Medical Tourism In Costa Rica: World Class Healthcare In Latin America

By Nathalia Romero Sanchez, Costa Rica Property & Lifestyle Writer | Published on May 29, 2026

Medical tourism refers to traveling to a foreign country for a medical procedure, which is common in Europe and the US, where such procedures are either unavailable or very expensive. The main reasons for health tourism have to do with the affordable prices and convenient travel options that Costa Rica offers.

According to the Costa Rican Chamber of Health (PROMED), medical tourism represents 13.4% of the visitors who come to the country each year, generating $465 million in income, with a per person budget of $6,600. More than 80% of the visitors are from the US, and 10% are from Canada. Costa Rica has around 1,200 clinics receiving international patients, generating a strong economic uplift within the communities. (x)

Costa Rica real estate benefits directly from tourism trends that look for prolonged stays, community development, and sustainable economic growth.

Why Costa Rica Is a Top Destination for Medical Tourism

Costa Rica has one of the highest qualities of medical care in Latin America, with top doctors in every area, and holds international standards for facilities to be safe and secure, becoming accredited by international organizations offering modern procedures with international verification. The high standard of medical care in Costa Rica has become an attraction for medical tourism, especially for dental work.

• Health tourism in Costa Rica is a broad concept covering treatments, wellness procedures, and surgeries.
• While many visit primarily for nature and travel, health tourism often serves as a complement or a secondary leisure option.
• A specific segment of tourists chooses Costa Rica to access treatments at approximately half the cost found in their home countries.

Most Common Medical Procedures for Health Tourists in Costa Rica

The most common procedures are dental work, specialty surgeries, plastic surgery, general surgery, orthopedic procedures, dermatology, and cosmetic procedures, depending on the objective of the tourist. Travelers come for medical procedures and usually get more than one done, combining different procedures in the same trip.

Costs and procedures are usually half the price abroad, even with the expenses of traveling and receiving treatment. Tourists choose Costa Rica as their destination due to inefficiencies in their own home countries' healthcare systems, with long referral lines and long wait times between procedures.

Before you commit to a procedure and extended stay, make sure you are looking for certified options with international qualifications to back up the procedures, as well as comments and reputation.

Costa Rica's Healthcare System: Public and Private Coverage

The state's public healthcare system, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or CAJA, provides coverage to its residents and citizens within its hospitals and clinics found all throughout the various provinces of Costa Rica.

The free healthcare of Costa Rica adds another level to this is the success of the hospital industry of Costa Rica, which has been attracting foreign clients for many years now. Many foreigners look forward to their residence, to be able to retire within a healthcare structure that protects them and their family. This makes Costa Rica a nation where healthcare determines not only one's health but also their real estate value and rental potential.

Hospitals in the Greater Metropolitan Area: San José, Escazú & Santa Ana

The capital city of San José is the focal point of medical tourism in the country. In fact, the Greater Metropolitan Area is where the most accredited private hospitals, highly experienced international physicians, and the latest medical technologies of Central America can be found.

Most of the medical tourism offers in the area are correlated to the offers situated in each of the zones; most of the offers are private clinics and specialized centers.

There are famous advanced orthopedic surgeries, as well as extensive restorative dentistry procedures, which are the most common requests among tourists. San José offers top notch medical services, reduced expenses, and infrastructure tailored to medical travelers.

There’s a strong expat community that’s specifically interested in being close to hospitals and airports. Accessibility is a strong factor when deciding to relocate to a new city

Private Hospitals & Clinics in the Great Metropolitan Area

Hospital CIMA JCI Accredited Escazú · orthopedics, oncology, cardiac · best medical tourism destination

Clínica Bíblica Downtown San José · ophthalmology, fertility/IVF, general surgery

Hospital La Católica Guadalupe · oncology, neurology, bariatric surgery · with a strong international patient program

Hospital Clínica Sánchez San José · general private clinic · affordable private care

Clínica Dental Unidental: In multiple locations · dental tourism hub · implants, veneers, full mouth restorations

Instituto Costarricense de Retina y Mácula: Ophthalmology specialist · retina surgery, LASIK

Hospital on the Pacific Coast: Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula

The Pacific Coast is the clearest example of how infrastructure significantly increases the value of the properties and the living possibilities of the zone. Properties in the region, such as those in Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Nosara, are witnessing a market trend towards investment in luxury properties, vacation homes, and retirement options.

Guanacaste has a particular offer of wellness-oriented communities. This wellness industry is a growing one, featuring yoga retreats, longevity centers, rehabilitation centers, and organic farms, drawing in individuals who wish to live a better, more natural life as well as be part of a wellness community.

Private Clinics on the Pacific Coast

Clínica Tamarindo Médica: Foreign and tourism focused private clinic · English speaking staff · general & emergency

Clínica Nosara: Private clinic · wellness oriented · serves expat & surf community

Papagayo Medical Center: Peninsula Papagayo · private, serves the luxury resort corridor

Hospital on the Southern Pacific: Pérez Zeledón, Osa & Dominical

The Southern Zone is still one of the areas that continues to receive exponential growth in the infrastructure area. The region has received major attention from investors who prioritize natural environments and off grid living. This part of the country is known for its wellness centers, ecological projects, and very niche real estate developments. The promising infrastructure of the area is attracting investors who believe in the future of the area.

Private Clinics and Wellness Centers in Southern Pacific

Clínica Dominical: Small private clinic · basic care, expat community

Dualia Healing Centre: Holistic clinic · integrative therapies

Wellness & Retreat Centers (Uvita, Dominical): Functional medicine, naturopathy, detox programs.

Choosing Your Zone: The Intersection of Health & Real Estate Investment in Costa Rica

The smartest real estate strategy in Costa Rica starts with one question: how important is immediate access to advanced medical care?

For individuals who require or prefer to live near hospitals, whether seniors dealing with medical issues, medical tourists looking to establish themselves in a recovery environment, or families with children, the GAM and Central Valley areas provide a balance of healthcare availability, cosmopolitan urban living , and property value.

Medical tourism also strengthens urban structure, connectivity, local businesses, services, and employment. Nationwide, infrastructure correlates with this value given by the industry: property prices consistently appreciate alongside the development of stronger infrastructure.