Where to Get a Covid-19 Test in Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Many people have been asking where you can get a Covid-19 test in Costa Rica, for purposes of onward travel. In this short post, we will let you know of some reputable private hospitals and labs that can perform the test. Most of these are in and around San Jose, but there are some options outside the city.

Covid Testing Options in Costa RicaPrivate Hospitals

Some private hospitals and labs can do the test. They all perform the RT-PCR test (nasal swab) and most can guarantee results in 24-48 hours.

Two private hospitals near San Jose that offer the test are Hospital CIMA in Escazu and Clinica Biblica in downtown San Jose and Santa Ana. For information on the costs and process, follow the links we just provided (for Clinica Biblica, look for “Prueba Diagnostica COVID-19”). Some of the websites allow you to change the language to English. For those that don’t, you can use Google translate.

We have had consultations and procedures at CIMA and Clinical Biblica, and found both hospitals to be very professional and modern. It is also fairly easy to find English-speaking people in these larger medical facilities, though not all staff speaks English.

Hospital Metropolitano is another good option. They have a few locations around the country. Their main offices are in the San Jose area, but they have satellite locations in Quepos near Manuel Antonio and Liberia and Huacas (close to Tamarindo) in Guanacaste. We have used the Quepos location for important lab work in the past, and they were very professional and helpful. 

Labs

A reputable lab offering the test is Labin. They have many locations all around San Jose, including near the airport in Alajuela (Vindi Alajuela location). This may be an easier option because you would not have to navigate at a larger hospital and figure out where you need to go. 

Our doctors in San Jose recommend Labin for our lab work.

Airports

Currently, Covid testing is not available at either the San Jose International Airport (SJO) or Liberia International Airport (LIR). 

Covid Testing Prerequisites

Medical facilities that administer Covid-19 tests do so under the authority of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Heath.

Per Ministry of Health requirements, to get a test in Costa Rica, you are supposed to be showing symptoms or be a suspicious case due to contact with someone who tested positive, etc. You will also need a doctor’s referral, but the hospitals/labs can take care of this as part of their service for an additional charge. 

Test Cost

Prices for the test (the RT-PCR) are around 59,000 colones or $100. There is an additional charge if you need the doctor referral.

We are not aware of any facilities in Costa Rica doing the rapid or any Covid-19 test other than the RT-PCR. If we hear of any, we will update this post.

Have a question about getting a Covid-19 test in Costa Rica? Ask us below. More information:

Wondering about Costa Rica’s entry requirements, or international insurance options? Check out our detailed post Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Entry Requirements, Protocols & What to Expect.

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