Costa Rica
Medical Tourism Guide
Latin America's premium dental tourism destination. San Jose clinics offer US-trained dentists, American-brand implants, and 50-70% savings with just a 4-hour flight from Miami.
Cost Comparison: US vs. Costa Rica
| Procedure | US Price | Costa Rica Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single Dental Implant | $3,000-5,000 | $800-1,200 |
| Porcelain Crown | $1,000-1,500 | $395-500 |
| All-on-4 Implants | $20,000-30,000 | $8,500-12,000 |
| Zirconia Veneer | $1,000-2,000 | $375-450 |
* Prices are estimates based on 2024 data. Actual costs vary by clinic, complexity, and package inclusions.
Why Costa Rica?
- ✓Short flight from US - just 4 hours from Miami, 5-7 from most cities
- ✓Many dentists trained in the US or Europe with American credentials
- ✓Same implant brands as US (Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Zimmer)
- ✓Stable, safe country with excellent tourism infrastructure
- ✓Some clinics offer lifetime warranties on dental work
- ✓Combine with eco-tourism and beautiful nature for recovery
Things to Consider
- !More expensive than Mexico for dental - premium positioning
- !Smaller number of clinics to choose from vs Tijuana/Los Algodones
- !Complex dental work may require 2 trips (implant placement + crown)
- !Not as much bariatric/cosmetic surgery infrastructure as Mexico
- !Rainy season (May-November) can affect travel plans
Where to Go in Costa Rica
San Jose
Capital city with most major dental clinics. Clinics like Prisma Dental, Flikier, and DDS Dental serve 80%+ international patients.
Tip: Fly into Juan Santamaria Airport. Clinics often arrange airport pickup and hotels.
Escazu
Upscale suburb of San Jose with premium dental clinics. More resort-like feel with good restaurants and hotels.
Tip: Safer, more upscale area than downtown San Jose. Walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Practical Information
Visa
Not required for US citizens (up to 90 days)
Currency
Costa Rican Colon (CRC). USD widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
Language
Spanish. English common at dental clinics.
Timezone
Central Time (same as Chicago/Houston)
Insurance
Travel medical insurance recommended. Dental not typically covered.
Browse Procedures in Costa Rica
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