Costa Rica: A Paradise Destination

• Contains 4% of global biodiversity
• More than half a million species
• Astonishing forests and beaches
• Named the happiest country in the world
• First education system in Latin America
• Number one in Latin America in protecting workers' rights
• Exports over 4500 products to 146 countries worldwide
• Fourth largest exporter of technology
• Second most politically stable country in Latin America

It is no secret that Costa Rica is one of the top ten vacation destinations, especially when it comes to eco-adventure tourism. More than two million foreigners travel to Costa Rica every year, in search of its beautiful beaches and biodiversity.

Nevertheless, 10% who visit are in search of medical treatment. Medical tourism is born as a trend that combines travel, cultural learning and enjoyment, with the access to world-class health care.

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has become the leader in medical tourism services, and not by chance, but through the social investment in health and education throughout the last century.

Destination of Peace

It is not coincidence that the country could concentrate its efforts on social development, nor that former two-time president, Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez, received the Nobel Peace Prize. The country's efforts to sow peace and cease the fire throughout Central America, has come about by the decision to abolish their army in the middle of the last century. This allowed Costa Rica to become a state of law, with political equilibrium and total peace; where democracy and citizen security is a priority.

Since then, the country has concentrated its efforts in its national development through sustained investment in health and education programs. This approach paid off, making the country a regional reference with rates of health and education comparable to those of developed countries Schooling at a 98.3%, per capita health investment of $1,369, universal and free access to basic health care, and life expectancy greater than 81 years.http://www.who.int/countries/cri/es/

Tourism

Being named the happiest country in the world is not a surprise to "ticos," a name given to those born in Costa Rica; This reflects the effort made to be a hospitable country, oriented toward tourism. "Tourism makes up 4.6% of Costa Rica's GDP," with a world - class tourist platform, which allows the country to exploit its natural wealth, while continuing its integration into global markets http://www.elfinancierocr.com/negocios/Turismo-Costa-Rica-genera-PIB_0_484151588.html.

World-Class Medicine

With a first-world educational and medical infrastructure, and bilingual human resource, Costa Rica is a major destination for tourists seeking quality health care, with 70% lower costs than those found in Europe, United States and even Asia.

Medical tourism is on the rise, due to the combination of highly qualified professionals and world-class infrastructure (luxury recovery centers, private clinics and hospitals with international certifications).

For hundreds of Americans, affording quality health care has become a challenge. Countries like Costa Rica, offer foreign tourists the unique opportunity to visit the country, while undergoing affordable medical or dental treatments.

It is estimated that check-ups, medical treatment and rehabilitation services offered in Costa Rica cost less than half of what these procedures normally cost in North America, Europe and Asia.

This in no way should determine the quality of treatment, but rather, serve as a display of increased demand for first-world health care set at reasonable prices.