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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Hospital CIMA San José

San José, Costa Rica

Last verified 2026-06-15

Hospital CIMA San José is Costa Rica's premier private, internationally accredited tertiary-care hospital, situated in the upscale Escazú district on the western fringe of the capital. Opened in 2000 and part of the global Christus Health network since 2014, CIMA holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation — first awarded in 2008 and successfully renewed in successive cycles — making it one of the longest-accredited hospitals in Central America. The facility spans more than 100 beds and houses state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, a dedicated cardiac catheterisation laboratory, a full oncology suite with chemotherapy infusion and radiation-oncology coordination, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical suites, and a fertility and reproductive medicine centre. CIMA's International Patient Program assigns bilingual patient coordinators from first inquiry through discharge and post-treatment follow-up, assisting with appointment scheduling, insurance pre-authorisation, translation, and ground transport from San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport, which lies roughly 25 minutes away. The hospital maintains direct-billing relationships with major US and European insurers, making it a natural first choice for North American expatriates, Pensionado visa holders, and medical tourists seeking US-standard care at costs typically 40–65 percent below equivalent US procedures. Telemedicine consultations are available in both English and Spanish for pre-arrival assessment and post-operative monitoring.

Details

JCI Accredited
Yes (since 2008)
Founded
2000
Intl. Patients/Year
25,000
Languages
Spanish, English
Intl. Patient Services
Yes
Telemedicine
Available

Accreditations

JCIChristus Health Network

Common Procedure Costs

Indicative self-pay cost ranges in USD. Hospital pricing varies by complexity, room class, and specific surgeon. Always confirm a quote with the hospital's international patient services team before travelling.

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Indicative cost ranges in USD for common procedures at this hospital
ProcedureFrom (USD)To (USD)Notes
Total Hip Replacement$12,000$18,000US equivalent $40k–$60k; includes 3-day inpatient stay and standard implant.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)$18,000$28,000US equivalent $80k–$120k; cardiac ICU monitoring included.
Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)$8,000$12,000Includes pre-op nutrition consult and 2-night stay; US equivalent $25k–$35k.
IVF Cycle (single)$5,500$8,500Excludes medications; US equivalent $15k–$25k per cycle.

Related Guides

Specialties

CardiologyOncologyOrthopedicsNeurologyBariatric SurgeryReproductive Medicine

Direct Billing Insurance

CignaAetnaAXAAllianzBupaBlueCross BlueShield

Sources & last verified