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Hi all! Thanks for all the info on the posts – seriously informative! Our question is around the fact that we are preparing to move to San Jose and will arrive in July. We’ve worked through our embassy here in Johannesburg, South Africa and everything is 100% sorted. We have just however, found out we are pregnant and due end September. Now we’re not sure whether to wait, give birth and then come across or to have the baby in San Jose where we’re not sure of the medical facilities. We’re sure they’re great but would like some more info? Also, we would probably have to pay cash for the services and would like a guestimate of the fees if anyone knows? We have a mom-in-law moving with us (built in baby-sitter/cook/carer/) who was also feeling adventurous. We’ve been to CR before and can’t wait to get there but haven’t had a chance to see the medical side. Also, will the child be Costa Rican and what are the implication for him/her and us? Thanks!
Congratulations on your decision to move here and on the upcoming blessed event, Dominic. I’m quite confident that you will, indeed, have to pay cash for the birth of your child. Until you are a legal resident of Costa Rica, you cannot enroll in the national health care system, the CAJA. And while INS medical insurance is available to non-residents, they will not pay for pre-existing conditions. So bring your wallet.
The two hospitals most commonly frequented by expats are Hospital Biblica in downtown San Jose and CIMA Hospital in Escazu. Either of them should provide excellent care.
Dominic, does your husband work for your Embassy? If do your will be coverd by your goverment health insurance.
Dominic: Congrats on your upcoming birth! My husband and I just had a baby 3 months ago, and I actually wrote an article about my experience here on Scott’s site. Perhaps Scott could provide the link to make it easy for you… You will most likely have to pay cash. (We had to even though we had INS insurance because my pregnancy fell into a pre-existing condition clause). We paid about $2,500 USD at CIMA for two days in the hospital, epidural, and other incidentals. I found the care to be top notch. I doubt you would notice a difference of the care here compared to other modern cities across the world–I didn’t. The doctors were wonderful and attentive. Also, regarding your questions about citizenship: My son is a CR Citizen and a US Citizen. He can get both passports as well. I am not sure how it works in S. Africa, but the USA and CR recognize dual citizenship. I just applied for his US Passport, and I had to prove the birth abroad (which was a bit complicated) but in the end, it worked out. All my best! Becky
Edited on Apr 06, 2008 18:11
Edited on Apr 06, 2008 18:11
Hey mediatica,
could you provide the name of your OBGYNO at CIMA please. We may be pregnant but its very early and I’m high risk due to family history. Thanks. Also, I’m not resident, but have a tico boyfriend, but not keen to get hitched. Has anyone come into the country 6 months pregnant and had issues with immigration or is there a way to get an extention without appearing in person?Hi Alexgil: My ob/gyn is Dra. Sae-Hui Kim Park. Her number is: 2208-1210. She’s on the 2nd floor of the CIMA offices #10. Immigration wouldn’t say anything to you while pregnant. It’s not an immigration issue to be pregnant–it’s an airline issue. I travelled while 6 months pregnant and they could have cared less! When they care is when you look 9 months pregnant and look like you could give birth on the plane…Then you would have to get a doctor’s note to fly.
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