The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, usually called the CCSS or Caja, manages the main public health and social security system. It provides primary, specialist, hospital, and other covered care through an organized network. EBAIS teams are a local entry point for much public primary care. They focus on the population of a defined area and may provide routine consultations, prevention, vaccinations, and follow-up. Public care often follows referral pathways. A person may begin with local primary care and move to specialist or hospital services when clinically necessary. Private health care operates alongside the public system. Patients commonly pay directly or use private insurance, and access may be faster, but costs and coverage require careful checking. Pharmacies are widespread and pharmacists can help with many ordinary medicine questions. However, symptoms that are severe, unusual, persistent, or rapidly worsening need assessment by an appropriate clinician. Emergency care is for urgent threats to health, not routine convenience. Learn how to reach emergency services and identify the nearest suitable facility before a crisis happens. Visitors and new residents should not assume they have the same public coverage as enrolled residents. Immigration status, social security registration, employment, and insurance can affect access and payment. Medical records, prescriptions, allergies, and medicine names should be kept accessible. Brand names can differ, so the active ingredient and dose are important pieces of information.
Health in Costa Rica
Health care in Costa Rica combines a public social security system with private clinics, doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals. The public institution is commonly called the Caja, while local primary-care teams are often known as EBAIS. Access depends on a person’s status, enrollment, location, and medical need.
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