SOCIAL SERVICES
EDUCATION
Costa Ricans have a literacy rate of 95 percent, one of the highest in all of Latin America. This is due, in part, to their government’s substantial investment in universal public education. Today, the country has roughly 6,100 elementary, middle and high schools. Among these, there are a number of bilingual and private English language schools that provide English-speaking students with a first-rate international university preparatory education.
Over the past ten years, there has also been a proliferation of universities in Costa Rica. Along with the original University of Costa Rica, there are now over 50 institutes of higher learning. Numerous excellent Spanish language schools also cater to the increasing number of foreign immigrants.
Choosing to retire in Costa Rica is, for many, a way to pen a new chapter in their life, a way to try new things. Choosing to learn a new language, or a new skill through one of Costa Rica’s many colleges, can be a rewarding option. Plus it’s a great way to not only sharpen the mind but to also meet new friends and become a part of the local community.
HEALTH CARE
The Costa Rican government’s long-time commitment to investing in health care has resulted in Costa Rica being rated in a United Nations study as having the top health care system in Latin America and one of the 20 best in the world. Also, Costa Rican doctors are excellent. Most have studied abroad in Europe or North America and have the very latest in medical equipment and training.
There are 29 hospitals and over 250 medical clinics throughout Costa Rica that are accessible to both residents and visitors alike. Private clinics provide medical services, including cosmetic and dental surgery, for a fraction of the cost charged by North American facilities. This has resulted in Costa Rica becoming a chosen destination for an ever-increasing number of “medical tourists.” One study estimates that around 14 percent of visitors to Costa Rica come specifically to receive some sort of medical care.
Those choosing to retire in Costa Rica can feel secure knowing they can obtain safe, affordable, top-quality medical procedures without having to return to their home countries. They can also obtain a full range of prescription medicines over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Plus, visitors have the option of obtaining inexpensive medical coverage by paying a small monthly fee to join the state-run medical service, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). While rates are subject to change, at the time of writing the cost for joining the CCSS was approximately U.S. $37.00 per month for a family where the principal insured person was over 55 years of age and U.S. $58 per month for those under the age of 55.
It’s also possible to buy private-sector health insurance in Costa Rica from the Instituto de Seguro Nacional (INS). INS rates at the time of writing were, up to age 59, around U.S. $550 a year for men and U.S. $885 for women, and for those between age 60 and 75, U.S. $1,020 for men and U.S. $1,305 for women. While the INS plan is more extensive than the government plan and allows you to choose your own doctor, it provided only U.S. $17,500 of annual coverage at the time of writing. Those looking to obtain higher coverage may wish to buy private medical insurance before traveling to Costa Rica. Several international health insurance companies provide policies with a $2 million limit that provide coverage anywhere in the world.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
International credit cards, debit cards and U.S. dollars are all widely accepted in Costa Rica. Those residing in the country for an extended period, however, may benefit from opening a local bank account at either one of Costa Rica’s state (public) banking institutions such as Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Nacional or Bancredito, or one of its many private institutions such as Scotia Bank, Banca Promerica, Bac San Jose, Banex, Interfin, Banco Popular or Banco Uno.
Most banks offer savings and checking accounts in both U.S. dollars and Costa Rican colones. Funds deposited in state banks are protected by government deposit insurance. There is no deposit insurance on money held in a private bank, although these accounts tend to pay a higher rate of interest.
Both residents and non-residents of Costa Rica are permitted to open savings accounts in state and private banks. To open a local checking account, you must either be a resident or owner of a Costa Rican corporation. Other requirements for opening an account vary between financial institutions, but usually include personal identification, references and a minimum deposit.
DOMESTIC HELP
Access to affordable help is one of many factors that make it possible to live a better lifestyle in Costa Rica and can be particularly important for retirees and those with a disability.
Obtaining a position of employment as a housekeeper or gardener is a highly desirable job for many Costa Ricans. Hiring a local resident is therefore a win-win situation. You get affordable domestic help while making a small contribution to the local economy.
The typical cost of hiring a Costa Rican housekeeper who can help do household shopping and take care of the cooking, cleaning and laundry usually costs between U.S. $150 and $200 a month. Many retirees also hire a couple to work as housekeeper and handyman/gardener.
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