Costa Rica is an expats haven, taking advantage of their world class medial & education systems, democratic government, gorgeous tropical climate, diverse economy and of course the affordable real estate.
The ones that top the list are Americans and Canadians. Currently, over 100,000 Americans and 20,000 Canadians live in Costa Rica.
Like the U.S., Canada’s baby boomers are reaching retirement, and with the depress world-wide economy, and living expenses getting higher many elderly Canadians are now looking toward Costa Rica. That scale may start to become more balanced for Canadians vs. U.S. citizens, due to some pending laws that some claim are, human rights violations against their own “elderly” citizens.
Canada’s Heartless Grandparent Scandal
Canada has announced that there are approximately “eleven million” people in Canada who are over the age of fifty. Many of these people are aging parents who want nothing more out of life than to live independently (in something as simple as a basement apartment or Granny suite) in the home of adult child “and with the grandchildren” for the balance of their lives.
Although this desire to live with family sounds like a very simple request, in some parts of Canada it now has become illegal. Many municipal governments have made the decision to capitalize on this situation, and are demanding that elderly family members pay exorbitant fees for permission to live with family.
For example: In the City of Hamilton Ontario elderly parents who wish to live independently in the home of an adult child must produce a non-refundable application fee of $5,770. Now, adding insult to misery, if the application is accepted, the adult child who provides this accommodation to his or her parents is punished with a property tax increase, which will last as long as he or she owns the home, even after your parent(s) have died.
This type of scam is also operated in Cambridge Ontario, with fees being approximately $4,000.
Canada has always boasts a fantastic human rights reputation around the world, and yet their municipal governments has chosen to exploit the needs of seniors.
This has been over the years some government officials have created bi-laws and regulations which give them full power to dictate home owners, who can live within the confines of your own home and force you to pay extra for your aging parents to live in your home with these, “non-refundable application fees”, or the “increase in property taxes”
The other thing that is plaguing the seniors is the socialistic health care systems that requires months to see a doctor and even when one gets an appointment, it requires hours waiting in overly crowded waiting rooms.
Even if Costa Rica’s health system does have its flaws, the overall cost is a cheaper (Costa Rica medial costs vs. US) with better care faculties and professionals. In March of 2010, foreign residents (expats or permanent residents), must show proof of insurance from the government Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social; cost is only between $37 – $55/month per person, with private care around $200/month.
With the above said, and the need for lower living, health, and housing costs, Costa Rica may be on the threshold of a huge immigration increase of Canadians.
Article contribution by John Newton, who is moving to Costa Rica
Just keep in mind that using Caja de Seguro Social for regular doctor´s appointment could be a waste of time and really bad service. Caja´s services are only good when you are in need for a big surgery. For those living in Guanacaste, I would advise them to seek information on the soon-to-open medical facilities at Hospital Cima San Jose by Liberia Intl. Airport. They do offer a health plan insurance covered by American Insurance companies or recently-established insurance companies in Costa Rica.
Mr John Newton: We moved to CR a year ago and thot that CR would be great for Seniors. Did you realize that the health insurance you mention in your article – is only obtainable to people under the age of 70 years? After that we seniors have to go with the Social Security CAJA which costs us $26 a month each. They make you wait in a long line outside in our town because their waiting room isn’t big enuf. Then if you need some type of surgery that isn’t life threatening you are put on a lengthy waiting list and you have to wait a year for surgery. If you drive to an emergency facility and have to wait outside.
We waited there (in filadelfia) for over an hour and when the youngster next to me vomited into a bag we left. I suggest you investigate this great health
plan that does not exist. you inves PLEASEt check out this lovely health plan before moving here. CAJA is in financial straits and about to go bust.
We use a private doctor but we pay up front. We are currently paying our US Medicare even tho we cannot use it here and we pay for CAJA because it is the law and then on top of that we pay the private doctor for his/her services. Typically it cost us from $40 to $70 per visit for a private appointment.
Just thot I’d let you know.
Kat in Coco Beach
I absolutely Love Samara Beach! http://www.villasplayasamara.com