Costa Rica Medical Tourism Market

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Market Overview:

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.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Market Trends:

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.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Market Segmentation:

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:

• Outbound
• Inbound
• Intrabound

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:

• Cosmetic Treatment
• Dental Treatment
• Cardiovascular Treatment
• Orthopaedic Treatment
• Bariatric Surgery
• Fertility Treatment
• Ophthalmic Treatment
• Others

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:

• San José
• Alajuela
• Heredia
• Cartago
• Others

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and others.

Competitive Landscape:

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.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Market News:

• On August 10, 2023, U.S.-based Intricon announced the establishment of its first Latin American facility in Costa Rica, dedicated to manufacturing sensor-driven medical devices using microelectronics, biosensors, and electromagnetic navigation (EMN) technologies. The new plant, located in the Evolution Free Trade Zone in Grecia, is expected to commence operations in late 2024 and create up to 150 production jobs.
• On June 5, 2025, DuPont announced a 16,000-square-foot expansion of its healthcare manufacturing site in Heredia, Costa Rica, making it the first in the country to produce sterile medical packaging. This expansion also boosts the site's extruded medical tubing capacity and operates under ISO 13485:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications with 24/7 production. The development strengthens Costa Rica’s position in advanced healthcare manufacturing, complementing its growing reputation as a high-quality, cost-effective medical tourism destination.

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the Costa Rica medical tourism market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the Costa Rica medical tourism market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the Costa Rica medical tourism market on the basis of treatment type?
• What is the breakup of the Costa Rica medical tourism market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the Costa Rica medical tourism market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the Costa Rica medical tourism market?
• What is the structure of the Costa Rica medical tourism market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the Costa Rica medical tourism market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Costa Rica medical tourism market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Costa Rica medical tourism market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Costa Rica medical tourism industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.