costa Rica is a haven for expats. Whether you’re working remotely, studying or wanting to spend your retirement among the picturesque landscape, Costa Rica is proving to be an increasingly popular place to live.

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    Health Insurance in Costa Rica is necessary for expats, as there is a charge to use the public healthcare system.

    With Cigna Healthcare, we remove the hassle associated with arranging medical cover.

    Read on to find out more on Costa Rica’s healthcare system, and how we can help you get cover with a package to suit your needs.

    Cigna Leaf

    How does the healthcare system work in Costa Rica?

    Free public healthcare in Costa Rica is reserved for emergency situations only. Most of its citizens and expats need to pay for their own medical costs. The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) provided by the government is a public sector security fund that you pay into. Payments are relative to your income – those who earn more, pay more.

    You’re required to sign up for this when applying to live in the country. This could mean contributions of around 7-11% of your income. This still applies to pensions and savings. There are also coverage options through the private sector too.

    Costa Rica makes our list for top retirement destinations

    Pros and cons of using Costa Rica's healthcare system

    Pros

    • Affordable for most people in paid employment.
    • Income-based for those who earn less.
    • Provides 100% coverage for all health practices.

    Cons

    • Can face long wait times.
    • Extensive services often face long queues.
    • Can involve detailed paperwork and form filling for medical support.
    Cigna Leaf

    How can international health insurance help you in Costa Rica?

    Private health insurance can help you navigate the bureaucracy of Costa Rica’s government-led social medical care. Publicly accessible healthcare usually involves cumbersome and painstakingly detailed paperwork. With medical coverage, your paperwork and administration are handled by your provider.

    Read our guide to life in Costa Rica

    Choosing your international health insurance

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    Answer a few questions and enter your personal details to get started.

    Choose your plan

    Compare plans and find a flexible package to suit your needs.

    Get protected

    Receive your quote and get protected today.

    Cigna Global Health Options Plans

    Silver

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $1,000,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Newborn care cover
    Gold

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $2,000,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Inpatient Maternity
    Platinum

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: Paid in full
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Inpatient Maternity
    • Mental and Behavioural Health care paid in full

    Cigna Close Care℠ Plan

    Close Care

    Country of residence + Country of nationality
    Overview

    An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient and Wellness Care
    • Dental Care and Treatment
    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $500,000
    • Condition limit: $250,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Semi-private room
    • Full cancer care
    Cigna Leaf

    Why choose Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in Costa Rica?

    • 24/7 support for mind and body – It’s not just physical, we also place great importance on mental health. Living away from home can cause homesickness and lead to you feeling down. We provide round the clock care in case this happens.
    • Large coverage – Our wide coverage ensures that you get medical treatment throughout the whole country.
    • Flexibility – A plan that’s fits for your personal needs.
    • Access interactive tools – anywhere, anytime.

    Get a quote today

    FAQs

    How do I get treatment?

    Contact our Customer Care Team whenever you need medical attention and we’ll tell you where you need to go, and what to do. This saves you the hassle of doing it yourself.

    Does Cigna Healthcare cover vision and dental care?

    You can add the International Vision & Dental package as an additional option to your Cigna Healthcare private medical insurance in Costa Rica.

    Does Cigna Healthcare cover Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

    We offer emotional and psychological wellbeing support to all our customers based on the evidence-based approach of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Simply login to access our Living Life to the Full program.

    © 2025 Cigna Healthcare. All rights reserved.

    *Please note, this is a representation of the benefits available and does not contain the terms, conditions, and exclusions specific to each benefit. The benefits may be subject to change. Some benefits may be part of an optional module. Please see the Customer Guide for full details.

    This website is provided by Cigna European Services (UK) Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales having its registered address at 13th Floor, 5 Aldermanbury Square, London EC2V 7HR and registered number 00199739. The Cigna Healthcare name, logo and other Cigna Healthcare marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by The Cigna Group and its operating subsidiaries.