Because of it’s close proximity to the United States, Costa Rica is another country that is appealing to the US citizen when looking for Medical Tourism destinations. Located between the land of Panama and Nicaragua, as well as the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is not only a convenient destination, it is also a beautiful one. Costa Rica offers something for everyone with it’s tropical forests, to it’s volcanoes, or even the white, sandy beaches. Clearly a wonderful place to relax and recuperate!
*Vaccinations and entry requirements
While there are no required vaccinations for Costa Rica, the usual recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and Typhoid, but only if dining outside of major hotels or restaurants. A passport is required for entry and typically it is not required to have a Visa.
Here are some useful links to get entry and exit requirements information:
*Costa Rica procedures of excellence
Costa Rica is most commonly known for it’s cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, weight loss surgery, and dental work.
*Notable facilities in Costa Rica
The Joint Commission International (JCI) has accredited three hospitals in Costa Rica:
Hospital CIMA, San Jose
Hospital Clinica Biblica, San Jose
Hospital La Catolica, Guadalupe, San Jose
*Transportation to and around Costa Rica
The majority of travelers enter Costa Rica via plane through San Jose. It is relatively easy to get through the entry process in San Jose. There are a few nationals that are required to have a visa to enter and they do need to be arranged prior to entry into the country. Be sure to confirm your specific requirements.
*Cultural things to know about Costa Rica before you go
Traditions and Customs
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica although English is understood by many. If you are visiting the major tourist areas or the capital, where many of the facilities are located, you should not have a problem with a language barrier. With all foreign countries, if you speak even a small amount of native language it goes a long way.
Costa Ricans are very focused on family and the family traditions. While many women play important roles in government and business, there are still many traditions of gender differences and men and women are expected to act differently from each other and respect those individual roles.