General Facts
Costa Rica’s life expectancy
80 years
What does CCSS stand for?
Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social
What is the first point of contact in the healthcare system?
Primary care
What does EBAIS stand for?
Equipos Básicos de Atención Integral en Salud
Name one limitation faced by healthcare workers.
Long shifts, low pay, or lack of resources
What international organization ranks Costa Rica highly in health?
WHO (World Health Organization)
What is the nickname commonly used for CCSS?
La Caja
What type of care does secondary level provide?
Specialized outpatient & some hospital services
When were EBAIS teams introduced?
1995
What is a major issue for patients needing surgery?
Long wait times (3–5 years)
How many people live in Costa Rica? (Aprox)
5.2 million
Who funds the public healthcare system in Costa Rica?
Employers, employees, and the government
Name one tertiary care hospital in Costa Rica.
Hospital México, Calderón Guardia, or San Juan de Dios
What is the typical population size served by one EBAIS?
3,000–5,000 people
What are the working hours of most EBAIS clinics?
7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How many cantons are there in Costa Rica?
82
What percentage of the population uses private insurance?
15–20%
What level handles complex and critical medical conditions?
Tertiary
What types of professionals are part of an EBAIS team?
Doctor, nurse, primary health technician
What is a problem related to the system’s organization?
Loss of tests, CTs, or appointments
What percent of the population is covered by the public healthcare system (CCSS)?
Over 90%
What’s one benefit of the mixed medicine system?
Access to private outpatient services + CCSS medications and diagnostics
How many regional hospitals are there in Costa Rica?
8
What is the name of the larger unit that includes multiple EBAIS teams?
Health Area
How long can some healthcare workers go without being paid?
6 months