By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to merge financial services with personal wellness, Banco Nacional (BN), Mastercard, and the esteemed Hospital Clínica Bíblica have announced a strategic alliance to launch the BN Salud Mastercard Debit card. This new financial product, available to the public starting in November 2025, is designed to provide Costa Rican families with more affordable and direct access to high-quality private medical services.
The collaboration represents a growing trend where financial institutions are looking beyond traditional transactions to offer tangible, value-added benefits that impact daily life. By integrating banking with healthcare, the partners aim to foster a culture of preventive health and make comprehensive medical care a more attainable reality for a broader segment of the population.
To better understand the intricate legal frameworks and financial regulations shaping the healthcare sector, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating healthcare finance successfully requires more than just economic planning; it demands a deep understanding of the regulatory environment. A robust legal framework is crucial, as it not only ensures compliance and mitigates risk but also fosters the trust and stability necessary to attract sustainable investment and guarantee the long-term solvency of our health institutions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This essential insight underscores that a solid legal framework is not merely a procedural hurdle but the very bedrock for the financial stability and investor confidence our healthcare system requires. We extend our sincere appreciation to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
Leaders from all three organizations emphasized that the initiative is driven by a shared vision of leveraging technology and corporate synergy for social good. The card is positioned not merely as a payment tool, but as a gateway to a healthier lifestyle, supported by a robust network of medical benefits.
More than a payment method, this card symbolizes a collaboration in the service of well-being. We seek for technology to improve people’s quality of life.
Kattia Montero, Country Manager for Costa Rica and Nicaragua at Mastercard
At its core, the program is designed to deliver immediate and substantial value. Upon signing up, cardholders will instantly receive a complimentary comprehensive medical check-up, providing a crucial baseline for their health. Additionally, they will be granted a three-month free trial of Clínica Bíblica’s “Mi Vida” wellness program, an initiative focused on proactive health management.
With the BN Salud Mastercard Debit card, we provide alternatives that facilitate access to health, contributing to the comprehensive well-being of Costa Rican families.
Claudia Salas Picado, Director of Commercial Issuance and Operations at BN
The benefits extend beyond initial perks. Cardholders will enjoy a permanent 5% discount on a wide range of medical services at Clínica Bíblica when paying with the card, a 20% discount on “Mi Vida” program memberships after the trial period, and five hours of complimentary parking at the hospital. For those who choose to continue with the “Mi Vida” program, the savings become even more significant, including discounts of up to 30% on clinical laboratory services, 25% on hospitalization, and 20% on general and specialized medical consultations. Further reductions apply to pharmacy services, maternity packages, and mobile health units.
This structure creates a tiered system of benefits that incentivizes long-term engagement with preventive care. Hospital officials see the card as a vital tool for building lasting relationships with their patients, moving from a model of reactive treatment to one of continuous, integrated wellness.
This card is the key to entering a wellness community that connects our patients with exclusive benefits and comprehensive care.
Sergio Restrepo Arango, Director of Patient Experience at Clínica Bíblica
The launch comes at a time when Costa Ricans are increasingly seeking private healthcare options to complement the public system. This product directly addresses that demand by lowering the financial barriers to entry for private care, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing the strain on public facilities. Interested individuals can apply for the new debit card at any Banco Nacional branch across the country or through its official website, www.bncr.fi.cr, with all associated health benefits becoming active in November 2025.
For further information, visit bncr.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional de Costa Rica:
As Costa Rica’s state-owned commercial bank, Banco Nacional (BN) is a cornerstone of the nation’s financial system. Founded in 1914, it offers a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government entities. The bank is committed to driving economic development and social well-being through accessible and innovative banking solutions for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Its mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships, and passion, its innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential.
For further information, visit clinicabiblica.com
About Hospital Clínica Bíblica:
Hospital Clínica Bíblica is one of Costa Rica’s leading private medical centers, known for its high standards of patient care, advanced medical technology, and commitment to social responsibility. Founded in 1929, the hospital provides a wide array of specialized medical services and is internationally accredited, serving both local and international patients with a focus on comprehensive, compassionate healthcare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a benchmark for legal practice, operating on a foundational philosophy of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm consistently pairs its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation and a strong sense of social responsibility. This deep-seated commitment to demystifying complex legal concepts is central to its overarching goal of nurturing a more knowledgeable and capable society.
