by Rod Hughes from an ACAN-EFE wire report
Despite readily available public health care under the Social Security (Caja) system, Costa Ricans spent a total of $158 million on private health services in the first four months of 2006, according to a study by the Costa Rican Nutrition and Health Research Institute. Some three-quarters of Costa Ricans interviewed said they had used private health care in that period.
The largest item was medicine, $42.8 million, followed by dental care for which they paid $36.9 million.Appointments with private doctors accounted for $31.4 million.
A surprising expense was the $24.7 million they shelled out for the purchase or rental of medical equipment. They spent $4.8 million on lab examinations.
An overwhelming majority of Costa Ricans carry Social Security insurance through their workplace and as self-employed professionals, but long waits for appointments and services as well as minimal dental services encourage those who can possibly afford it to seek private care.