Resident health care would be availible

Know that most residents also purchase additional insurance or 'pay for care' at a private facility.

It will take about a year before you secure a status that entitles you to be part of the health care system.  You had better do some research into what is involved when you have a cedula,  If you report a decent pension income when applying "your CAJA health care coverage can cost you a fortune each month".  It is vital that you declare the smallest possible pension when applying for Pensionado status.  For example:  If you have a government pension that pays $1,050 per month, and you have a company or private pension which pays $3,000 per month "just use the smaller pension when applying for status".  The cost of your health care is based on what you reported as guaranteed pension income when you apply for status.  One couple made the mistake of declaring all of their worldly pension income, and their CAJA monthly payment was increased to nearly $700. "so they had to leave Costa Rica".

Realize that Edward1958 is not a legal resident so he hasn't used the healthcare system.

Wait time for surgery or to see a specialist can take a year or two. You must use the local clinic in your immediate area, and can't pick your doctor.

It will depend on what temporary residency category you apply for, what your healthcare fees will be.

Hi donpotter01,

I created a new thread from your post along with some feedback you had on the Costa Rica forum following your need for information.

Hope it helped,
Bhavna 

Cupacoffee is still trying to get my cedula number.... LOL

Impossiblte, I know....

Hello Donpotter,
I have never had to use the health care system here yet, but other expats say it isn't too bad, except some were complaining about the CAJA rates going up.  They built a huge new hospital just a few minutes from us, so it appears to me that the country is determined to provide good health care coverage.  Someone else here could provide you with more information about the services, as I said "I've not sought any services as of yet".

Hello Cupacoffee,
When you apply for your cedula I suggest you use the same guy we did, his rates are better than most.

Jairo Alvarado
Consultant
Quality Solutions Network S.A.
San José, San Pedro, Barrio Dent, del Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano, 200 Norte y 50 este. Edificio Ofident.
Telephones:
+506-2261-7000
+506-2237-3491
+506-2524-1452
Fax:
+506-2238-3951
P.O. Box:
235-3015
40501-Costa Rica
Skype: immigrationcr
[email protected]
[email protected]
ImmigrationServicesCR.com