Discovering Costa Rica

Health Medical/Dental Systems Overview

Costa Rica offers universal health care for all of its citizens and permanent residents. Costa Rica is constantly focusing on ways to improve their healthcare system and therefore have one of the best systems in Latin America. Ranked by the United Nations as one of top 20 worldwide healthcare systems as well as the number one in Latin America, Costa Ricans have a long life expectancy and some of the best hospitals in the region. Along with the public healthcare system, private healthcare is offered through INS, a government insurance company. The dental care in Costa Rica is also one of the best with many dentists working for the government health system or through private practices. The cost of dental care is also far lower with all the products being FDA approved and imported from the United States. Vaccinations Before traveling to Costa Rica, it is advised that every traveler stays up-to-date on routine vaccines. Ask your doctor what other vaccines and medicines you need; depending on your situation, these may include Hepatitis B, Malaria and/or Rabies. Costa Rica, which has no risk of Yellow Fever, requires proof of vaccination for people arriving from South America. If you are traveling from the United States, this vaccination is not required.

Vaccination

Birth 2M, 4M, 6M

12M 15M 18M 24M

30M

4Y

6Y

11Y

14/ 18Y

Tuberculosis Hepatitis B

BCG HVB 1

HVB-2, 2M HVB-3, 6M DPT-1, 2, 3

HVBR

Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus Diphtheria- Tetanus Haemophilus Influenza B Poliomyelitis Oral

DPT 1R

DPT2R

dT

HiB-1, 2, 3 POV-1, 2, 3

HiB1 R

POV1R

Measles, Mumps

SRP

SRP1R

SRP2R

Chicken Pox Hepatitis A

VAR

VAR1R

HVA1 HVA2

Key- M: Months, Y: Years

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Discovering Costa Rica