Experts estimate that medical procedures in Costa Rica cost 30 to 70 percent less than the identical services in the U.S. At first, procedures not typically covered by U.S. insurance were the most sought after, including the full gamut of cosmetic surgeries and high-quality dentistry. Today, Costa Rica leads the way in treatments for a number of diseases such as diabetes. As cardiology, urology, fertility, orthopedics and neurology expertise grows in Costa Rica, U.S. health insurers have taken note of the cost-benefit of securing health services in Costa Rica. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina now offers its customers coverage for procedures performed abroad. Several other insurers plan to offer reimbursement for covered services sought abroad, as well.

U.S. patients can pay for foreign medical expenses with funds from their health savings account (HSA) and, as the number of people with HSAs increases and people take more responsibility for their medical costs, medical tourism will grow even more. One of the benefits of seeking care in Costa Rica is its proximity to the U.S. All major carriers, as well as discount airlines Frontier, Spirit and JetBlue, have convenient direct service to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is home to 30 hospitals and 250 clinics. Pharmacies in Costa Rica can deliver basic diagnostics and medications, including birth control and painkillers, without the doctor's visits and prescriptions required in the U.S. Two of the top-ranked hospitals in Central America, Clinica Biblica and Hospital Nacional de Ninos, are located in San Jose.

Medical tourism has a very positive impact on the economies of destination countries. Highly skilled medical professionals, often U.S. trained and fluent in English, require the support of a wide range of skilled and unskilled workers as the health care service industry continues to grow and lift the overall economy. Major international pharmaceutical and medical supply companies have established operations in Costa Rica, aware that the business of health care and the healing arts will continue to grow here.

Most important to investors, medical tourism will continue to push property values higher for those who hold interests in destination countries.  A  rapidly growing trend in Costa Rica real estate investments in property developments planned for health care facilities, recovery centers, hospice homes and wellness retreats. As travel to foreign countries for both alternative and traditional medical care has grown in acceptance during the past decade, Costa Rica emerged as one of the most accessible, secure, innovative and price-competitive destinations for travelers from the U.S. and Canada seeking world-class heath care. Costa Rica offers the climate and conditions for a healthy lifestyle, quality care and quick recovery.

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