Why Move to Costa Rica: Healthcare as a Decisive (and Often Overlooked) Factor

When people talk about why to move to Costa Rica, the collective imagination immediately turns to pristine beaches, tropical weather, and a slower, more natural lifestyle. All of these elements are real and help explain why the country has become one of the most desirable destinations for those looking to change their lives.

However, especially for those considering a permanent relocation or planning to retire in Costa Rica, there is one factor that carries more weight than many others and is rarely explored with concrete data: the overall quality of the healthcare system, both public and private.

In recent years, Costa Rica’s healthcare system — with centers of excellence in the private sector operating within a solid public framework — has attracted international attention not for promotional reasons, but for measurable clinical outcomes and official recognitions. This is an important signal for those seeking not only a better lifestyle, but also long-term security and continuity.

An International Recognition That Changes the Country’s Perception

In 2026, a Costa Rican hospital was included among the best private hospitals in Latin America, according to the ranking compiled by Newsweek in collaboration with the data analysis company Statista. This is far from a minor achievement, as the list includes institutions from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico — nations with much larger and more established healthcare systems.

The Costa Rican facility mentioned in the ranking — Clínica Bíblica — was the only hospital in the country included on the list and one of the very few in all of Central America. What makes this particularly relevant is that the evaluation is not based on subjective perceptions, but on clinical performance indicators, professional reputation, and patient experience quality.

The 2026 ranking examined key surgical procedures, particularly in orthopedics and ophthalmology, including knee and hip replacement, shoulder surgery, cataract surgery, and refractive eye surgery. In these areas, the Costa Rican institution achieved notable positions, demonstrating clinical consistency aligned with the needs of an adult and aging population.

A Healthcare System Prepared for Demographic Change

This recognition comes at a time when Latin America is experiencing rapid population aging, as highlighted by data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean cited in the report. This demographic shift has encouraged healthcare providers to invest in quality standards, advanced protocols, and long-term monitoring of clinical outcomes.

In the ranking, professional reputation among healthcare specialists across the region accounted for up to 80% of the overall score in certain specialties. This means the recognition stems not from marketing efforts, but from peer evaluation by medical professionals — a factor that strengthens the credibility of Costa Rica’s healthcare system.

Living in Costa Rica Means Feeling Protected

For those asking why move to Costa Rica, healthcare quality represents a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. Access to high-level medical care, within an integrated public and private system, allows people to embrace change with greater confidence, without constantly worrying about returning to their home country in case of medical necessity.

This becomes even more relevant for those choosing Costa Rica as their retirement destination. The combination of a balanced lifestyle, natural environment, and reliable healthcare services makes the country not only an emotional choice, but also a deeply rational one.

Why Move to Costa Rica Today

Beyond common stereotypes, Costa Rica continues to prove itself as a country capable of offering stability, services, and concrete opportunities for those seeking a life change. The recognitions obtained in 2026 in the healthcare sector demonstrate that it is not only a “beautiful” destination, but a place where a solid and lasting life project can be built.

For this reason, when evaluating why to move to Costa Rica, the overall quality of the healthcare system deserves to be considered one of the main factors — even if it often remains in the background of the conversation.

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