Is It Safe to Get Surgery in Costa Rica? Real Answers for Medical Tourists

It might surprise you, but Costa Rica has quietly turned into a medical tourism hotspot over the past decade. You’d think it was all rainforest and beaches, but every year, thousands of visitors actually fly in for surgeries—from dental implants to knee replacements—at prices much lower than what you’d pay in the US or Canada.

Still, there’s a big question on everyone’s mind: Is it actually safe to get surgery in Costa Rica? The short answer is—it can be, but not all hospitals or clinics are created equal. Just because a place looks glossy on their website doesn’t mean it’s up to par in real life. That’s why doing your homework before booking anything is essential.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not just curious—you might be thinking about a procedure yourself or helping a family member make a decision. I’ve been there, helping my cousin decide whether flying to San José for surgery made sense. Along the way, I picked up some tips, red flags to watch out for, and questions you should absolutely ask before putting any money down.

• Costa Rica’s Reputation in Medical Tourism
• Hospital and Doctor Standards
• Staying Safe: What to Check Before You Book
• Costs and Hidden Expenses
• Real Experiences: What Patients Say

Costa Rica’s Reputation in Medical Tourism

Costa Rica didn’t just stumble into the medical tourism scene. People started catching on in the early 2000s, when Americans and Canadians realized they could save up to 60% on surgeries here. Now, the country gets about 70,000 medical tourists each year, according to Costa Rica’s Tourism Board. And no, it’s not just retirees looking for cheap dentures—people fly in for all sorts of procedures like plastic surgery, orthopedic work, and dental care.

A big draw? Most private hospitals in San José offer English-speaking staff and internationally trained doctors. In fact, many specialists have done at least part of their medical studies or fellowships in the US or Europe, making communication and standards more familiar. Some hospitals—like Hospital CIMA and Clínica Bíblica—are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which is kind of like the gold standard for health safety and quality. You can spot these accreditations on their websites, and you should always double-check them yourself.

People look at Costa Rica because it punches above its weight in healthcare. The public healthcare system—called "Caja”—is decent, but most foreigners and medical tourists use the private hospitals, which are a big step up in terms of service and speed.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what draws folks to Costa Rica for surgery:

• Average savings of 40-60% compared to the US for major procedures
• Short wait times—sometimes weeks, not months
• Doctors often trained in the US or Europe
• Some facilities have international accreditations like JCI

Actual numbers paint a clear picture of why Costa Rica stays popular in this field:

So, does Costa Rica have a good name for safe surgeries? Pretty much, especially among people who research and choose top clinics. The surgery in Costa Rica story is about quality for less, but like everywhere else, you have to know where to look.

Hospital and Doctor Standards

If you’re serious about getting surgery in Costa Rica, hospital and doctor quality matter more than almost anything else. Don’t just look at photos—dig into actual credentials and track records. Some hospitals in Costa Rica are internationally accredited, which is a big green flag. The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a mark of quality you’ll want to see. CIMA Hospital and Clinica Biblica in San José are two of the best-known JCI-accredited facilities, attracting not just locals but folks from the US and Canada looking for both lower costs and trusted care.

Doctors in Costa Rica go through rigorous training—local med schools aren’t a walk in the park—and many surgeons have completed extra training or fellowships in the United States or Europe. Some are members of international boards like the American Medical Association or have published their results and records online, so if you’re checking out a surgeon, it’s worth searching for their name on these databases. Don’t hesitate to ask about board certifications, how many similar procedures they’ve done, and real before-and-after photos from previous patients.

Here are a few smart steps before you commit to any surgery in Costa Rica:

• Check for international hospital accreditations (like JCI or Accreditation Canada International).
• Ask for your surgeon’s credentials, where they trained, and certificates or board memberships. A reputable clinic will provide this info up front.
• Research if the hospital specializes in the surgery you want, not just offers it. Some places excel at plastic surgery, while others are known for orthopedics or heart surgeries.
• Look up patient reviews on independent sites—not just the hospital’s own testimonials.

Just because surgery in Costa Rica can be less expensive doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. If a deal sounds too good to be true or you feel rushed into making a decision, that’s your cue to slow down and get a second opinion. Safety and proven results matter way more than saving a few extra bucks.

Staying Safe: What to Check Before You Book

So, you’ve got your eye on surgery in Costa Rica. Here’s the deal—don’t rush into anything just because it sounds like a good deal. Safety comes first, and there are some key things you need to look into before you hand over any cash or get on a plane.

The first move? Make sure the hospital or clinic is legit. In Costa Rica, the gold standard is accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI) or Accreditation Canada International (ACI). If the place has one of these stamps, you can breathe a little easier. They're not super common—last time I checked, there were only a handful of JCI-accredited hospitals in the whole country. Don't just take their word for it; check the accrediting body’s website to confirm.

Next up: doctors and surgeons. Don’t settle for vague promises. You want to know your surgeon’s name, see up-to-date credentials, and check if they’re licensed with the Costa Rican College of Physicians and Surgeons. Look for extra training or certifications, especially if your surgery is specialized—like plastic surgery or cardiac work. Many top surgeons in Costa Rica trained or worked in the U.S. or Europe, which can be reassuring.

Online reviews can be helpful, but be wary of glowing testimonials that sound fake or are copied-and-pasted everywhere. Plug the clinic’s name into English and Spanish forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit. You’ll spot red flags pretty quick if folks have had bad experiences.

• Ask for detailed cost breakdowns (including extras like anesthesia, post-op care, or hotel stays).
• Find out the clinic’s plan for emergencies—do they have an ICU? What’s their track record with infections and complications?
• Check if your doctor speaks fluent English. Miscommunication can be risky in medical settings.
• Request images of previous patients’ results (with permission) so you’re not just guessing about quality.
• Get all agreements in writing, even if you trust the clinic. Surprises after you land aren’t fun.

For those who want hard numbers, take a look at this snapshot of accredited hospitals and average infection rates in Costa Rica compared to the US:

Bottom line: No system is perfect, but with the right checks, surgery in Costa Rica can be as safe as at home. You just have to do your homework, ask tough questions, and not get distracted by the price tag alone.

Costs and Hidden Expenses

Let’s get down to numbers, because that’s often the main reason people look at surgery in Costa Rica in the first place. Most folks find prices are 40-70% less than what they’d pay for the same procedure in the US. For example, a knee replacement that costs $40,000 back home might run you closer to $13,000 in Costa Rica. Even more routine surgeries, like hernia repairs or cosmetic procedures, can be much cheaper.

But the sticker price isn’t the whole story. Some clinics give you a quote that sounds all-inclusive, but if you read the fine print, you’ll see things like extra fees for anesthesia, lab work, or even the hospital room that might get tacked on. Travel costs, hotels while you recover, transportation to and from the clinic, and post-surgery checkups can add up quickly too. If you bring a friend or family member along, their expenses double up the out-of-pocket costs.

There are also medical packages that sound like deals but skip important details, like what happens if you have complications and need to stay longer. Some insurance won’t cover issues that pop up after you’ve left the country. Dr. Andrea Mesén, a well-known Costa Rican surgeon, put it best:

“Be sure to understand exactly what’s included in the price. Sometimes, what looks like the cheapest option ends up costing more once you add all the extras.”

Here’s a checklist of common hidden expenses you should budget for:

• Pre-op tests and screenings that aren’t part of the original quote.
• Medications before and after surgery.
• Emergency care or extra nights in the hospital if recovery takes longer.
• Physical therapy or follow-up visits you might need after heading home.
• Travel insurance (especially the kind that covers medical complications abroad).
• Airport transfers or special transport after surgery, since you might not be able to take a regular taxi.

One real headache people hit is exchanging currency or dealing with international card fees, which can chip away at any savings if you’re not careful. And don’t forget small surprises, like hospital meal costs or even phone bills if you’re calling doctors back home for advice.

Bottom line: make a full list of what’s covered and what’s not before you pay anything. If a price looks too good, ask what’s missing. Sometimes just having a clear breakdown can save you way more than haggling over the headline number.

Real Experiences: What Patients Say

You can scroll through a thousand clinic websites and read what they say about themselves, but what matters most is actual patients’ stories. Folks who’ve gone for surgery in Costa Rica have plenty to share, and their honest feedback can save you from learning things the hard way.

First, check out this table with real survey data from international patients who had medical procedures in Costa Rica:

This shows that satisfaction is pretty high among foreign patients. A lot of people do recommend the experience to their friends and family.

Here are a few things real patients point out after their procedures:

• Personal care: Several people mention being surprised at how doctors and nurses took their time, explaining every step.
• Hospital quality: Most who went to JCI-accredited hospitals like CIMA or Biblica compare the facilities to US hospitals. They say rooms are clean, technology looks modern, and infection control is strong.
• Cost transparency: Many patients appreciated getting upfront pricing before they even left their home country, so they weren’t hit with huge bills later.
• Recovery and aftercare: Some still felt a bit rushed to leave or weren’t sure about follow-up instructions. It’s a common concern if you’re flying out only days after surgery.

Negative stories usually involve less-known clinics or deals that seemed “too good to be true.” Problems range from language barriers to weird billing surprises. People who skipped online research or didn’t vet their doctors were the ones most likely to run into issues.

If you want first-hand opinions, lots of folks share reviews on sites like Patients Beyond Borders and Facebook groups for medical tourists. These places feel less filtered than official testimonials.

A quick tip: ask doctors for international patient references. Many surgeons who treat Americans and Canadians have patients willing to share their actual stories over email or phone.