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BALTIMORE, MD (PRWEB) JANUARY 20, 2016 – As healthcare costs and complexity in the U.S. continue to spiral upward, more and more retirees are asking, “Can I get high-quality healthcare for less if I move overseas?”

The simple answer is yes. The Healthcare category of the 2016 International Living Global Retirement Index ranks the healthcare systems of the 23 most popular retirement locations abroad. Criteria include costs for procedures, availability and cost of public and private insurance, and quality.

Based on these criteria, the top four countries in the Healthcare category for 2016 are Malaysia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama. The full report on the four best countries in the world for healthcare can be read here: “4 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World”.

Costa Rica: Low-Cost, High-Quality Healthcare

The top-notch but low-cost medical and dental care available in Costa Rica is a huge draw for retired expats and also makes it one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism.

There are two healthcare systems operating in Costa Rica side-by-side.

The public system, called La Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (commonly called the Caja), is available to Costa Rican citizens and legal residents, including expats. In fact, residents are required to join Caja. The monthly fee (for the applicant and dependent spouse) is 7% to 11% of reported monthly income. After that care is free… doctor’s visits, prescriptions, testing, therapy, surgeries, emergency care…it’s all covered. In general, expats report good results with the Caja system. But there are some issues, including wait times for non-emergency procedures.

The private system is fast and efficient…and cost effective. Prices are a fraction of the cost of the U.S., so even paying cash is affordable. A doctor’s visit is $50; $80 to $100 for a specialist. Ultrasounds will run $75. Surgeries are a half to a third of the cost in the U.S. But it’s not necessary to pay out of pocket. International insurance, Costa Rican insurance, and some U.S. policies are accepted at the major private hospitals.

And patients can mix and match private and public care. For example, patients can see a private specialist doctor but get a prescription filled for free at a Caja pharmacy.

In both systems, doctors often speak English (although nurses and administrators probably won’t), physicians are trained in all the latest techniques, the facilities have modern technology, and the bedside manner is outstanding.

About International Living

For 35 years, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment