The Costa Rica medical tourism market size reached USD 289.00 Million in 2024. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach USD 1,662.44 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 19.12% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by affordable, high-quality elective procedures, especially in dentistry and aesthetics that attract North American patients. Its fusion of clinical treatment with nature-based recovery and wellness tourism creates a uniquely restorative medical journey. Supported by strong healthcare regulation and international patient services, these factors are further augmenting the Costa Rica medical tourism market share.
Report Attribute
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024 |
Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024 | USD 289.00 Million |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 1,662.44 Million |
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033 | 19.12% |
Affordability and Quality in Dental and Cosmetic Care
Costa Rica has established itself as a prime destination for affordable, high-quality dental and cosmetic procedures, particularly for patients from the United States and Canada. The country offers services such as dental implants, veneers, crowns, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and facelifts at a fraction of North American prices, without compromising on safety or clinical standards. This affordability is driven by Costa Rica’s advanced yet cost-efficient medical manufacturing ecosystem, which enables access to high-quality equipment and technologies at lower operational costs. According to industry reports, in 2024, Costa Rica is home to over 90 MedTech multinationals, including 12 of the world’s top 30 OEMs operating across 18 specialized subsectors. The country’s medical device exports surged from USD 288 Million in 2000 to USD 7.6 Billion in 2023, now accounting for 42% of total exports. Costa Rica ranks 8th globally in medical device exports, supported by strong R&D and a growing pharmaceutical presence. Many Costa Rican practitioners are internationally trained and fluent in English, making patient communication seamless. Clinics in San José and Escazú operate with advanced equipment and adhere to U.S. safety and sterilization protocols. These providers often offer all-inclusive packages covering consultations, surgery, recovery accommodation, and local transportation. With quick turnaround times and minimal waitlists, Costa Rica appeals especially to uninsured or underinsured patients seeking elective procedures. Additionally, international accreditations, transparent cost estimates, and dedicated patient coordinators help build trust and smooth the treatment journey. Word-of-mouth referrals, online reviews, and digital marketing platforms continue to reinforce Costa Rica’s position as a reliable, value-driven option for medical tourists. This continued demand for elective care plays a central role in sustaining Costa Rica medical tourism market growth across North and Latin American markets.
Strong Regulatory Environment and National Health Reputation
Costa Rica’s medical tourism credibility is underpinned by a stable regulatory framework and a well-regarded national healthcare system. According to industry reports, Costa Rica attracts over 2 Million tourists annually and medical procedures in Costa Rica cost 50–70% less than in the United States. Although most medical tourists seek care in the private sector, the country’s universal healthcare model has contributed to a strong public health foundation, low infection rates, and well-trained professionals. The Ministry of Health ensures that private facilities meet hygiene, licensing, and operational standards comparable to developed nations. In addition, the Promed Council for International Promotion of Costa Rican Medicine sets industry guidelines, verifies quality, and facilitates patient referrals. Costa Rica's healthcare professionals undergo rigorous academic and practical training, with many doctors receiving specialization in North America or Europe. Medical liability coverage and strict malpractice laws enhance patient security, while electronic medical record systems improve transparency and continuity of care. These structural advantages, combined with low crime, political stability, and high health literacy, position Costa Rica as a safe and trustworthy destination for health travel. Such a strong legal and institutional environment assures patients of care quality and reinforces the country’s competitiveness in the international medical tourism arena.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type and treatment type.
Type Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes outbound, inbound, and intrabound.
Treatment Type Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the treatment type. This includes cosmetic treatment, dental treatment, cardiovascular treatment, orthopaedic treatment, bariatric surgery, fertility treatment, ophthalmic treatment, and others.
Regional Insights:
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and others.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Million USD |
Scope of the Report | Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
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Types Covered | Outbound, Inbound, Intrabound |
Treatment Types Covered | Cosmetic Treatment, Dental Treatment, Cardiovascular Treatment, Orthopaedic Treatment, Bariatric Surgery, Fertility Treatment, Ophthalmic Treatment, Others |
Regions Covered | San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Others |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Questions Answered in This Report:
Key Benefits for Stakeholders: