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CAJA — Universal Healthcare for Residents
The CAJA (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) is Costa Rica's universal healthcare system. Legal residents enroll voluntarily and gain access to the same system that covers all 5.2 million Costa Ricans — including primary care, specialist consultations, surgeries, and prescription drugs.
- Enrollment: voluntary for legal residents (Pensionado, Rentista) within 3 months of residency approval
- Cost: 12.16% of self-declared income — typically $75–$150/month for retirees and remote workers
- Coverage: primary care (EBAIS clinics), specialist referrals, hospital care, surgeries, prescriptions
- Prescription drugs: dispensed free at CAJA pharmacies for covered conditions
- Dental: basic dental covered; complex procedures often faster at private clinics
- Waiting times: can be long for specialist referrals through the public system — many expats use private for speed
- Hospital Nacional de Geriatría y Gerontología: excellent public geriatric care for retirees
- Clínica del Dolor: pain management clinic, excellent reputation among chronic condition expats