SpanishSpeakingPractice🇨🇷 Costa Rica guide

Going to the doctor in Costa Rica

Navigate the CCSS, private clinics, and farmacias with confidence.

Costa Rica has a two-tier healthcare system: the CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) provides universal public care, and a robust private sector serves those who want speed and English-speaking doctors. Most expats use a mix — private for routine, CCSS for emergencies. These dialogues cover booking a private appointment and navigating a public clinic.

Vocabulary

SpanishEnglish
citaappointment
CCSS / Cajapublic health system
EBAISlocal public health clinic
seguroinsurance
médico / doctoradoctor
enfermeranurse
recetaprescription
remedio / medicamentomedicine
farmaciapharmacy
síntomasymptom
dolorpain
fiebrefever
toscough
emergenciaemergency
clínica privadaprivate clinic

Real dialogues

Practice both sides out loud.

Booking a private appointment

Calling Clínica Bíblica in San José.

  • You

    Buen día, quería hacer una cita con un médico general.

    Good morning, I'd like to make an appointment with a general doctor.

  • Recepción

    Claro. ¿Tiene seguro o va a pagar particular?

    Of course. Do you have insurance or paying privately?

  • You

    Pago particular. ¿Cuánto cuesta la consulta?

    Paying privately. How much is the consultation?

  • Recepción

    El médico general son treinta mil colones. ¿Para cuándo la necesita?

    The GP is 30,000 colones. When do you need it?

  • You

    Es urgente, tengo dolor de estómago desde anoche. ¿Tienen para hoy?

    It's urgent, I've had stomach pain since last night. Do you have today?

  • Recepción

    Tenemos una cancelación a las tres de la tarde. ¿Le sirve?

    We have a cancellation at 3 PM. Does that work?

  • You

    Perfecto, pura vida. A las tres estoy ahí.

    Perfect, pura vida. I'll be there at three.

At the CCSS EBAIS

Local public clinic, registering as a foreign resident.

  • You

    Buenas, soy residente y necesito afiliarme a la CCSS. ¿Qué documentos necesito?

    Good afternoon, I'm a resident and need to register with the CCSS. What documents do I need?

  • Funcionaria

    Necesita su DIMEX, comprobante de pago de la Caja y una carta de residencia.

    You need your DIMEX, proof of CCSS payment and a residency letter.

  • You

    Tengo todo eso. ¿Cuánto cuesta la mensualidad para un adulto?

    I have all that. How much is the monthly payment for an adult?

  • Funcionaria

    Depende de su ingreso. Para la mayoría de residentes, entre treinta y cuarenta mil colones al mes.

    It depends on your income. For most residents, between 30,000 and 40,000 colones per month.

  • You

    ¿Y una vez afiliado, cómo pido una cita?

    And once registered, how do I request an appointment?

  • Funcionaria

    Por la app de la CCSS o llamando a su EBAIS. Para especialistas, la Caja asigna el turno.

    Through the CCSS app or calling your local clinic. For specialists, the Caja assigns the appointment.

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Costa Rica local tips

Private clinics are fast but pricey

Clínica Bíblica, CIMA and La Católica offer English-speaking staff. GP visit: $50–$80. Specialist: $80–$150.

CCSS is excellent once you're in

Register as a resident and pay monthly (~$60–$80). Coverage includes most meds, specialist referrals and emergencies. The catch: wait times for non-urgent issues.

Farmacias don't require prescriptions for most meds

Antibiotics and many common drugs are over the counter. Just describe symptoms: 'tengo tos y fiebre'.

Practice prompts

  1. 01Call a private clinic: ask the price, say it's urgent, and accept a same-day cancellation.
  2. 02Describe stomach pain, fever, and ask if you need an exam or just rest.
  3. 03At a pharmacy, ask for something for cough and fever, and ask for the generic.

FAQs

Do I need health insurance in Costa Rica?

Legally, yes — the government requires proof of CCSS payment or private insurance for residency. Many expats use a mix of both.

Can I use the public system as a foreigner?

Yes, once you're a temporary or permanent resident. You pay monthly based on income (~$60–$100 USD). Tourists can use emergency services but pay out of pocket.

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