Costa Rica Medical Tourism: World Class Accredited Hospitals And Exquisite, Affordable Medical Care In Costa Rica

With the increase in people losing their health insurance, Costa Rica medical tourism is now taking up the slack for more than 25,000 people every year. Mostly Americans, they board a jet or cruise ship and head south for Costa Rica. And, more and more folks are taking vacations to this little Latin American country that include medical tourism. Why? Because they have found that medical care in Costa Rica is now on par with the best hospitals in the United States but at a fraction of the cost. It is ironic that the wealthiest country the world has ever seen is essentially outsourcing medical care of its citizens.

There is a stubborn urban myth that American health care is the best in the world. Maybe it was true once upon a time. Of course, there are many thousands of hospitals on this planet that do not measure up to the standards of many American hospitals, but today there are many that do so. The top hospitals in the world are today certified and have Joint Commission International Accreditation, providing assurance that they meet the most rigorous international benchmarks for hospital standards and patient care.

Many countries simply cannot meet the stringent requirements and standards to have a hospital accredited. But, three Costa Rica hospitals are accredited by JCI. They are , Cima, and Clinica Biblica, all in or very near to San Jose. Each has a wide range of surgical services and Board Certified doctors.

American health care is the costliest in the world—by a long shot. And, for the nearly fifty million Americans without health insurance, injury is added to insult because most care givers and hospitals charge uninsured patients much more for services than folks fortunate enough to have good insurance. This is where Costa Rica medical care comes into play. Thousands of suffering American travelers are becoming Costa Rica medical tourists because they want to get great care and save money. Many find savings of up to 65% in Costa Rica for the identical services they would receive in the United States-if they had the money.

Not convinced? Here is one example. For patients without health insurance, total knee replacement surgery in the U.S. can cost more than $25,000. Clinica Biblica charges about $12,000.

The three San Jose internationally accredited medical hospitals and board certified doctors—many of whom have studied and trained in the United States and at other world renowned medical schools—typically charge about $3,200 for breast augmentation. Lasik eye surgery that can cost up to $5,000 in the U.S. is often less than $2,000. For more and more women wanting plastic surgery, Costa Rica is increasingly popular. Instead of paying $10,000 for a facelift, they pack their swimsuit and sunscreen and board a plane for Costa Rica where for about $3,000 or so, they can have the same procedure, recuperate in a tropical paradise on a Costa Rica vacation, and go home with money in their pocket.

Many people prefer to be treated in a clinic rather than hospital. After all, great medical care does not have to take place in a hospital. There are many impressive clinics, too, in Costa Rica. Besides the three Joint Commission accredited hospitals, there are three Costa Rica clinics accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Facilities. They are the University of Iberoamerica(UNIBE) which offers ambulatory and surgical care; Sonrisa Por Todo (Smiles for Everybody) providing dental care; and Pino Plastic Surgery Clinic. Like the hospitals, these clinics have board certified physicians or dentists.

Aesthetic surgeries account for about 13% of all Costa Rica medical tourism and more than one third of all Costa Rica medical tourists come for dental surgery or implants. Dental implants that sometimes cost more than $2,500 in America are between $500-$750 in Costa Rica. Periodontal surgery costing $2,500 in the U.S. is about $400.

Like any place else in the world costs, of course, vary by provider so compare. And, always ask if there is a discount for payment by cash rather than credit card. Finally, consider this. Many medical and dental insurance companies cover dental or medical care in Costa Rica so, make it a point to contact your carrier and Costa Rica service provider before your treatment.

Victor Krumm writes from sunny Costa Rica in his beautiful Costa Rica Vacations site. Before vacationing, check out Costa Rica Beaches You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.

categories: costa rica medical tourism,costa rica vacations,medical care in Costa Rica,costa rica plastic surgery,medical tourism,plastic surgery,dental surgery,costa rica,travel,vacations,tourism,destination

Related posts:

1. Costa Rica Travel – Planning Your Vacation While you are planning your vacation, you may be wondering "how can I arrange all my Costa Rica Travel details"....