In 1995, the World Health Organization ranked Costa Rica among the 20 finest medical systems in the world, in a country where per capita income is one tenth the income of northern counterparts. Medical schools are world class, specially public universities. Many graduates follow international specialized training, and bring back the experience of high technology medicine, and the efficiency pursued in developed countries. Successful heart and kidney transplants, in vitro birth, and fetus operations have been performed in our country. Such procedures have earned Costa Rica's health system international recognition.
Reasonable prices make for one of the main reasons why foreigners choose our medical services.
Estimates show that most delicate health procedures and cosmetic surgeries cost one third of what they do elsewhere, and so does postoperative care. Medical infrastructure is well established. There is a wide range of options on lodging, hospitalization and treatments, and information is open and available to anyone. Bookings can be arranged far in advance from home. Private and public hospitals and clinics have some of the most advanced medical technology, and are equipped with MRI, TAC, ultrasound, mamography, and more.