www.CostaRicaTicas.com

How does it work if you're a tourist here, with no health insurance. I dont need to go or anything, but it might be a good thing to know before the issue comes up. Do you just walk into the hospital / ER? Do they have english speaking doctors? Do you have to prepay before any procedure, or do they bill you? I walk past the Calderon Guardia hospital nearly every day, and also see a ton of people there, and got to thinking what I would need to do if I had to go. Any insight is appreciated.

Had a minor ATV accident up in the Rain Forest several trips ago and needed stitches in my lip. Another guy on trip also had accident so rode to hospital with him. Don't know exactly which hospital, but when we got there we sat on benches with all the other patients (some with broken bones) to see a triage doctor (no english spoken). Took about 45 minutes to see doctor. Since I had cuts on my face she ordered a skull series. Sent to Radiology where you again wait (About 45 minutes). Had xray done and was directed to another waiting area to wait for my xray films (about another 45 minutes). Was then directed back to the first line I sat in and waited to see triage doctor again (another approx 45 minutes). Saw doctor (still no english spoken) and she looked at my films and communicated to me that they were ok, but I would need stitches. Sent to ER waiting, which is also the room where they give breathing treatments (another 30-40 minutes. Finally taken to a treatment room and had drapes put on face. I have been in the medical field for over 40 years so by this time I figured by US standards my bill would be thousands of dollars. As they opened up surgical packs to stitch up my lip all I could think of was this is gonna cost me a arm and a leg. Got stitches, prescription for pain and was sent to pay for all of this. When I received the bill it was for approximately $75 dollars US. When I got back and it was time for my stitches to be removed my GP said that the stitches looked like a plastic surgeon had put them in. To summarize:

1. Didn't need health insurance
2. I guess you could just walk in, even though I arrived by ambulance
3. The doctor did not speak English, as did any of the staff I saw
4. No one ask for or told me anything about paying until I was done, Guess you have to pay when discharged
5. There were at least 30-40 people waiting while I was there with all kinds of injuries and illnesses
6. Total cost for xrays, stitches, and meds = $75.00

Hope this answers your questions.

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Greenfangs,

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When faced with the choice of two evils, I alway go with the one I haven't tried before!

Greenfangs is absolutely right! There is no prepay, or bill-you later.

I went to the ER of the Tibas hospital 2 months ago with flu-like symptoms. Long wait, but they gave me a shot and some pills............for a little over 5,000 colones.

Ok, now my question is...lets say you get something done that you cant pay for on the spot. Then what?

I read that when you are hospitalized;then you are required to provide all your sheets,pillows,toilet paper etc. So when you know you have a wing man that is hospitalized; then when you go to see him; either take stuff with you or be prepared to go get him essentials.

ATM or Credit card? But honestly, I don't have an answer for you question.

I had such a good experience there that I can highly recommend Catolica Biblica Hospital for all non-emergency services. They have a 6-person department that takes care of extrajanero dealings. Ms. Starlene there in particular is a wonder. As far as billing post-care, she can (but I can't) answer your questions.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

I did a recent post on this subject (with a video) on my blog:

http://www.usexpatcostarica.com/2010/06/a-trip-to-the-doctor/

If you go to the emergency room of a CAJA hospital, I THINK they will treat you for free. I could be wrong on this though, but if I truly didn't have any money, that's where I'd go. Most of the private hospitals and clinics I have visited have been cash on the barrel head.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

Lot of good info here, thanks guys.

Good info guys - thanks.

A few years ago I arrived with what felt like a corneal abrasion. My novia took me to Clinica Bliblica where I asked to speak to an opthamologist. Sorry; he's not available, can you come back in 2 hours? Sure, why not, it's been bothering me for a day now.

Came back in two hours & there was a long line outside. I was whisked in & the doctor put some drops in my eye & immediately found the problem - a reversed hair that had scratched (and was continuing to scratch) my eyeball. Neither I nor my novia could see it. He pulled it out, I said thanks & he said sit back down. He pretty much did a complete exam & gave me some drops for my eyes. Total cost - $50.

I've also visited Clinica Biblica for my novia a bunch of times - dematologist to have a few moles removed, a few tiny varicose veins on her legs injected, deep facial cleansing & micro derma abrasion and, of course, dipilation of the bikini area, armpits & culito (that one was for my benefit....). She also had her boob job there 2 1/2 years ago ($2700). She (& I) have been 100% satisfied 100% of the time. But remember, it's private, there are no long lines and it costs money, though certainly less than in the US.

/dddick

I really think that all the shots given to Ch*ldren in the US make them really open to a whole bunch of deceases. The immune system seems to be incapable of taking care of infections that the locals just shrug off.
Just my observations, no real scientific study or any thing.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Jazz I think you mean Clinica Biblica which is in San Jose . There is also a Hospital Catolica which is in Guadalupe. Both are private hospitals. If you are retired military Hospital Catolica excepts Tricare and offers veterans a discount. There is a registration process that you have to complete prior to your going the hospital for treatment so it is not applicable for emergency.

I have used CIMA, Biblica and Catolica and prefer Catolica. In general Catolica is the least expensive CIMA the most expensive. When you are pre registered with Catolica if you do not speak Spanish they wll have a bilingual greeter meet you and assist you during treatment.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

The private hospitals CIMA, Biblica and Catolica require a deposit before treatment. Most gringos give them a credit card on which they place a hold for the anticipated cost.

All CAJA hospitals accept emergencies with out a deposit or prepay. The cost of treatment is exceedingly cheap and in the majority of cases excellent. If upon discharge you can not pay the bill the will ask you to send payments but they will not chase you down for them.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

GF were you also billed for the ambulance?

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

About five years ago, I went to the privately run Clinica Biblica ER for chest pains. They asked me for a $1000 deposit before treatment. I didn't have any credit cards with me, so they transferred me to the publicly run Hospital Mexico. I don't know if this is still standard operating procedure, but it was not a very reassuring experience.

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It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money--Tom T. Hall
No man is a failure who is enjoying life--William Faulkner