Costa Rica is known for its high-quality medical tourism. In fact, a 2016 survey found that Costa Rica ranked 4th for medical tourism services in America. And Costa Rica dental tourism has long since been a common way for foreigners to receive quality dental care at affordable prices.
Medical tourism is thought by many to be a relatively recent trend. But it turns out that Americans and Europeans have been coming to Costa Rica for dental services for decades.
It is believed that Costa Rica’s high-quality dental care become popular in the 1970s when travelers and Peace Corps members received care for common dental issues. Word spread that quality care was being provided at a much lower cost.
Many people unfamiliar with medical tourism don’t realize how much money can be saved. By avoiding the consistently rising cost of health care in America, patients can get quality service at shockingly lower rates.
Taking Advantage of Costa Rica Dental Tourism
If you’re planning a vacation to Costa Rica and taking advantage of dental services while you’re there, you should be aware of some things. For the most part you can treat going to the dentist in Costa Rica a lot like you would at home.
It’s important to remember that not every doctor is the same. You need to make sure the dentist you visit is experienced in providing the type of care you require.
If you need oral surgery, make sure the dentist you visit in Costa Rica is an oral surgeon and not only a general dentist. And just like seeking out a dentist at home, you’ll want to make sure and look up patient reviews to ensure you’re getting proper care.
Many people think that a dentist in a foreign country will not have the same state-of-the-art tools and materials used in dentist offices in America. This is a huge misconception when it comes to Costa Rican dentists.
In fact, many dentists operating in this region studied in America and are certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery. Many also use materials and equipment that are FDA approved.
Costa Rica has a growing reputation as a regional leader in dental care due to high-quality healthcare, top-notch facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. And this is provided at a much more affordable price than in America.
Lower Costs and Close Proximity
Foreigners receiving dental treatment in Costa Rica will find high-quality services at 50 to sometimes 70 percent cheaper than dental care in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Those are serious savings.
Costa Rica dental tourism is especially desirable to people living in the United States and Canada. Because of its close proximity, airfare is cheaper and travel time is much shorter. This is great for patients who need to return again for further treatment.
This region is also known for its natural beauty and entertainment. It’s already a tourist destination for many people. Why not take advantage of quality dental care at affordable prices and also enjoy an unforgettable vacation?
Costa Rica is also one of the safest and cheapest travel destinations in Latin America. If you’re planning on staying and enjoying the region while getting dental work done, you’re coming to the right place.
Be Prepared Before Your Trip
In order to get the best service and save the most money, you need to be prepared before your trip. You should have an idea of what type of care you need. Know beforehand what will be involved in your treatment plan.
It’s a good idea to contact the office you intend to visit in advance and talk to them about your procedure. Don’t risk wasting money with a dentist that cannot provide the proper care you need when you get there.
Try to get your treatment history or X-rays from a previous dentist and send them to your dentist in Costa Rica. That way they know what work needs to be done and can provide a timeline and cost estimate.
If you’re having extensive work done you may need to schedule multiple visits in one trip. Giving the office as much information as you can before you get there will help you better schedule your vacation. It will also allow them to give you a better estimate of the price.
Know Your Dentist’s Payment Options
Before you take advantage of the great prices of Costa Rica dental tourism, you should know what your dentist’s payment options are. Contact the office before you leave and make sure you understand their payment methods. Do they accept credit cards or will you need to use cash?
It’s also a good idea to know the cost ahead of time if possible. Of course the price may be determined once the dentist examines you and determines what work must be done. But it doesn’t hurt to know as much as you can before you go.
This is another reason to provide medical history documents or X-rays beforehand. An office may be able to provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing them.
Many Costa Rica dental tourism packages offer a fixed price program for certain dental services. This will take away the uncertainty of your final cost. It won’t hurt to check if an office provides this service.
Quality Care and Reasonable Prices
The unreasonable cost of healthcare in America is an ever-growing problem. Many people are choosing to cut out visits to the dentist all together in order to avoid high costs. Even with insurance, many people can’t afford the price of healthcare today.
Unfortunately this is not a new problem and it’s one that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Medical tourism provides a low-cost option for those stuck with outrageous prices for healthcare. It’s a growing trend for Americans and it will likely keep growing.
Advance Dental provides Costa Rica dental tourism services including fillings, crowns, oral surgery and much more. If you’re considering traveling to Costa Rica and want to take care of dental procedures during your visit, contact us today.
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