No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsHealthSame-sex couples in Costa Rica now have equal access to public health...

Same-sex couples in Costa Rica now have equal access to public health insurance, care

Costa Ricans who have health insurance coverage with the Social Security System, or Caja, can now cover same-sex partners at any public community health clinic (Ebais) or Caja hospital, the agency announced.

The reforms of Costa Rica’s Social Security Regulations were six months in the making, and also apply to unmarried heterosexual couples who have lived together for at least three years.

The latest changes to the regulations were approved by the Caja’s board of directors on May 22 and were published in the official government newspaper La Gaceta on Nov. 10.

Same-sex couples now have the right to receive medical care at any Ebais, Caja clinic or hospital. They can go to specialists, use ambulances and receive any medical care necessary, including surgery. Same-sex partners also are able to accompany their loved ones if hospitalized, and are authorized to make critical medical decisions on their behalf.

The changes were made to the basic concept of “family benefits,” including the “protection that health insurance provides to individuals who are directly tied to an insured individual, who have a financial dependency, and who meet other requirements defined in the new statute.”

This also applies to unmarried heterosexual couples, children, stepchildren, siblings, parents and other dependents. The definition of “partner” was changed to include “someone who lives with you in a permanent fashion, publicly and exclusively, of either sex.”

To facilitate the process, a registry of cohabitant partners was created on Oct. 9 following the Caja board’s approval.

How do we register?

The process for ensuring that an unmarried partner of either sex enjoys equal benefits is as follows:

  • Visit an Ebais or Caja clinic or hospital and register at the “Registro de Parejas de Convivencia” (Registry of Cohabitant Couples).
  • Present identification for both parties.
  • Fill out a “Beneficio Familiar” (Family Benefits) form.
  • Present proof that you have lived together for at least three years (this can include sworn testimony by third parties, or documentation that you are co-owners of real estate).
  • The Caja will interview and prepare a socioeconomic study to establish your financial codependency.

The process should take no more than 10 days.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Surpasses 500 Homicides as Gang Violence Escalates

Costa Rica has officially surpassed 500 homicides so far this year, according to figures released Monday by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). As of...

Massive Cocaine Seizure at Costa Rica’s Moín Terminal Targets UK

Costa Rican police intercepted 810 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment at the Moín Container Terminal in Limón headed for the United...

Nicaragua Places Bayardo Arce Under House Arrest Amid Power Struggle

The Nicaraguan government has placed historic Sandinista commander Bayardo Arce, economic adviser to President Daniel Ortega, under house arrest, according to exiled opposition members...

Keylor Navas Joins Pumas After Controversial Exit from Newell’s

Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas is officially the newest player for Pumas UNAM, but his move from Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys has been anything...

Why Prisma Dental Is Costa Rica’s Top Clinic According to ChatGPT’s AI Analysis

When it comes to choosing the best dental clinic in Costa Rica, international patients are facedwith an abundance of options. But with the help...

Honduras Reinstates Mask Mandate Amid Rise in Respiratory Illnesses

Honduran health officials have reinstated a nationwide mask mandate following a spike in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and a fast-spreading Omicron subvariant known...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica