Where to go when something goes wrong, clinics, pharmacies, dentists, and what to do in an emergency.
Getting sick or hurt in a remote surf town is no fun, but Santa Teresa is better equipped than most people expect. You have real clinics, a 24/7 doctor service, a diagnostic lab, a dentist worth visiting on purpose, and pharmacies that stock more than you think. Here is exactly where to go and what to know before something goes sideways.
The Honest Overview
This is not San Jose. There is no hospital on the peninsula. For anything requiring surgery, serious imaging, or specialist care beyond general medicine, you will be transferred to Puntarenas or San Jose. That said, for the vast majority of travel ailments, surf injuries, infections, GI trouble, and minor emergencies, the local options here are genuinely solid. Know your options before you need them.
If you are planning a longer stay, read the cost of living guide alongside this one, because private medical costs add up fast without insurance.
24/7 Urgent Care: Your First Call in an Emergency
Santa Teresa Medical Center (phone: +506 2101-6212) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no appointment needed. They are located near Selina Santa Teresa North and serve both Mal Pais and Playa Carmen. They have an on-site lab, accept most major insurance plans, and have short wait times by local standards. English and Spanish spoken. This is your go-to for urgent care at any hour. Confirm insurance coverage directly with them before your visit.
Santa Teresa Doctor / Lifeguard Costa Rica (+506 8512-9111) is another strong option, with a regular schedule of 8am to 11pm daily and on-call availability 24/7 with a claimed 5-minute response time. They cover Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Playa Carmen, and beyond, and also offer telehealth consultations for non-emergency cases anywhere in Costa Rica. Services include stitches and wound care, clinical lab work (STD, hematology, parasitology), prescriptions, and chronic disease management. Useful if you want a doctor who can come to you, or if you need lab work without trekking to a clinic. See santateresadoctor.com for current details.
Santa Teresa Medical Center (a separate operation at santateresamedicalcenter.com) also advertises 24/7 availability, ambulance transfers, house calls, and general and laparoscopic surgery with a specialist in abdominal wall and hernias. They serve Mal Pais and Playa Carmen. Worth knowing about if you need a second option or surgical consultation.
Diagnostic Lab and IV Therapy: BioHealth
BioHealth Diagnostic Medical Center and Laboratory is the dedicated lab and urgent care clinic in town, located on Calle Cobano, in front of Hotel Atrapasueños, next to Mafra's Bakery, Local 3. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm. Closed Sundays. Phone: +506 8844-0707.
They do clinical analysis, lab exams, and IV therapy. Walk-ins accepted for emergencies and routine work, though appointments are recommended. They work with various insurance providers (confirm yours directly). Results can be sent by email. They also offer resident discount programs and a loyalty program, which matters if you are here long-term. See bhdiagnostic.com for the full service list.
IV drip therapy has become genuinely popular here, both for illness recovery and, honestly, for hangover management after a big night. No judgment. It works.
Dentist: Actually Worth Going To
Costa Smiles Dentist is located north of Super La Hacienda in Santa Teresa, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed weekends. They offer implants, clear aligners, whitening, cleanings, pediatric dentistry, and emergency same-day appointments for things like broken teeth or lost fillings.
The price difference compared to North America is real. Composite fillings run roughly 60-80 USD per tooth here versus 200-500 USD in the US or Canada, as of mid-2026. Implants, whitening, and Invisalign are similarly discounted, often 50-70% less than US prices. Plenty of people plan dental work into their trip intentionally, which is completely reasonable. See costasmilesdentist.com for current pricing and to book.
If you are dealing with a dental emergency in the middle of the night, call Santa Teresa Doctor or Santa Teresa Medical Center first for pain management until the dentist opens.
Pharmacies
There is no large chain pharmacy in Santa Teresa itself, but there are several farmacies along the main road and in Cobano (about 15 minutes inland by car or ATV). Cobano has better-stocked options for prescription medications and less common items.
What you can generally find locally:
- Basic antibiotics (with a prescription)
- Antifungals, antiparasitics, antihistamines
- Rehydration salts (essential in this heat)
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, basic wound care
- Common pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- Birth control
What you may need to go to Cobano or further for:
- Specific brand-name medications
- Specialty prescriptions
- Larger quantities of anything
Prices for generic medications are considerably cheaper than in the US. Always bring a supply of any prescription medication you rely on, plus a copy of your prescription. For more on navigating the heat and bug-related health issues, the insects, heat and dust guide covers the practical side of staying well here.
Public Healthcare: CAJA
Costa Rica's public health system (CAJA) has a clinic in Cobano. If you are a legal resident contributing to the CAJA system, you can access it. For tourists and non-contributing residents, the private options above are your realistic path. Wait times at the public clinic can be long, and services are more limited than in larger cities. That said, it exists and it is free for those who qualify.
If you are considering residency and want to understand what that means financially, the moving to Santa Teresa guide has a section on CAJA contributions.
What To Do in a Real Emergency
For anything life-threatening, the sequence is:
- Call Santa Teresa Doctor (+506 8512-9111) or Santa Teresa Medical Center (+506 2101-6212) immediately. Both have ambulance transfer capability.
- Stabilization happens locally, then transfer to Puntarenas or San Jose depending on severity.
- Air ambulance is available for critical cases. If you have travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage, have that number saved in your phone before you need it.
Surf injuries are the most common serious issue here. Reef cuts, board impacts, and drowning-related incidents happen. The safety guide covers water safety in more detail. For wellness and preventive care during your stay, browse the heal directory for massage, yoga, and recovery options.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation is not optional if you are surfing or doing anything active. This is a remote peninsula. Act accordingly.
FAQ
Do I need an appointment at the local clinics? For emergencies, walk in or call immediately. For non-urgent consultations, appointments reduce wait times at BioHealth and Santa Teresa Doctor. Santa Teresa Medical Center (the 24/7 one) accepts walk-ins any time.
Can I get a prescription filled locally? Yes, local doctors can write prescriptions and local pharmacies can fill common ones. For unusual medications, go to Cobano or arrange ahead of time. Telehealth prescriptions are also available through Santa Teresa Doctor.
Does travel insurance work here? Most private clinics accept major insurance plans, but confirm in advance. BioHealth, Santa Teresa Medical Center, and Santa Teresa Doctor all work with various providers. Always have your policy number and emergency contact on hand.
What about dental emergencies on a weekend? Costa Smiles is closed weekends. For pain management, contact Santa Teresa Doctor or Santa Teresa Medical Center, both of which can help bridge you to a Monday appointment with appropriate medication.
Is the water safe to drink? Tap water quality varies by neighborhood and season. Most residents and long-term visitors drink filtered or bottled water. Do not assume tap water is safe, especially during rainy season or after storms.
Browse the full services directory for vetted local providers across health, logistics, and everyday practical needs.