🚑 Ambulance in Costa Rica
+506 · Red Cross Emergency Medical Service
Costa Rica Ambulance emergency number is 911. Verified 2026-01. Official source: Cruz Roja Costarricense. One-tap call, works offline.
Red Cross Emergency Medical Service
Costa Rica · Ambulance
📝 Ambulance and emergency medical services dispatched through 911 and provided by the Costa Rican Red Cross. Response is generally fast in urban and tourist areas.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Costa Rica
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Ambulance
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 911 for minor injuries - visit a local clinic or EBAIS
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Costa Rican law
- • Do not call 911 for power outages - contact the electricity provider
- • Do not use emergency lines for tourist information - contact the ICT (Tourism Board)
✈️ Travel Notes — Costa Rica
Emergency response is generally fast and reliable in urban areas and major tourist destinations. Response in remote mountain and jungle areas may be delayed. The Red Cross provides excellent ambulance services. Private hospitals in San José offer high-quality emergency care. Public hospitals (CCSS) provide free emergency treatment.
🛡️ Traveling to Costa Rica? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Ambulance Emergency Service in Costa Rica — Complete Guide
When traveling to Costa Rica or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number Costa Rica can be critical for safety and emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in Costa Rica is 911, which is operated and monitored by Cruz Roja Costarricense. Ambulance and emergency medical services dispatched through 911 and provided by the Costa Rican Red Cross. Response is generally fast in urban and tourist areas.
How to Call the Ambulance in Costa Rica
To reach the Red Cross Emergency Medical Service in Costa Rica, dial 911 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. You can dial this emergency number even if your phone does not have a SIM card active. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 911
When you call the ambulance number in Costa Rica, you will be connected to a trained operator at Cruz Roja Costarricense. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in Costa Rica
Please note that Costa Rica utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. Besides the Ambulance (911), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Unified Emergency System (911), Fuerza Pública (National Police) (911), Red Cross Emergency Medical Service (911), Bomberos (Firefighters) (911), Policía Turística (Tourist Police) (911). Additionally, the universal European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Costa Rica and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
The emergency number 911 is verified against official directories published by Cruz Roja Costarricense. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact us so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ambulance in Costa Rica
What is the Ambulance number in Costa Rica? ▼
The Ambulance emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. Ambulance and emergency medical services dispatched through 911 and provided by the Costa Rican Red Cross. Response is generally fast in urban and tourist areas.
Does 911 work from mobile in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes, 911 works from all mobile phones in Costa Rica.
Can I call 911 without a SIM card? ▼
Yes, you can dial 911 without a SIM card in Costa Rica.
Is calling 911 free in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes, calling 911 is free in Costa Rica. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in Costa Rica? ▼
The Ambulance service in Costa Rica is operated by Cruz Roja Costarricense. Source: https://www.cruzroja.or.cr/
Does 911 work everywhere in Costa Rica? ▼
911 is available throughout Costa Rica. The system is well-developed and covers the entire country, including rural areas, though response times may vary.
Can I call 911 from a mobile phone without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. 911 calls are free and can be made without a SIM card or airtime credit from any mobile phone.
Do 911 operators speak English in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes. 911 operators are trained to handle calls in both Spanish and English. English support is widely available, especially in tourist areas.
Which number handles tourist emergencies in Costa Rica? ▼
Call 911 for all tourist emergencies. The Policía Turística (Tourist Police) is dispatched through 911 and patrols major tourist areas.
Are ambulance services free in Costa Rica? ▼
Red Cross ambulance services dispatched through 911 are free. However, private ambulance services may charge fees. Public hospital emergency treatment is free or low-cost.