Hospital CIMA

3.8 stars ·

Hospital CIMA is a JCI-accredited facility since 2008, the first in Costa Rica certified for Quality Processes by the Ministry of Health, and managed by leading US hospital corporations. It serves as the top destination for medical tourists in San Jose, offering comprehensive care across more than 60 specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, and bariatric surgery. Known for advanced technology and English-speaking staff catering to international patients.[1][10]

75%
Satisfaction Rate
2000
Established

Certifications & Accreditations

Sello de Oro de la Joint Commission International (JCI) (Joint Commission International (JCI))
BIORAD Quality Assessment for Hematology (BIORAD)
Joint Commission International (Joint Commission International)
Certificate of Excellence, Blood Bank
Joint Commission International Accreditation (Joint Commission International)
Costa Rican Ministry of Health (Costa Rican Ministry of Health)

Our Treatments

Orthopedics

$5,000 - $25,000

Surgical procedures focused on the musculoskeletal system

Knee/Hip Replacement

$15,000 - $30,000

Joint replacement surgery for improved mobility

95.0% success
6-12 weeks
1-3 hours
  • Recovery: 6-12 weeks
  • Duration: 1-3 hours
  • Anesthesia: general

Spine Surgery

$12,000 - $35,000

Surgical treatment for spinal conditions

90.0% success
4-12 weeks
2-6 hours
  • Recovery: 4-12 weeks
  • Duration: 2-6 hours
  • Anesthesia: general

Weight Loss Surgery

$8,000 - $15,000

Bariatric and weight management surgical procedures

95.0% success

Heart & Vascular

$10,000 - $40,000

Heart and cardiovascular system treatments

Fertility & IVF

$5,000 - $12,000

Reproductive health and fertility assistance

Cosmetic Surgery

$3,000 - $10,000

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures

Hair Restoration

$3,000 - $8,000

Hair loss treatment and restoration procedures

Our Medical Team

A

Adam Paer Singer

Gynecology-Obstetrics

Customer Reviews

3.8

Based on 8 reviews

5
4
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3
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"I think this hospital is amazing, so many options for services, the doctors are so qualified and the services are quick and easy... Much better than any hospital ive ever seen in Canada to be honest"

Genevieve Gravino
· July 12, 2026

"No sense or urgency even for pregnant patients Try to avoid this hospital for urgencies and ambulatory matters their process need to be re-work, came here with a 8 month pregnant woman and they took 1 hour to attend her, front desk has not courtesy and there are problems between the stuff that are clearly noticeable(frontdesk/nurse) only 3 people infront of us at the time. I will highly suggest to go to clínica bíblica or hospital metropolitano instead they are about the same distances and they are very good"

D River
· July 12, 2026

"I had an exceptional experience with the medical check up. All providers were patient, kind and thorough. I will be back and I will recommend."

Takeya McCarthy
· July 12, 2026

"First of all, I must say that the doctors are not only incredible, but also extremely handsome! I had no problem with any of them. What I DID have a problem with was being kept in the ER where it was freezing for about 8 hours. They took me for all these very expensive tests. They would not put me in a room even though they had several doctors come in to check my leg out. Finally, around 11 p.m. they said if I deposited $10,000.00 they would put me in a room. My husband had gone home, as we had a little dog at home that needed attention. I called him to explain how they were going to throw me out of the ER if they didn't get the $10,000. I only had one shoe as my right foot was swollen and didn't feel like I could leave. Anyway, a guy from Admissions came to talk with me and we called my husband and they decided that $7500 would work until morning. So, I got put in a room. Unfortunately, unless the nurse/assistant Kevin was working, noone would answer the call button during the night. He was so sweet and helpful. And, my compliments to the chefs at this hospital. The food was absolutely delicious! Every single thing (except the hamburger) was amazing! I do wish they had someone help me with walking, as I was completely atrophied when I was discharged. I was in a bed for two weeks and never got to walk. All in all, it wasn't a bad experience, just long. I would want this hospital again because of the doctors and food...😃"

Paula Kays
· March 1, 2026

"My wife cut her hand with a knife and I asked the ambulance to take her to the emergency room here where she had stiches. There was no wait at all and I was very impressed with the competence of the attending doctor and staff and would highly recommend this hospital to others! It is important to note that if you look at the "negative" reviews here you will see that the vast majority of them relate to the price charged or to insurance/paperwork or something else unrelated to the quality of the care. If you're a foreigner living here, you will appreciate the fact that the $450 total cash cost of my service was vastly cheaper than what I would have paid in the USA."

Sumner
· March 1, 2026

"First Class Medical Facility. I recently underwent a surgical procedure at Hospital CIMA and the service and process was just first class and exceptional from start to finish. The medical staff, Doctors, Nurses and support personnel were so friendly and attentative and just awesome at their roles. Always with a smile. I had a private room which was very well set our and came with a large sofa bed if you have family. Food was available 24/7 at a touch of a button and it was very high quality restaurant food. I cannot recommend Hospital CIMA highly enough with special thanks to Dr Mora, Dr Lopez and Nurse Maricel for my incredible care."

Ross Andrews
· March 1, 2026

A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Treatment Process

01

How to Prepare for Your Medical Journey with Vayby

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02

Navigating Your Treatment Options with Confidence and Clarity

Explore various treatments tailored to your needs and preferences.

03

Post-Treatment Care: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery Process

Follow our guidelines for a successful recovery after your treatment.

Why Choose San Jose, Costa Rica?

Discover the perfect destination for your medical journey

Top dental and cosmetic surgery destination for North Americans. Short flight from US cities. American-trained dentists and surgeons. Costs 40-60% less than US. Biodiversity-rich recovery environment.

74

Destination Score

70%
Savings vs. US Prices
2
JCI Accredited
#1
global rank
70,000+
patients/year
67
Healthcare & Safety
70
Safety
77
Cost & Value
75
Travel & Getting There
65
Internet Speed
89
Climate
92
Climate & Environment

Healthcare & Safety

System Quality Excellent
Hospitals 3+
JCI Accredited 2 facilities
Emergency Services Good
Pharmacies 24/7 widely available
Safety Rating High
Insurance International insurance widely accepted at private hospitals like CIMA and Clínica Bíblica, with direct billing options for many providers

Travel & Getting There

Airport Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Distance to City 20 km (~30 min)
English Level Moderate
Public Transit Moderate
Taxis & Rideshare Taxis and rideshares like Uber widely available, especially in San Jose and Escazu; reliable for airport transfers and city travel

US/Canada/EU/UK/Australia: visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities: check Costa Rican consulate.

Cost & Value

Daily Budget $50
Hotel (mid-range) $120/night
Restaurant Meal $15
Daily Transport $20
Currency Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
Tipping Tipping 10% at restaurants if service not included; optional for taxis and hotels
Savings vs. US Prices
dental
70%
cosmetic surgery
70%
cardiac
65%
orthopedic
60%
fertility
55%

Climate & Environment

Average 20.3°C · Tropical monsoon

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Green bars = comfortable range (18-28°C)

Best Time to Visit December to April
Air Quality (AQI) 42
Water Quality Bottled recommended
Internet Speed 50 Mbps
Mobile Network Good 4G/LTE

Medical Tourism Hub

#1 global rank 70,000+ patients/year Excellent recovery environment
DentalCosmetic SurgeryOrthopedicCardiovascularFertilityOphthalmicBariatric
Government-backed program
Patient rights protection

Clinic Location

While Your Companion Recovers

Historical tours (National Theater, Gold Museum)
Nature excursions (nearby volcanoes, parks)
Shopping districts (Multiplaza Escazu)
Wellness retreats

Practical Information

Languages Spoken

English
Spanish

Business Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Hospital CIMA?

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This clinic speaks: English, Spanish

Hospital CIMA typically responds within 24 hours. For urgent inquiries, please contact them directly.

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