Costa Rica for your Medical Care?

Tracy Simons • July 10, 2024

Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

For those of you who have had the pleasure of visiting this fantastic country, you're probably anticipating what the next few paragraphs are talking about. For those who haven't been there yet, this is your introduction to a hidden gem in the middle of the Americas. You may be thinking, "another article talking about the natural wonders this small country 8 degrees north of the equator has to offer. Waterfalls, volcanos, 800 miles of coastline with 300 spectacular beaches in between its Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, lush biodiversity, and the welcoming nature of its people". But you'd be wrong because even though all those things are true, this is an article sharing the multiple reasons why Costa Rica is an incredible Medical Tourism destination. A well-known fact to a few people, but not to the masses. 


Let's look at some of the many reasons why you should consider Costa Rica for your medical (corrective surgeries like orthopedic, bariatric, oncology and so much more...the type of surgeries you go to a major hospital for), plastic surgery of any kind, dental (all procedures like veneers, full mouth reconstruction, crowns, etc.), and fertility:


  • Doctors, nurses, and support staff who have studied and trained at the best universities and hospitals in the US and throughout the world.
  • Multilingual doctors and support staff. You'll feel right at home because all your communication needs will be met.
  • 1:2 nurse to patient ratio vs 1:10 at best in many other countries.
  • Has been ranked as high as 2nd best healthcare system in the world by Global Health Intelligence.
  • Has also been recognized as the healthiest country in Latin America by Bloomberg.
  • PROMED: The health chamber created by the Costa Rican government to circumvent the challenges or concerns of medical tourists. PROMED exists to ensure that international patients visiting Costa Rica receive consistent, high-quality medical and dental services from all its affiliated members (no other country in the world has a "PROMED").
  • Ideal geographic location with short non-stop flight from many US cities. The same applies to medical tourists coming from any Latin American country and even Europe. For US and Canadians, it is nice to be on a similar time zone as your home residence.
  • Medical facilities that meet the highest medical standards in the world. Some of these facilities raise the bar even more with their JCI accreditation (Joint Commission International accreditation and certification is recognized as a global leader for health care quality of care and patient safety).
  • Access to proven medical procedures and treatments that may not be accessible where you live due to local, regional, or national laws/regulation.
  • State of the art facilities and technology.
  • Significant savings, in most cases the savings are between 50-70% vs US prices.
  • Your local health insurance policy (regardless of where you live in the world) may be fully applicable for your care in Costa Rica. All you have to do is ask your insurance policy provider or ask us www.patientjourneycr.com and we'll find out for you.
  • Why is this significant? Your percent of a deductible for surgery costing $50,000 in the US vs the same surgery that costs $15,000 in Costa Rica could be far less, not to mention co-insurance. For example, a knee replacement.
  • You will save a significant amount of money and your insurance company will love you (even though they won't say it). And if you work for a self-insured company, your employer may waive your deductible completely and even pay for your airfare, lodging, and local transportation


Costa Rica impressive history facts:

  •  A democratic country that became an independent republic on September 15th, 1921.
  • Slavery was abolished in 1824 (the US did it in 1865).
  • The army was abolished in 1948.


The list can go on and on, but for more information you can click on  to learn more. We have done all the leg work for you to ensure you have access to top quality healthcare, a safe destination, accessibility, and significant savings. Yes, there are other medical facilitators out there, but they offer you an endless number of countries, cities within those countries, healthcare providers within those cities, and so on. By choosing a preferred destination, like Costa Rica, you can limit your research to an area that can meet your needs without the confusion of trying to pick a country and a provider. Better yet, you will be able to speak directly with the medical specialist who will address your need(s), not a medical assistant or intermediary.


It is important to also think about protection against the inherent risks associated with any medical procedure. Notice we are saying the risks of any medical procedure, not the risks of medical tourism. Why is this differentiation important? Because these risks exist regardless of where your desired medical procedure is performed, even in your own neighborhood. We all hear the stories of the things that went wrong locally or whilst travelling for care. This is why at Patient Journey we are proud to have teamed up with Global Protective Solutions (GPS) to offer every medical tourist access to a Complications Coverage policy. This option is not available for you within your home country. So, for self-insured or elective self-pay procedures, you cannot get this Peace of Mind locally. 


Now that you know a bit more about Costa Rica, an ideal medical tourism destination, we invite you to do your own research. And of course, we invite you to visit our website which contains an extensive amount of information should you want to benefit from all the amazing things Costa Rica offers the world.” 

By Tracy Simons October 13, 2025
Shielding Your Health Abroad: Medical Tourism Insurance for Australia and New Zealand Travelers With rising healthcare costs at home and long wait times for elective procedures, many people from Australia and New Zealand are turning to international cosmetic surgery and other medical treatments abroad. From Thailand to Turkey, the promise of high-quality care at a fraction of the price is attractive. But before you pack your bags, there’s one essential item that shouldn’t be overlooked: medical tourism insurance. Traveling overseas for surgery or medical treatment carries unique risks. That’s why having the right insurance shield in place is critical to ensure your safety and financial protection. Enter Global Protective Solutions—a leader in providing tailored coverage for the global medical traveler. Why Australians and New Zealanders Are Going Abroad for Treatment Thousands of Aussies and Kiwis travel overseas every year for: International cosmetic surgery (breast augmentation, tummy tucks, facelifts, etc.) Dental procedures Orthopedic surgeries Fertility treatments Bariatric surgery Popular destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, and India offer accredited hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and world-class care. However, even in the best facilities, medical procedures can carry risks. Without proper insurance, a post-surgical complication or hospital readmission can quickly become a financial nightmare. The Role of Medical Tourism Insurance Medical tourism insurance is specifically designed to cover the risks associated with traveling for planned medical treatment abroad. This includes: Surgical complications Emergency medical evacuations Trip cancellations or delays, including baggage coverage Revisions or extended hospital stays Accidental injuries unrelated to your procedure Unlike regular travel insurance, which typically excludes elective medical treatments, medical tourism insurance offers a shield of protection where standard policies fall short. Why Choose Global Protective Solutions? Global Protective Solutions (GPS) is a pioneer in providing comprehensive insurance solutions for medical tourists worldwide—including those from Australia and New Zealand. GPS policies are designed to shield you before, during, and after your international treatment journey. Key Benefits: Coverage for international cosmetic surgery complications Support in the case of emergency medical transport or hospital transfer 24/7 access to multilingual assistance services Peace of mind from a trusted name in medical travel insurance Whether you're headed to Thailand for cosmetic enhancement or to South Korea for advanced skincare procedures, GPS ensures you’re covered if the unexpected happens. How to Get Covered Getting insured for your medical journey is simple: Choose an accredited medical provider in your destination country. Get a quote from a trusted medical tourism insurance provider like Global Protective Solutions. Purchase coverage before you travel, and review all terms and conditions. Stay informed about your rights and coverage limits throughout your treatment. Your medical facilitator or international clinic may also offer direct access to GPS insurance as part of your package. Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment and Health Traveling for medical care can be life-changing—both physically and financially. But even the best procedures come with uncertainties. Don’t let complications derail your journey. A strong shield in the form of medical tourism insurance can help you recover safely, knowing you're protected from the unexpected. If you're an Australian or New Zealand resident planning international cosmetic surgery or any other medical treatment overseas, make sure Global Protective Solutions is part of your plan. Because your health deserves more than hope—it deserves a safety net.
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Why Medical Vacation Insurance Is a Must for Healthcare Tourism Travelers In recent years, healthcare tourism has grown significantly, offering patients the chance to receive high-quality medical care abroad at a fraction of the cost. Whether it's cosmetic surgery in Mexico, dental care in Costa Rica, or orthopedic treatment in India, traveling for medical reasons can be both financially and medically rewarding. However, one key factor many travelers overlook is medical vacation insurance. Without proper coverage, a medical complication overseas can turn a cost-saving journey into a financial burden. That’s where medical tourism insurance and providers like Global Protective Solutions come in. What Is Medical Vacation Insurance? Medical vacation insurance is a specialized form of travel insurance designed specifically for people traveling abroad for medical treatment. It covers risks and complications related to elective medical procedures performed in a foreign country. Unlike standard travel insurance, which may exclude coverage for planned medical procedures, medical tourism insurance is crafted to address the unique risks associated with healthcare tourism including medical complications. Why You Need Medical Tourism Insurance Protect Against Surgical Complications Even with the best international hospitals, complications can arise. Whether it’s an unexpected infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, or the need for revision surgery, medical vacation insurance ensures you're not left footing the bill alone. Emergency Travel Assistance If you need to return home earlier than planned or require a medical escort, Global Protective Solutions and similar providers can help coordinate emergency transport and care. Peace of Mind Traveling for medical reasons already involves a lot of planning. Knowing you're financially protected gives you the peace of mind to focus on your recovery. Why Choose Global Protective Solutions? When it comes to medical tourism insurance, Global Protective Solutions (GPS) is a leading provider with over 20 years of experience in the field. Their plans are specifically designed for international patients undergoing elective procedures, offering: Coverage for complications related to medical treatment abroad Access to a network of approved international hospitals and clinics 24/7 assistance and support services Trip protection benefits tailored for healthcare tourism How to Get Covered If you're planning a medical trip abroad, securing medical vacation insurance is easier than ever. You can typically purchase a policy directly through a provider like Global Protective Solutions, or your medical facilitator or clinic may offer access to coverage as part of their package. Be sure to: Confirm that your procedure and destination are covered Review policy limits and exclusions Understand how claims and reimbursements work Final Thoughts Traveling for medical care offers incredible opportunities—but it also comes with risks. With the right medical tourism insurance, you can protect your health, your finances, and your peace of mind. Whether you're heading abroad for surgery, dental care, or another treatment, be sure to include medical vacation insurance in your travel plans. Your health journey deserves a safety net—and Global Protective Solutions can help provide it.
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