People with a permission to stay in the country can get health insurance by the "Caja Costarricense de Seguro SociaI - CCSS" for a small amount of money, which also covers all natives. Tourists can get an insurance, which covers medical and dental first aid. It is available at the "International Cultural Exchange Organization". People with this insurance can go to the hospitals of the governement. It costs about US$ 30 per month. For more information, write to: Apdo, 887-1011, San José or send a fax to:
Carlos Cortes 222-7867 Phone: 257-0880.

The "Instituto National de Seguro" (INS), which is the governemental insurance, offers insurance for everyone, that covers help after an accident or because of an acute desease and handication after an accident. The insurance costs US$ 100 per year, there is a discount, if more people are insured.

This INS-insurance pays 80 % of the hospital costs, the medicine and the exams. People over an age of 70 do not get accepted. If you buy the insurance, you get a card and a book with all addresses, where you can go in case you need the service. You have to pay first and the insurance returns your money. If you have further questions, ask the National lnsurance Institute for the INS plan or send us a mail.

We recommend that tourist get an insurance in the country of their home. In case of an emergency, you pay here and get your money back at home without problems. In case you do not have enough to pay, call your embassy.