General Facts
Public vs Private
Levels of Care
EBAIS & Primary Care
Challenges and Limitations
100

Costa Rica’s life expectancy

80 years

100

What does CCSS stand for?

Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social

100

What is the first point of contact in the healthcare system?

Primary care

100

What does EBAIS stand for?

Equipos Básicos de Atención Integral en Salud

100

Name one limitation faced by healthcare workers.

Long shifts, low pay, or lack of resources

200

What international organization ranks Costa Rica highly in health?

WHO (World Health Organization)

200

What is the nickname commonly used for CCSS?

La Caja

200

What type of care does secondary level provide?

Specialized outpatient & some hospital services

200

When were EBAIS teams introduced?

1995

200

What is a major issue for patients needing surgery?

Long wait times (3–5 years)

300

How many people live in Costa Rica? (Aprox)

5.2 million

300

Who funds the public healthcare system in Costa Rica?

Employers, employees, and the government

300

Name one tertiary care hospital in Costa Rica.

Hospital México, Calderón Guardia, or San Juan de Dios

300

What is the typical population size served by one EBAIS?

3,000–5,000 people

300

What are the working hours of most EBAIS clinics?

7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

400

How many cantons are there in Costa Rica?

82

400

What percentage of the population uses private insurance?

15–20%

400

What level handles complex and critical medical conditions?

Tertiary

400

What types of professionals are part of an EBAIS team?

Doctor, nurse, primary health technician

400

What is a problem related to the system’s organization?

Loss of tests, CTs, or appointments

500

What percent of the population is covered by the public healthcare system (CCSS)?

Over 90%

500

What’s one benefit of the mixed medicine system?

Access to private outpatient services + CCSS medications and diagnostics

500

How many regional hospitals are there in Costa Rica?

8

500

What is the name of the larger unit that includes multiple EBAIS teams?

Health Area

500

How long can some healthcare workers go without being paid?

6 months