Costa Rica Health Tourism

Think eco-tourism, and one place that comes to mind is Costa Rica. However, the country's stunning scenery, great climate, and friendly local population are not the only factors that make Costa Rica a favorite tourist destination. The availability of low cost, high quality cosmetic and dental surgery has put the country high on the health tourism map. Speaking of costs, a trip to Costa Rica combined with esthetic procedures could cost less than half of what a normal procedure does in the US.

Costa Rica has plenty of natural attractions that are enough to make a medical trip cum vacation to the country worthwhile. A steady growth in the number of people seeking plastic surgery from countries such as the US, and Europe provided the right boost for the country to improve its safety and quality standard, at the same time maintaining relatively low costs. A medical consortium consisting of several companies has been set up to create an elite medical group to take care of patients from other countries seeking plastic surgery. An estimated half a million people from the US alone opt for plastic surgery and with quality health care costs being considerably low, Costa Rica is on its way to becoming the number one destination for plastic and other cosmetic procedures.

Costa Rica's hospitals have excellent infrastructures to deal with patients that require elective and major surgeries. Many hospitals have Joint Commission International accreditation and certification that ensures safety standards are met. A dental travel package that includes a 15 day stay at one of the top hotels, lunch, transportation, sightseeing, and the surgical procedure could cost around US$ 2500, while other plastic surgery packages are available for around US$ 2,650. A round trip from most North American cities cost a mere $300 to $500. Compare this with prices in the United States and Europe, and you will find a saving of around 60%, leaving you with more dollars for shopping. Most often, a patient spends the first few days sightseeing, followed by the planned treatment and a period of recuperation with more sightseeing following recovery.

Costa Rica's cosmetic and dental surgeons are well trained in the latest techniques. However, it is important to choose the right center for treatment after having researched all aspects of the procedure and the physician's qualifications and experience as well. The Costa Rica Plastic Surgery Board maintains a list of credentialed physicians who are fully certified members of the association and provides assistance to those desiring to undergo plastic or other cosmetic surgeries in the country. Total or partial face lifts, breast reduction, augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction are just a few of the procedures offered by plastic surgeons in the country. Not to forget, these procedures cost less than half than US or any other major European country.

With so many advantages to being a global medical tourist, there ought to be nothing that can stop you from seeking treatment abroad. When it is a matter of saving thousands on medical expenses, you have even more reason to opt for health tourism.