# Costa Rican healthcare system challenges

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rican-healthcare-system-challenges
> Updated: 2026-10-29T14:05:31.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica have reported significant obstacles in accessing medical services. Refugees have cited xenophobia, lack of social security affiliation, and language barriers as primary impediments. Specifically, Miskito indigenous women have struggled with missing documentation and an inability to communicate in their native language within the institutional system.

Parallel to these issues, the public healthcare system is facing a severe crisis. Hospital directors report that the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is experiencing unsustainable levels of overcrowding in emergency services. Medical staff have warned that patients are dying in hallways and on improvised stretchers due to shortages of beds and medicine.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Costa Rica: Political controversy over luxury vehicle expenses and public health crisis

Costa Rican officials face backlash for using public funds for luxury vehicles while the national healthcare system suffers from extreme overcrowding and critical shortages.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-political-controversy-over-luxury-vehicle-expenses-and-public-health-crisis

### 2026-10-07: Nicaraguan exiles face healthcare barriers in Costa Rica

Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica report facing healthcare barriers, including xenophobia, lack of social security, and language obstacles for indigenous Miskito speakers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguan-exiles-face-healthcare-barriers-in-costa-rica

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Cite as: Costa Rican healthcare system challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rican-healthcare-system-challenges