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Q: How much cheaper is orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica compared to the United States?

Orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica is typically 60–86% cheaper than in the U.S. For example, hip replacement is $13,600–$15,000 versus $40,364–$45,000 in the U.S.; knee replacement is $11,000–$12,500 versus $35,000+ ; and spinal fusion is about $15,700 versus roughly $110,000 . That’s savings of about $26,764–$31,400 on a hip replacement alone.

Q: What do the quoted prices include, and what extra costs should I budget for?

Quoted surgical prices generally include surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, and standard post-operative care at JCI-accredited facilities. Plan additional budget for recovery accommodations ($2,000–$4,000 for 3–4 weeks) , flights, and travel-related expenses.

Q: Which Costa Rican hospitals should I consider for orthopedic surgery?

Limit your choice to JCI-accredited hospitals : Hospital CIMA San José (Escazú; JCI Gold Seal—6th consecutive accreditation; affiliations with Harvard Medical International & Cleveland Clinic), Hospital Clínica Bíblica (San José; home to Dr. Longino Soto Oeding; 3,000+ joint procedures), and Hospital La Católica (Guadalupe; strong medical tourism coordination). All offer modern ORs with laminar airflow and stock FDA-approved implants.

Q: Do Costa Rican hospitals use the same implants as hospitals in the United States?

Yes. JCI-accredited hospitals in Costa Rica use FDA-approved implants from Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, and DePuy Synthes , with expected durability of 15–20 years . Request brand, model, and lot numbers in advance, and keep the implant ID card provided at discharge.

Q: Will my insurance cover orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica?

Most U.S. insurance plans do not cover elective procedures performed abroad and may exclude complications from international surgeries. Some international policies or certain Medicare Advantage plans offer limited benefits—verify directly with your insurer. Many patients pay out-of-pocket and purchase medical travel insurance ($200–$500) with complication and evacuation coverage.

Q: How long do I need to stay in Costa Rica after orthopedic surgery?

Plan a minimum 3–4 week stay before flying home to reduce DVT (blood clot) risk after major orthopedic procedures. Hospitalization is typically 2–3 days for joint replacements and 3–5 days for spinal surgeries, with the remainder spent at recovery facilities. When possible, professional guidance suggests avoiding long-haul flights for up to 90 days after major joint arthroplasty. Do not book return flights until your surgeon issues written “fit to fly” clearance.

Q: Can I travel alone for orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica?

It’s possible but bringing a companion is strongly recommended due to early mobility limits. If solo travel is your only option, choose a recovery facility with 24-hour nursing and comprehensive support. Specialized centers in Escazú offer this care, typically $500–$1,000 per week .

Q: How should I choose a surgeon in Costa Rica?

Use a simple checklist: confirm international residency/fellowship training , ask for the surgeon’s annual volume for your exact procedure (aim for 50+) , and verify hospital privileges at a JCI-accredited facility . Request outcome data and references when available.

Question 1

How much cheaper is orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica compared to the United States?

Accepted Answer

Orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica is typically 60–86% cheaper than in the U.S. For example, hip replacement is $13,600–$15,000 versus $40,364–$45,000 in the U.S.; knee replacement is $11,000–$12,500 versus $35,000+; and spinal fusion is about $15,700 versus roughly $110,000. That’s savings of about $26,764–$31,400 on a hip replacement alone.

Question 2

What do the quoted prices include, and what extra costs should I budget for?

Accepted Answer

Quoted surgical prices generally include surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, and standard post-operative care at JCI-accredited facilities. Plan additional budget for recovery accommodations ($2,000–$4,000 for 3–4 weeks), flights, and travel-related expenses.

Question 3

Are Costa Rican orthopedic surgeons qualified to perform complex procedures?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Leading surgeons complete residencies and fellowships at recognized institutions in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. For instance, Dr. Oscar Longino Soto Oeding at Hospital Clínica Bíblica has performed 3,000+ orthopedic procedures and holds International Affiliate Membership in the AAOS. When evaluating a surgeon, verify training location, annual case volume (50+ for your specific procedure), and privileges at JCI-accredited hospitals.

Question 4

Which Costa Rican hospitals should I consider for orthopedic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Limit your choice to JCI-accredited hospitals: Hospital CIMA San José (Escazú; JCI Gold Seal—6th consecutive accreditation; affiliations with Harvard Medical International & Cleveland Clinic), Hospital Clínica Bíblica (San José; home to Dr. Longino Soto Oeding; 3,000+ joint procedures), and Hospital La Católica (Guadalupe; strong medical tourism coordination). All offer modern ORs with laminar airflow and stock FDA-approved implants.

Question 5

Do Costa Rican hospitals use the same implants as hospitals in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. JCI-accredited hospitals in Costa Rica use FDA-approved implants from Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, and DePuy Synthes, with expected durability of 15–20 years. Request brand, model, and lot numbers in advance, and keep the implant ID card provided at discharge.

Question 6

Will my insurance cover orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Most U.S. insurance plans do not cover elective procedures performed abroad and may exclude complications from international surgeries. Some international policies or certain Medicare Advantage plans offer limited benefits—verify directly with your insurer. Many patients pay out-of-pocket and purchase medical travel insurance ($200–$500) with complication and evacuation coverage.

Question 7

How long do I need to stay in Costa Rica after orthopedic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Plan a minimum 3–4 week stay before flying home to reduce DVT (blood clot) risk after major orthopedic procedures. Hospitalization is typically 2–3 days for joint replacements and 3–5 days for spinal surgeries, with the remainder spent at recovery facilities. When possible, professional guidance suggests avoiding long-haul flights for up to 90 days after major joint arthroplasty. Do not book return flights until your surgeon issues written “fit to fly” clearance.

Question 8

What happens if I have complications after returning home?

Accepted Answer

Contact your Costa Rican surgeon immediately—most JCI hospitals offer video and WhatsApp follow-ups. Seek urgent local care for red-flag symptoms (fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe pain, wound drainage). Many facilities offer financial guarantees for revision procedures if you return to Costa Rica (travel costs are yours). Because U.S. insurance often excludes such complications, arrange a home-country physician for follow-up before you travel.

Question 9

Can I travel alone for orthopedic surgery in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

It’s possible but bringing a companion is strongly recommended due to early mobility limits. If solo travel is your only option, choose a recovery facility with 24-hour nursing and comprehensive support. Specialized centers in Escazú offer this care, typically $500–$1,000 per week.

Question 10

How should I choose a surgeon in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Use a simple checklist: confirm international residency/fellowship training, ask for the surgeon’s annual volume for your exact procedure (aim for 50+), and verify hospital privileges at a JCI-accredited facility. Request outcome data and references when available.

Question 11

What recovery support will I have during the 3–4 week stay?

Accepted Answer

You’ll spend a short period in the hospital, then continue recovery in dedicated facilities that coordinate follow-up visits, transportation, medication assistance, and daily living support. Choose centers that provide 24/7 nursing if traveling alone and confirm what services are included in the weekly rate.

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