The saying "knowlege is power" takes on even more meaning when you travel to a foreign country where both access to medical care and a way home are in the hands of others.
Every year more and more Americans are traveling to Costa Rica for a variety of medical procedures. It is estimated that 8.5 million medical procedures were performed last year in Costa Rica. Liposuction, and post weight loss surgeries (called lower body lifts), priced at about 1/2 of what we pay in the USA, were at the top of the list of cosmetic surgeries, followed closely by facelifts and tummy tucks.
If you are one of those who have dreamed of having plastic surgery, and think Costa Rica might be just the thing you've been looking for, you need to equip yourself with this information. Having these resources at your fingertips will put you into the savy category of plastic surgery travelers.
Your USA Medical Coverage will probably not cover any expenses for cosmetic procedures. But, before going to Costa Rica, learn what medical services your health insurance does cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, remember to carry your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance and a claim form.
If you do need the services of a hospital (for something other than your plastic surgery) and wish to have insurance coverage you may use Costa Rica's "Caja." This is probably a good idea if you will be touring before or after your surgery, or plan on staying in Costa Rica for more than a few weeks.
Costa Rica's Social Security system is called "Caja." Caja offers a medical insurance assistance program for foreigners needing emergency medical assistance.
Tourists can get an insurance, which covers medical and dental first aid. It is available at the "International Cultural Exchange Organization". People with this insurance can go to the hospitals of the government. It costs about US$ 30 per month. For more information, write to: Apdo, 887-1011, San José or send a fax to: Carlos Cortes 222-7867 Phone: 257-0880.
People with a permission to stay in the country can get health insurance by the "Caja Costarricense de Seguro SociaI - CCSS" for a small amount of money, which also covers all natives.
The "Instituto National de Seguro" (INS), which is the governmental insurance, offers insurance for everyone, that covers help after an accident or because of an acute disease and injury after an accident. The insurance costs US$ 100 per year, there is a discount, if more people are insured.
This INS-insurance pays 80 % of the hospital costs, the medicine and the exams. People over an age of 70 do not get accepted. If you buy the insurance, you get a card and a book with all addresses, where you can go in case you need the service. You have to pay first and the insurance returns your money. If you have further questions, ask the National lnsurance Institute for the INS plan..
A traveler going abroad with any pre-existing medical problems should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.
A listing of addresses and telephone numbers of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is contained in Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts . This publication may be obtained through the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Also available from the Government Printing Office is Health Information for International Travel by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This contains a global rundown of disease and immunization advice and other health guidance, including risks in particular countries. The CDC maintains the international travelers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), an automated faxback service at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299) and a home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov .
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. The WHO also provides travel health information at http://www.who.int/ith.
For detailed information on physicians abroad, the authoritative reference is The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists published for the American Board of Medical Specialists and its certifying member boards. This publication should be available in your local library. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad maintain lists of hospitals and physicians. Major credit card companies also can provide the names of local doctors and hospitals abroad.
The Department of State invites American citizens to register their travel on the Internet-Based Registration System (IBRS) on line at: or http://travel.state.gov . IBRS provides a convenient means for American citizens traveling or residing overseas to provide important contact data, useful in the event of emergencies, and to instantly receive up-to-the-minute travel and safety information for the regions or countries on their travel itineraries, on the website or through optional email lists.
Even American citizens who have registered previously but did not do it using the IBRS online program may now wish to register online to update their records. U.S. citizens may also register in person at the Embassy, which is located in Pavas, San Jose, and may be reached at (506) 519-2000 the extension for the Consular Section is 2453. The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, and is closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays. For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may call (506) 220-3127 and ask for the duty officer.
U.S. citizens may also register in person at the Embassy, which is located in Pavas, San Jose, and may be reached at (506) 519-2000 the extension for the Consular Section is 2453. The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, and is closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays. For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may call (506) 220-3127 and ask for the duty officer.
ENTERING AND LEAVING - PASSPORTS AND VISAS
U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to travel to Costa Rica and all Central and South American countries with the exception of Panama and short stays in French Guiana. (Panama and French Guiana require proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport.)
Be sure to complete the information page on the inside of your passport providing the name, address and telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency.
Heightened security following September 11th has dramatically changed travel procedures and policies. Obtaining U.S. passports and visas is made easier by Priority Passports, a company offering quick, reliable, same day service. Customers can go to http://www.prioritypassports.com or call
» left by Lorie from California (3 years 131 days ago.)
I couldn't find this information anywhere else on the internet - very helpful for my trip to Costa Rica. Respond to this comment
» left by lou from tuscon (2 years 295 days ago.)
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Friday, August 26, 2005 View other articles written by Stephanie Sulger(889)
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