On our previous article, we shared the history and importance of the CAJA (Costa Rican social security), on this note, we will be exploring all the benefits available for residents.

According to the Immigration Law 8764, it is mandatory for every resident to register with the Caja to finish the residency process and obtain the migratory status. Over the past year, the resident´s community was significantly affected by the increase of the Caja fee due to the inclusion of the IVM (Pension program) contribution mandatory of every resident that enrolled with Caja after March 2022.

However, why this contribution caused such a commotion? To answer this question, it is required to understand the composition of the Caja fee:

Resident´s contribution to the Social Security Administration in Costa Rica is divided into two parts:

1. SEM (Sickness and Maternity): the SEM contribution is the basic health coverage. Before March 2022 this portion was the only one charged to foreigners that obtained the residency in Costa Rica.
2. IVM (disability, old age and death): the IVM is the portion of the contribution that is collected for the retirement and pension benefits. It was until March 2022 that this additional fee was charged to the residents.

With the addition of the IVM contribution, the monthly fee for residents increased, however, new benefits were also acquired.

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What are the benefits of having CAJA as a resident?

Getting to know how the Social Security process works can be a decisive fact to become a resident. For this purpose, we will share all the benefits accessible once you obtain the Caja services:

1. Accessibility to Caja: the CAJA services in Costa Rica are divided in three main types of care:

1. Primary care: this will be provided by local clinics known as EBAIS. On this facility people can receive primary care such as general checkups, minor procedures. The EBAIS only provides outpatient care.
2. Clinics: there are bigger health centers that includes more specialties and equipment, for example, X-Rays services, MRIs, and others. Some of these clinics also have the emergencies services as well as inpatient treatment.
3. Hospitals: medical centers that includes all the specialties and inpatient treatments. All hospitals around Costa Rica provides urgent care and major surgical procedures.

2. Health Insurance coverage: Caja in essence is a health insurance, as such, there are some procedures or services that are included; unlike other health insurance services, Caja does not have restrictions when it comes to the services a person can access once they initiate the contributions. Below, we will share in more detail:

1. General medicine: if you are looking for a general checkup of your health or a simple consultation to identify other possible conditions.
2. Medical exams: from a simple blood test to MRI and X-Rays. *Some rural areas do not have certain type of equipment; however, you will be referred to the Hospital or Clinic to receive such attention at no extra cost.
3. Medications: Caja will provide you with all the medications required, this can be a monthly prescription (diabetes, hypertension, birth control) or temporal medications to treat a minor non-permanent condition.
4. Special treatments: if a person requires of special treatment due to a certain medical condition, for example, diabetes, cancer, immuno-compromised diseases, and others, the specialize Hospital or Clinic will provide the necessary treatment and medications.
5. Surgeries: all type of surgeries are covered by the Caja health insurance, either required for a special medical condition or urgent care (plastic surgery is not included, only if required due to reconstructive reasons).
6. Inpatient and outpatient care: depending on your necessity, both inpatient and outpatient care is covered by the Caja services. No additional fees will apply in case a person requires to stay in a hospital for an extended period.
7. Dental care: all dental procedures are included in the Caja Services.
8. Mental Health Services: if a person requires assistance from specialist in mental health, either inpatient or outpatient care, as well as the medications required to treat the condition.

3. Pension benefits:

1. If you become a resident and you are registered with the Caja, every contribution made will be sent to the retirement and pensions fund, making the person eligible to receive in the future a monthly deposit corresponding to the pension.

It is important to mention that the Caja insurance is a global coverage, this means that one contribution will include not only the main applicant of the residency, but its dependents as well (spouse, children). In the same way, every child from 0 to 18 years of age is covered by the government for free, this includes Costa Rican nationals, residents, and tourists. If you are thinking on bringing your family with you, becoming a resident may save you thousands of dollars every year in health insurances fees.

Zurcher, Odio & Raven will help you clarify any doubt you have about the Social Security or any other Immigration matter. Please feel free to reach us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Related Practice Areas:

• Immigration & Relocation