Lair Davis (Our Man in Costa Rica)

It would be easy to say that I just “knew” Costa Rica was right for me — just as surely as I knew Mexico was not. I seriously considered Chile but decided it was too far, too expensive, and it was much too difficult to become a legal resident there.

But “how” did I know Costa Rica was the one?

In Costa Rica, the people liked me, from the first time I visited. That was important. And I liked them. They are warm, they are helpful, and they are beguiling. They are also changing with the times, alas. They watch the same garbage on television that folks in the States do, and it is having a strong influence on how they think and live. You can still see teenagers walking through the park in the middle of the city while holding hands with their mothers, and in front of their friends, but it is becoming a rarer sight.

I like the fact that just about the only thing that can rile a Costa Rican is to threaten their democracy. I love how proud they are of their country’s pacifism — no army, little violence (although it is increasing). I enjoy the curious fact that ticos seldom argue with each other. If you hear someone raising their voice in anger, you can be quite certain that it is either an expat or a tourist. As a rule, ticos do not raise their voices except in song or to cheer on their favorite football team.

And I very much love the socialized medical system. The care I have received here has been so much better than the care I received in the States. I say that without hesitation — and from experience. After giving more than $600 a month to Blue Cross of California for more than 25 years, I was charged $3,000 for my stents and one night in the hospital. They then left me without a doctor for more than six months while my condition was very sensitive. Ah, the horrors I could tell. But you can tell some of your own, most likely.

When I hear people talking in the United States about how the medical system there is collapsing, I realize that those people have not used that system lately. If they had use it recently, they would know that it is not collapsing — it has collapsed!

In Costa Rica, my doctor speaks perfect English. He is an internist and heart surgeon who teaches at the University of Costa Rica. He is degreed from one of the leading medical schools in the United States. He spends on average an hour or so with me during each visit. He knows my name, my condition — and he cares. He charges $20 per visit. If I wanted to wait at the local government clinic, I could see a doctor for free. I do receive my medications and any tests I need absolutely free. Any emergency care is free, personable and excellent. If I ever become ill again, I will beg everyone who will listen to “please don't send me back to the United States for care!” And they won't!

If you become ill while you are visiting here as a tourist and must visit a clinic or hospital, it will cost not a single dime! In the United States, a visitor from Costa Rica would be allowed to die in the parking lot.