Job Discussion Forums

lehh · Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 12

I'll be moving to Costa Rica in the San Jose area in June, and was wondering how exactly to go about purchasing health insurance.

I'm thinking about getting health insurance from INS but can't figure out exactly how to go about getting it. (My Spanish isn't great and it looks like there is no English translation for the website)

Can it be purchased before my trip, or will I have to talk to someone down there upon arrival?

It would be great if anyone can answer these questions or even share any other advice or information on health insurance! Thanks

djlera · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Heredia, Costa Rica

I bought insurance from a broker. You will see them around usually advertising with the INS tree symbol. This is accident insurance only and it should cost you around $150 for a year of coverage up to $17,000. This may not sound like a lot but down here it is.

The way it works is, if you get injured, you go to the hospital and after the fact you bring your papers to and INS office and get them to cover the expenses. Thankfully I have not had to use it!

If you are in Heredia I can give the name and location of the guy I bought from.... all of this happens in Spanish, so be prepared.

logicpocket · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

When I think accident I think physical accident, how about getting some raging dengue or something along those lines? Know if the INS insurance covers that? Also, are they willing to sell coverage to someone doing 90-day visas?

Cheers

libchivs · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 2:54 am Post subject:

Can you get insurance in Costa Rica if you are there on a tourist visa? I have been looking into getting insurance through the US before I go. I assume it is going to be more expensive. Is it better to get it once you get to Costa Rica? Any advice?

Thanks!

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

these are all good questions. i've heard good things about costa rica's national health system, but i want to know if that kind of coverage is available to those of us on tourist visas. bump for more answers.

John Hall · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:31 pm Post subject:

Yes, there is a type of health insurance that you can get from INS even if you are here just on a tourist visa, but that's all that I know about it. I know a guy who used to work for INS, but now works for a private insurer. I will email him to ask him what he knows about this.

John Hall

Turns out my friend is not in the insurance business any more. He didn't know anything more about it than I know.

However, I am going to quote from an article, "INS Medical versus Social Security," that I recently read in The Tico Times, July 6, 2007 ed., p. W4:

John Hall · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 7:02 pm Post subject:

Here's something that I wrote on the General Latin America forum:

"Probably one of the best things about staying in Costa Rica long-term and working legally here is the health insurance. Mine is deducted from my paycheck and covers my entire family.

I also have a friend who is a legal resident and English teacher but does not work full-time. He is married, and has a kid, but only pays 10000 Costa Rican colones per month for full coverage. That's about US$19 per month."

EdwardinCR · Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Posts: 7

Consider this- The insurance down here is cheap and the coverage limit is low. If it is still a 17 thou' ceiling this is terrible. I have lived here for years and know several people who have run up bills in tens of thousands of dollars for major treatments/accidents. It is my opinion that for small stuff it is OK. If you get something major you are screwed and your choices are limited. Check out HCC Medical services. For not much more I got a major U.S. style policy. You can somewhat select your limits and services.