Posted: 8/12/2023 | August 12, 2023
Known for its lush forests, active volcanoes, white-sand beaches and incredible wildlife, Costa Rica is a favorite among travelers. It was the place that sparked my wanderlust (so it has a special place in my heart).
This small country, wedged between the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, has a lot to offer. It attracts many visitors because it is easily accessible to North American travelers, with frequent and affordable flights and an established tourist route.
Overall it’s quite safe, the quality of life is high and it almost feels like you’re in another US state.
Many travelers to Costa Rica wonder whether travel insurance is even necessary.
“I will Real need? It’s just an extra expense that I won’t even use!” I am asked.
For me the answer is yes.
Wherever I go, I never leave home without travel insurance. It’s protection against unexpected costs that can arise if something goes wrong along the way, which – as any traveler will tell you – happens when you least expect it.
Because Costa Rica is more expensive than its neighbors in Central America, and because you’re more likely to participate in the adventure activities that make the country famous (volcano hikes, ziplining), the risks can be greater and the costs can add up quickly. adding up quickly when things go sideways.
What does travel insurance usually cover?
Travel insurance is universal emergency coverage for travel accidents. Costs can quickly add up due to illness or injury, canceled flights, damaged electronics, lost luggage, the death of a family member at home – the list goes on.
Because most domestic health insurance policies do not provide coverage abroad and travel credit cards offer limited protection, purchasing travel insurance is necessary to protect you from these unexpected costs. It is designed to ensure that you don’t lose a ton of money if an emergency occurs abroad.
Good travel insurance includes the following provisions:
- Medical coverage for injuries and sudden illnesses
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen property (including some coverage for your electronics)
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage if you have a sudden illness, death in the family or other emergency that requires you to cancel or return home early
- Coverage for travel delays
- Coverage for political emergencies, natural disasters or conflicts in the country
- Accidental death and dismemberment (as morbid as it is, it’s important to have)
- 24/7 assistance
What to look for when purchasing travel insurance for Costa Rica
Here are some specific coverage needs to consider when purchasing travel insurance for the country of pure life:
1. Adventure activities – From skydiving to surfing, Costa Rica is a haven for the whole spectrum of adventure activities, and even the tamest traveler might want to try a few. It’s one of the best places in the world for ziplining, and there are incredible jungle and volcano hikes. Make sure your travel insurance covers you in the event that 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 anything else), you’ll want to be covered. A good travel insurance company will provide up to $100,000 USD in necessary treatment and care, although more expensive policies will cover higher amounts.
3. Medical evacuation – If you are hiking through the rainforest and break your leg, your policy should cover evacuation to the nearest acceptable medical facility. (If you’d rather not stay in a foreign hospital for treatment and recovery, look into a medical transportation membership program, like Medjet, that can get you home either way.)
4. Car rental – Renting a car is a common way to travel around the country. However, apart from the main highways, the roads can be in questionable condition; they often have no street lighting and have potholes and sharp slopes. Not to mention oncoming traffic on tight, winding roads that seem like they can only fit one car. Even the most experienced driver can have an accident, so make sure you’re prepared with the right rental and collision coverage.
(If you plan to rent a car, Vamos has the best prices. As a Nomadic Matt reader you get a 5% discount by using our link.)
5. Stolen or lost property – Petty theft is the most common form of crime here. Protect yourself by taking only the necessary cash and one credit card when you go out and leaving your valuables at home. Still, even the best-laid plans can go wrong, 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 is also an active, unpredictable earthquake and volcano zone. Make sure your policy covers you if you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to a natural disaster.
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 that you do so. It’s for your own benefit and only costs a few dollars a day (or less).
Does US health insurance (such as Medicare) work in Costa Rica?
No, US health insurance, including Medicare, does not provide coverage in Costa Rica. You shouldn’t expect to be covered if something happens to you (one of the main reasons for getting 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 and there is little threat of violence. Solo travelers should generally feel safe here; However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home drunk alone, etc.). Check out this post for more tips on staying safe in Costa Rica.
Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?
The water is safe to drink in most parts of Costa Rica, but it is not recommended on the Caribbean side of the country and in more remote areas. It’s best to bring a water bottle with a filter (my favorite is LifeStraw) so you can be sure your water is always clean and safe to drink. (And make sure you have travel insurance in case you do get sick.)
Do I need malaria pills for Costa Rica?
Antimalarial pills are not currently necessary for travel to Costa Rica, but check the CDC website for current travel advisories before traveling. There is a slightly increased risk in the province of Limón, so if you spend a lot of time there, especially in rural areas, it is best to talk to your doctor about getting a prescription. Whether you take anti-malaria pills or not, I still recommend that you take out travel insurance in case you do contract the disease.
What vaccinations are required for Costa Rica?
It is recommended that you are up to date with all routine vaccines, but the only required vaccine is yellow fever if you are traveling from a country at risk of yellow fever transmission (such as Tanzania or Zambia, but also the rural areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Trinidad & Tobago).
If you spend a lot of time in rural areas, camping, or other situations where you encounter stray dogs and other wildlife, you may want to consider getting vaccinated against rabies (although rabies treatment is readily available if you do develop an infection). bit). Again, make sure you get good travel insurance, which will protect you if you do get sick and need treatment.
What should I do in case of an emergency in Costa Rica?
If you experience a true emergency, Costa Rica’s emergency number is the same as in the United States: 911. Be sure to save your travel insurance company’s emergency contact as well; a good company has a 24/7 emergency hotline.
For more information about travel insurance, check out this post, How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance.
My recommended travel insurance company
My favorite company is SafetyWing, which offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to 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 people on the go.
You can purchase and renew your insurance policy online in minutes, and most importantly, the company offers a lot of coverage at a super 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.
Read more in my in-depth Safety Wing review and use the widget below to get a free quote:
If you’re wondering whether you should get travel insurance for your trip to Costa Rica, the answer is an emphatic YES. It is the most important thing to get, and I strongly recommend that travelers never leave home without it.
Book your trip to Costa Rica: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know there’s nothing wrong!
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently offer the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the apps I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will also save you money when you travel.
Would you like more information about Costa Rica?
Be sure to visit our robust Costa Rica destination guide for even more planning tips!