Costa Rica Medical Tourism: Costa Rica Clinics Meet US Standards

Three recent Costa Rica clinics have received certification that puts them on par with U.S. medical centers. The national competitiveness authorities hope this latest move will boost Costa Rica's profile as a prime destination for medical tourism.

Following a six-month review process, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Facilities (AAAASF) has certified the private surgical and ambulatory center Clínica UNIBE, the dental clinic Dental Sonrisa Para Todos and plastic surgery specialists Cirugía Plástica Pino.

“The international accreditation of health services allows us to position ourselves among countries such as the United States, where patients are looking for certified qualified,” said Dr. Jorge Cortés, president of the Council for the International Promotion of Costa Rican Medicine (PROMED).

So far, the vast majority of Costa Rica's medical tourists come from the United States, where health care is no longer affordable for many. Many medical and dental procedures are offered in Costa Rica for one-third the cost, or less.

Nearly 13 percent of the medical tourists who visit Costa Rica seek cosmetic surgery procedures, while another 35 percent come for dental work, according to a study by the Competitiveness Ministry. In the U.S., insurance companies are beginning to catch on, offering to contribute towards medical travel to Costa Rica.

Featured Medical Tourism Links:

New Smile Dental Clinic
Casanaraja Bed & Breakfast
Costa Rica Dentists & Cosmetic Surgeons