Do you want journey insurance coverage for Costa Rica? (Up to date 2023)

to publish: 12/08/2023 | August 12, 2023

Known for its lush forests, active volcanoes, white sand beaches and amazing wildlife, Costa Rica It is a favorite among travelers. It was the place that ignited my wanderlust (so it holds a special place in my heart).

Located between the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, This small country has a lot to offer. It attracts many visitors because it is easily accessible to travelers from North America, with frequent and affordable flights and an established tourist trail.

Total, It’s completely safeThe quality of life is high, and you feel like you are in another American state.

Many travelers to Costa Rica wonder if travel insurance is necessary at all.

“am I truly Need it? It’s just an extra expense that I won’t even use!” I’m asked.

For me, the answer is yes.

No matter where I’m going, I never leave home without travel insurance. It’s a protection against unexpected costs that may arise if things go wrong on the road, which – as every traveler will tell you – happen when you least expect it.

since Costa Rica is more expensive than its Central American neighborsAnd since you’re more likely to be participating in the adventure activities that make the country famous (hiking volcanoes, zip lining), the risks may be higher, and costs can add up quickly if things go sideways.

What does travel insurance usually cover?

Travel insurance It is a multi-purpose emergency coverage plan for travel accidents. Costs can quickly pile up due to illness or injury, flight cancellations, damaged electronic devices, lost luggage, death of a family member back home – the list goes on.

Since most domestic health insurance programs do not cover you abroad, Travel credit cards Providing limited protection, purchasing travel insurance is essential to protect you from these unexpected costs. It’s designed to make sure you don’t lose a lot of money if an emergency occurs abroad.

Great travel insurance plans include the following provisions:

• Medical coverage for sudden injuries and illnesses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen property (including some coverage for your electronics)
• Trip cancellation/interruption coverage if you suffer a sudden illness, death of a family member, or any other emergency that causes you to cancel your trip or go home early
• Coverage for travel delay
• Coverage of political emergencies, natural disasters or conflicts in the country
• Accidental death and dismemberment (although it is a disease, it is important that it happens)
• 24/7 assistance

What to consider when purchasing travel insurance for Costa Rica

Here are some specific coverages to consider when purchasing land travel insurance Pure life:

1. Adventure activities – From skydiving to surfing, Costa Rica is a haven for a whole host of adventure activities, and even the most laid-back travelers may want to try some of them. It’s one of the best places in the world to zipline, and you can also enjoy hiking in the jungle and volcanoes. Make sure your travel insurance plan covers you if you are injured while participating in any of the activities you may want to try.

2. Medical coverage – If you get injured while testing your adrenaline limits (or doing something else), you’ll need coverage. A good travel insurance company will provide up to $100,000 in necessary treatment and care, although more expensive policies will cover you for higher amounts.

3. Medical evacuation – If you are hiking in the rainforest and break your leg, your policy should cover your evacuation to the nearest acceptable medical facility. (If you prefer not to stay in a foreign hospital for treatment and recovery, look into a medical transfer membership program such as: Midgetwhich will get you home no matter what.)

4. Car rental Renting a car is a popular way to get around the country. However, apart from major highways, roads can be in questionable condition; They often lack street lighting and have potholes and steep inclines. Not to mention the oncoming traffic on the narrow and winding roads that seem to only fit one car. Even the most experienced drivers can get into an accident, so make sure you’re prepared with the right rental and collision coverage.

(If you intend to rent a car, Let’s go He has the best prices. As a Nomadic Matt reader, you’ll get a 5% discount using our link.)

5. Stolen or lost property Petty theft is the most common type of crime here. Protect yourself by bringing only cash and one credit card when you go out, and leaving your valuables at home. However, even the best laid plans can fail, so make sure you have some coverage for your personal items (laptop, phone, etc.).

6. Coverage of natural disasters – Costa Rica is geologically fascinating – but that means it’s also an active and unpredictable earthquake and volcanic zone. Make sure your policy will cover you if a natural disaster causes your trip to be canceled or cut short.

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance in Costa Rica

Do I need travel insurance to visit Costa Rica?
Although Costa Rica no longer requires visitors to show proof of travel insurance upon arrival, I highly recommend getting it anyway. It’s for your own benefit and only costs a few dollars a day (or less).

Does US medical insurance (such as Medicare) work in Costa Rica?
No, medical insurance from the United States, including Medicare, does not cover you in Costa Rica. You should not expect to be covered if anything happens to you (one of the main reasons to get travel insurance).

Is Costa Rica safe?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries to visit in Central America. Most popular tourist towns are small in size and there is little threat of violence. Solo travelers should generally feel safe here; However, standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone drunk, etc.). Check out this post for more tips on staying safe in Costa Rica.

Can I drink water in Costa Rica?
The water is safe to drink in most parts of Costa Rica, but on the Caribbean side of the country and in more remote areas, it is advised against it. It’s best to bring a water bottle with a filter (my favorite is… LiveStraw), so you can be sure that your water is always clean and safe to drink. (And make sure you have travel insurance in case you get sick.)

Do I need malaria pills for Costa Rica?
Antimalarial pills are not currently necessary for travel to Costa Rica, but check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website before traveling for current travel guidelines. There is a slightly increased risk in Limon County, so if you spend a lot of time there, especially in rural areas, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting a prescription. Whether you take antimalarial pills or not, I still recommend getting travel insurance in case you become ill.

What vaccinations are required for Costa Rica?
It is recommended that you be up to date on all routine vaccinations, but the only vaccine required is the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling from a country at risk of yellow fever transmission (such as Tanzania or Zambia, as well as rural areas of Colombia). Ecuador, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago).

If you’ll be spending a lot of time in rural areas, camping, or in other situations where you may encounter stray dogs and other wildlife, you may want to consider getting vaccinated against rabies (although rabies treatment is readily available if you get it a little). Again, make sure you have good travel insurance that will protect you in the event that you become ill and need treatment.

What do I do in an emergency in Costa Rica?
If you’re having a true emergency, the emergency number in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States — 911. Also be sure to save your travel insurance company’s emergency contact — a good company will have a 24/7 emergency hotline.

For more information about travel insurance, see this post, How to buy the best travel insurance.

Recommended travel insurance company

My favorite company is Safety suite, which offers convenient and affordable plans designed specifically for digital nomads and budget travelers. It offers cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the go.

You can purchase and renew your insurance policy online within minutes, and most importantly, the company offers a lot of coverage at a very affordable price. SafetyWing covers most adventure activities (with some exceptions) and includes emergency medical coverage (including evacuation), as well as trip interruption, cancellation and delay coverage.

Learn more in my comprehensive book Safety suite review And use the tool below to get a free quote:

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If you are wondering whether you want to get travel insurance for your trip to… Costa RicaThe answer is a definite yes. It’s the most important thing you should have, and something I highly advise travelers not to leave home without.