Knee Replacement Surgery in Costa Rica
Are you considering knee replacement surgery in Costa Rica? But perhaps you are worried about the costs and quality of treatments. We may be able to help. This guide covers the treatment costs for Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) surgery. Learn more about the top hospitals in Costa Rica, the best surgeons, and how to get there.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) - Animation. Video Courtesy: Dr. Anand Jadhav
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Costa Rica for Knee Surgery
Costa Rica is affordable! Medical treatments are usually about 30 - 70% cheaper than the US and Canadian prices.[1]
Here are five more reasons why San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is so popular with foreign patients:
- Internationally Recognized Hospitals: JCI, AAAASF, AAAHC accreditations.
- Easy Accessibility: 4.5 hrs from NYC & 5 hrs from Toronto / Montreal.
- No Waiting Lists or Delays: Swift diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Safety and Security: Politically stable country[2] & best healthcare system.[3]
- Top Ecotourism Destination:[4] Heal while enjoying the scenic beauty.
Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in Costa Rica
Knee replacement surgery costs in Costa Rica can vary between $15,250 and $29,250. But, the US hospitals charge as high as $70,000 for a total knee replacement.[5]
For more clarity, let us look at the cost comparison table below.
| Procedure | US | Costa Rica |
| Total Knee Replacement (Unilateral) | $20,000 – $30,000 | $15,250 – $16,450 |
| Total Knee Replacement (Bilateral) | $40,000 – $70,000 | $27,250 – $29,250 |
| Partial Knee Replacement (Unilateral) | $18,995 – $25,000 | $12,750 – $13,950 |
| Revision Knee Replacement Surgery | $34,000 – $73,000 | Request Price |
| Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery | $18,500 – $20,000 | Request Price |
| *Unilateral: one Knee; Bilateral: both knees | ||
**Prices are subject to change. We advise you to fill out our online quote form for the latest prices.
The all-inclusive package price includes:
- Private transportation: 1 airport and 3 hospital roundtrip transfers
- Hospital costs: Surgery room, equipment, supplies, medications, etc.
- Hospitalization (if needed): Companion can stay at no extra cost
- Medical team fees (surgeon, assistant, and anesthesiologist)
- Pre-operative exams: Blood tests, ECG, preliminary evaluation
- Pre-op and post-op appointments with lead surgeons
On average, you can save up to 30 - 50% of your US costs. It can be an affordable option, especially for those who cannot afford private surgery costs.
Please consult with our experts today to know more about procedure details, payment programs, and package plans.
Best Orthopedic Hospitals in Costa Rica
You can find top-notch orthopedic clinics in Costa Rica. However, before heading over to Costa Rica, you have to ensure that you’re in one of the best knee replacement hospitals employing top knee surgeons in Cost Rica.
For knee replacement patients, the two hospitals that stand out in Costa Rica are:
Established in 1929, ISO and JCI-certified, Hospital Clinica Biblica has built its legacy in healthcare in Costa Rica.
The hospital provides advanced medical care in 80+ specialties and partners with expert, board-certified doctors.
The hospital is also accredited by the Costa Rican Accreditation Entity (ECA).
- 90+ Years of Excellence
- 80+ Specialties
- JCI Accredited
Clinica Biblica ranks as one of the best JCI accredited hospitals in Latin America. Its 60+ specialties make it a popular destination for medical tourists.
It is a high-quality medical facility with 120 in-patients & 5,000 out-patients daily. Clinica Biblica also has its own dedicated Medical Tourism department.
English & Spanish speaking staff tend to the needs of foreign tourists there. The hospital has a 24-hour clinical lab and top-class modern care facilities.
It also boasts access to the country’s best doctors and international-grade medical equipment.
Certified by JCI and the LAQI, the hospital is a leading healthcare provider in Costa Rica.
It belongs to the IHC, a Texas-based hospital chain.
The hospital adheres to both Costa Rican medical privacy standards and U.S. HIPAA
- 20+ Years Of Experience
- JCI Accredited
- LAQI Certified
CIMA ranks among the best JCI-accredited[6] hospitals in Latin America. It is part of the International Hospital Corporation, a Texas-based hospital chain.
CIMA is also certified by the Latin American Quality Institute.
It was the first hospital approved for Quality Processes by the Ministry of Health in Costa Rica.
In addition to the state-of-the-art infrastructure & technology, the orthopedic team has extensive national and international experience managing complicated cases.
With MTC, you can look forward to a safe and satisfying journey to Costa Rica.
Choose from some of the best surgeons in San Jose, with a customized surgery package created by our in-house experts.
Top Knee Surgeons in Costa Rica
Dr. Víctor Eduardo Álvarez Murillo
Dr. Víctor Eduardo Álvarez Murillo is an experienced orthopedic trauma surgeon in Costa Rica.
He specializes in treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
He has participated in various courses, including the Trauma Surgical Workshop at Zimmer Biomet Institute in Miami, FL, USA.
Educación
University of Costa Rica
Membresías
- Costa Rican Orthopedic Association
- Association of Medical Professionals of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital
Dr. Alexander Valverde Retana
Dr. Alexander Valverde Retana is an Orthopedics and Traumatology specialist with expertise in Spine Surgery.
He is a Fellow of AO SPINE at Spine Surgery Hospital Caujuru, Brazil.
His international experience includes:
- Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- St. Vinzenz Hospital, Cologne, Germany
- Workers' Hospital, Santiago, Chile
He has also served as the PRESIDENT of the Costa Rica Column Chapter of AOSPINE Latin America.
Educación
University of Costa Rica
Membresías
- North American Spine Society
- European Spine Society (Eurospine)
- American Association Orthopedics Surgeon
Dr. Bernal González Gutiérrez
Dr. Bernal González is an Orthopedic and Traumatology specialist with a subspecialty in hip and knee joint reconstruction.
He performs arthroscopies.
He has also completed a course in Hip and Knee Joint Reconstruction at Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Mexico City
Educación
University of Costa Rica
Dr. Mauricio Eugenin Hernández
Dr. Mauricio Hernández is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon in San José, Costa Rica.
He has fellowships in trauma and bone reconstruction in Chile and Brazil and training in shoulder and elbow surgery in Chile.
He also serves as the President of AOTrauma Costa Rica.
Educación
University of Medical Sciences, Costa Rica
Membresías
- Costa Rican Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology
Dr. Manuel Chavarría Alvarado
Dr. Manuel Alvarado is an experienced orthopedic surgeon in San José, Costa Rica.
He has received training in arthroscopy and sports medicine from Universidad Católica de Chile, and shoulder pathology from Hospital Italiano in Buenos Aires.
He also completed sports medicine training at Catholic University Hospital in Santiago.
Educación
Autonomous University of Central America - Autonomous School of Medical Sciences, Costa Rica
Membresías
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- Costa Rican Orthopedic and Traumatology Association
Dr. Akira Kobayashi Pinto
Dr. Akira Kobayashi is a founding partner at the Orthopedic Specialties Clinic at CIMA Hospital, San Jose, Costa Rica.
He focuses on treating sports injuries and performing arthroscopic surgeries on the shoulder, knee, and hip.
With extensive surgical experience, he has worked at institutions like the National Insurance Institute and San Juan de Dios Hospital.
Educación
Autonomous School of Medical Sciences of Central America
Membresías
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Costa Rican Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology
- Latin American Society of Orthopedics
Knee Surgeon Reviews in Costa Rica
US patient testimonial for total knee replacement in Costa Rica
Mr. Charles Rychner from Milwaukee, US, came to Costa Rica for knee surgery as his insurance in the US would not cover it. To know what he has to say about his treatment and how he could save 40,000 USD coming to Costa Rica with the help of MTC, Check the video testimonial!
Knee Replacement Hospital Reviews in Costa Rica
Mauricio Navarro, USKnee surgery in Costa Rica
For emergency cases or consults, assistance is immediate. Has some of the best doctors in Costa Rica, has also won several prizes.
Denise, USKnee surgery in Costa Rica
Highly recommend their services as the best in Costa Rica – they certainly have the best diagnostic equipment in the country.
How to Reach Costa Rica
The international airport of Costa Rica is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). It takes between 3 and 7 hours to fly to Costa Rica from most US cities.
International flights include American Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada, Continental Delta, and Juan Santamaria.
Flying time from US cities to San Jose Airport (SJO), Costa Rica
There are bus services that connect San José with neighboring countries. It includes Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala.
While some may travel to Costa Rica by land, most visitors arrive by plane. You can use these bus services to travel around Costa Rica.
American and Canadian travelers can enter Costa Rica without a visa. All European Union citizens also enjoy Visa-exempt travel.
All you need is a valid passport and a prepaid airline ticket. They can stay up to 90-days in Costa Rica.[7]
Should you need an extension, you can submit a request with the Office of Temporary Permits of the Department of Immigration in Costa Rica.
Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most affordable medical destinations for surgical procedures. Each year, it receives many international tourists and has an ideally-suited infrastructure for medical tourism.
Most professionals there have international training and experience and an excellent level of English.[8]
Costa Rica Sea
Aside from its natural and cultural attractions, the country has top-notch recovery facilities and spas. These places offer patients a comfortable and supportive environment to recover after a procedure.
Most facilities have 24-hour nursing services, all-inclusive meal plans, and massage parlors.
Top 5 Things To Do in Escazu, Costa Rica
Escazu is a small but beautiful tourist destination worth a visit. It is famous for its incredible natural scenery and luxury shopping malls. Here are a few things to do in Escazu:
1. Explore the Mariposario butterfly kingdom. It is a small but well-kept place for thousands of butterflies.
2. Enjoy a Coffee Tour at the El Toledo coffee plantation. See the coffee harvesting process and enjoy the taste of authentic organic coffee.
3. Do a rainforest night tour in rainmaker park to enjoy the wonders of nightlife.
Butterfly Kingdom
Rainmaker park
Multiplaza
4. Explore Escazu's food stalls and cuisine. Don't miss the Nau sushi lounge and Park Cafe for some truly authentic local food.
5. Shop at the Multiplaza mall. Many international brands cater to the whim of shoppers here. It is often known as the Beverley Hills of Costa Rica.
There is no shortage of well-maintained hotels at Escazu for accommodation. Hotels Real Intercontinental (5-star) & Alta las Palomas can be the best choices.
Conclusion
Knee replacement in the US can cost almost 50% more than in Costa Rica. You also get top-notch care in world-class facilities. These aspects make Costa Rica a popular medical tourism destination, attracting 20,000 people every year.[11]
You can be at ease traveling to Costa Rica for your knee replacement surgery!
Did you find answers to all your questions? Feel free to connect with us. Our team can help create a customized travel package for you, considering your specific condition.
FAQs
The cost of total knee replacement (TKR) in Costa Rica San Jose is $15,250 - $29,250 without insurance. In the US, the same surgery costs as high as $70,000.
Uninsured Americans can save over 50% by going to Costa Rica for knee replacement.
An artificial knee will usually last between 10-15 years.[9] The durability also depends on the material used and how much you use your knee.
A knee replacement surgery lasts for 1 to 3 hours. Post-surgery, the recommended hospital stay is usually for one to three days. [10]
You would be able to resume most normal activities within three to six weeks following surgery. Though there might be a minor pain for a couple of weeks after surgery, it will subside in time.
An exercise regimen & an iron-rich balanced diet will help recover fast. It is advisable to consult and work with a physiotherapist. It will help speed up your healing and recovery.
The best knee replacement hospital in San Jose today is Clinica Biblica. The quality care patients receive is at par with prestigious North American Hospitals.
CIMA is the best knee replacement hospital today in Escazu, Costa Rica. It is famous for its clinical and service excellence.
References
- CNBC: Costa Rica’s health care system beats the US
- US News: Overview of Costa Rica
- The Commonwealth Fund: Lessons from Costa Rica
- Enchanting Costa Rica: Costa Rica Tops the World in Eco-Tourism
- BCBS: Extreme Cost Variations for Knee & Hip Replacement Surgeries
- Joint Commission International: JCI-Accredited Organizations
- Costa Rica Embassy: Entry Requirements to Costa Rica
- International Living: 6 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World
- Harvard Medical School: How long will my hip or knee replacement last?
- AAOS Ortho Info: Total knee replacement
- The Tico Times: Costa Rica remains popular destination for medical tourism
