How is Health Care in Costa Rica?
Although Costa Rica is relatively small and located in Central America, the health care system here is quite good. Health insurance for foreigners can be purchased through the INS (National Insurance Institute), which is the only option available since insurance is a state-granted monopoly here. It covers much of the same things that a policy would in another country, although the policies are generally much cheaper. Prescription medications in Costa Rica are not subject to US law, and thus generics and brand names are much cheaper than in the states. In addition, antibiotics and many other more benign medications can be sold by a pharmacist without a prescription. If a prescription is needed, the consultation will be much cheaper. Many foreigners also ask about the level of sophistication of medicine here. In San Jose, medical research occurs and many doctors study in the states as part of their training. Almost all of them speak some degree of English as well. Many foreigners take ad
