The Costa Rican government has long dedicated a significant portion of the national budget to the health and education of its citizens; a policy that has benefited its citizens over the years and improved their quality of life. The country has a literacy rate and average life expectancy that are much closer to those of Western European nations than most Latin American countries. Costa Rica has had a socialized medical system for nearly half a century, and while schools and clinics are found throughout the country, the Central Valley has several specialized Hospitals, public universities and dozens of private universities.

Tap water is safe to drink in most of the country, but bottled beverages are recommended in rural areas. For those few travelers that do become sick or injured while in Costa Rica, hospitals and private clinics in San Jose offer a level of care comparable to what they would expect at home, and for considerably less money.