Home/Costa Rica/CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social)

publicFinancial Strength: Government-backed

CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social)

Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (La Caja)

80Score

★★★☆☆3.5

Customer satisfaction · 5.0M members

Universal Public Healthcare System(2026)

The CCSS (La Caja) is Costa Rica's universal public healthcare system, mandatory for all residents and legal workers. It covers pre-existing conditions from day one with income-based premiums ($50-200/month). Costa Rica's high life expectancy is largely credited to this system.

Overall Score

80/100

Founded

1941

Headquarters

San Jose

Type

public

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Key Metrics

Coverage

Near-universal (~5M people)

Pre Existing Conditions

Covered from day one

Premium Range

$50-200/month (income-based)

Life Expectancy Contribution

Among highest in Americas

Editorial Ratings

Universal Public Healthcare System(2026)

Rating: Universal coverage — mandatory for all residents (max: #1)

80OsaTropicalProperties.com

Coverage Highlights

✓Universal coverage — mandatory for all residents
✓Pre-existing conditions covered from day one
✓Income-based premiums ($50-200/month)
✓Comprehensive coverage including surgery, maternity, medications
✓Nationwide network of public hospitals

Pros

✓Universal coverage for all residents
✓Covers pre-existing conditions immediately
✓Affordable income-based premiums
✓Comprehensive coverage including medications

Cons

✗Long wait times for specialists and elective procedures
✗Outdated facilities in some areas
✗Bureaucratic processes
✗Limited English-language support

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CCSS mandatory in Costa Rica?

Yes. CCSS (La Caja) enrollment is mandatory for all legal residents and workers in Costa Rica. Contributions are income-based, typically 7-11% of declared income.

Does CCSS cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes. CCSS covers all pre-existing conditions from day one of enrollment, unlike most private insurers that may impose waiting periods.

How much does CCSS cost?

CCSS premiums are income-based, typically ranging from $50-200/month depending on declared income. The contribution rate is 7-11% of income.

Quick Summary

InsurerCCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social)

Country🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Overall Score80/100

Satisfaction3.5/5

Members5.0M

Typepublic

Founded1941

Other Insurers in Costa Rica

Cigna Global / Allianz Care

private

/ 100

INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros)

hybrid

/ 100

ASSA Compania de Seguros (Costa Rica)

private

/ 100

Mapfre Costa Rica

private

/ 100

Blue Cross Blue Shield Costa Rica

private

/ 100

Ready to get covered?

Visit CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) to learn more about their plans.

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