Costa Rica Tourism and Retirement Guide
Health Care
Thanks to universal health care and good prenatal care the average life expectancy of Costa Ricans is now 77 years and infant mortality is 10.6 per 1000. This compares favorably to many developed nations including the US.
Prescriptions
Pack your prescription in your carry-on when you fly. E-mail yourself the particulars of your prescription before you leave so that even in the worst case scenario, if you lose everything, you will be able to communicate what you need. In Costa Rica you don't need a doctor's prescription for most medicines.
Medical tourism
Many people got to Costa Rica to have cosmetic surgery, regular surgery and dentistry work done. On average treatment costs are a third of what they are in the US. For information check out the Destination Pura Vida site.
Emergencies
Emergency phone number 911
Red Cross 128
Tourism Care Medical Services 2221-5818
Nobody can be refused health care in Costa Rica. Minors are treated for free. Adults will get an invoice so that you can claim it later with your health insurance. If a foreigner cannot make a payment, this will be discussed in an interview. Part or all of the bill will be waived if necessary.
Malaria
In the urban areas you will rarely encounter malaria. In the North and on the coasts malaria occurs occasionally. There is no reliable preventive to malaria. If you are worried use a repellent and stay in after dark and use a mosquito net when you sleep.
Dengue
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes in the daytime. They are bigger than the regular mosquito and you can recognize them by the black and white bands. Like malaria, dengue is more prevalent in the lower areas. Symptoms are high fever and agues. The first infection is not life threatening but a second one often is.
Leptospirosis. This is a bacteria that lives in animals. It is transmitted to humans via infected water. If you avoid polluted water you should be OK.