Costa Rica Travel Planning Now Includes a Healthy Option: Medical Tests
Costa Rica boasts a well-earned reputation as a favored vacation destination for many in the U.S. Recently however, an increasing number of Americans are taking advantage of their exotic vacation trip to include a healthy medical checkup, trading some of their leisure time for one of multiple comprehensive packages currently being offered.

Hospitals like the hospitals CIMA, Clinicas Catolica and Biblica, located in San José, provide tourists with comprehensive medical tests, catering to foreign visitors.

"If you don't visit your doctor regularly, you might think you are in good shape; nevertheless you are not making long-term plans for your own well-being. This is why taking a medical checkup is recommended at least every two years. If you invest in your own health now, you'll save on future medical expenses", comments Dr. Rodolfo Leal, Head of Internal Medicine at Clinica Biblica was quoted as saying.

"The importance of a medical checkup lies on its prevention qualities; it is a tool that enables you to make sure you are as healthy as you feel. And of course, what better time to have a medical checkup than when you are enjoying a vacation in Costa Rica." adds Dr. Leal.

It is also a practical way to identify health risk factors that can be modified, such as an inappropriate lifestyle, smoking and lack of exercise; or those that cannot be modified, such as genetic characteristics, which may cause cardiovascular problems, diabetes, hypertension, among other conditions.

Medical checkup packages currently offered by Costa Rican Hospital include parking (or shuttle bus for those staying at a hotel), breakfast and a nurse who provides support to the patient throughout the whole process.

Package prices range from us$220 to us$680, and are tailor-made to satisfy the needs of different age groups (click for medical check up details):

- Laboratory Tests: For people under 35; includes specialist consultation, basic lab tests, imaging diagnostics, cardiology and optometry tests.

- Diagnostic Medical Test: For people 35 to 45; includes advanced lab tests, imaging diagnostics, cardiology and optometry tests, and both specialist and nutritionist consultation.

- Comprehensive Medical Test: For people over 45; includes comprehensive lab tests, imaging diagnostics, cardiology and optometry tests, endoscopy and audiometry tests, and both specialist and nutritionist consultation. This check up may also include a colonoscopy.

- Health Tests for Women: For all age ranges; includes specialist consultation, gynecological checkup, mammography and PAP.

The CIMA, Catolica and Biblica hospitals are private general hospitals and are highly regarded nationally for quality care in many areas such as plastic surgery, eye surgery, orthopedics, weight loss surgery, and a wide range of outpatient services such as medical check-ups and dental procedures.