Health care facilities

The mandatory socialized medical system here is overworked,  many with outdated facilities and wait time for appointments to see specialists take a long time. You are required to use the facility in your immediate neighborhood, unless you have been recommended for further care at a larger hospital by your specialist. You can't choose facility or doctor.

Most expats continue to pay for  private facilities.

For cancer care such as chem and radiation treatment, both CAJA (socialized)  and private, you must travel into San Jose for treatment.

You mother, would have to apply on her own for residency, as a Pensionado if she has a monthly guaranteed for life pension OF AT LEAST $ 1000, as she can not be considered 'your dependant'. For an application for Investor your investment of a home must be at least $200k and again, this wouldn't include your mother.

Community clinics (EBAIS) are closed from early evening so are not available for overnight emergencies. Actual hospitals are open 24 hrs. as are  some private clinics.

thank you. So, is it mandatory to enroll in CAJA? (which, if I understood well, is like Social Security)

Yes, you must join Caja, which in the National health care system (and if you are under 55 you would also be contributing for something similar to social security) after you receive your resolution and before you receive your Cedula.  Your monthly fee will be determined at this time (supposedly based upon the information asked for, but not always equitable)