Costa Rica Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
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Key Takeaways
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According to Squaremouth policy sales data, the top-selling travel insurance plans among travelers visiting Costa Rica are offered by Tin Leg, Travel Insured International, and IMG.
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Costa Rica’s private medical facilities do not accept U.S. health insurance, with many requiring upfront payment or proof of coverage before administering care.
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Costa Rica travel insurance costs $230 on average, according to internal sales data. With an average trip length of 12 days, this equates to less than $20 per day for trip protection.
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59% of Costa Rica policies sold on Squaremouth are comprehensive, covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuations, delays, and baggage loss.
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Popular Costa Rican excursions like surfing, whitewater rafting, zip lining, and canyoning often require specialized adventure coverage, as they are considered high-risk by most providers.
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Hurricane season and the rainy season (May – October) create real risks of flight cancellations, road closures, and weather-related trip disruptions. This was evident during the 2024 Guanacaste Airport closures.
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Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance finding the perfect plan for your Costa Rican adventure, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369.
Squaremouth’s Costa Rica Travel Insurance Recommendations
Over the last 12 months, the top three travel insurance plans purchased by travelers with upcoming trips to Costa Rica on Squaremouth were:
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular destinations for thrill seekers, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts alike. While the country is generally safe to visit, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers the most common travel disruptions.
Such a policy will add a layer of financial protection if things go wrong before and during a trip. Included below are specific coverage recommendations for your upcoming Costa Rica adventure.
Is Travel Insurance Required to Visit Costa Rica?
No, U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not currently required to purchase travel insurance to enter Costa Rica. However, just because it’s not legally mandated does not mean you should travel without it.
The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that all American travelers get trip protection. This recommendation is mostly because most hospitals and doctors in Costa Rica do not accept U.S. health insurance, and most care providers require upfront payment. The CDCsimilarly advises that you review your current health insurance’s international coverage and consider purchasing a policy with medical and evacuation benefits before departure.
In addition, Costa Rica is home to other unique risks, including adventure sports accidents, flash flooding, landslides, and rough road conditions. Purchasing travel insurance can offer much-needed peace of mind and financial protection if your trip were to take an unexpected turn.
Our Picks for the Best Costa Rica Travel Protection
The plans featured below are among the most popular options among Squaremouth users planning trips to Costa Rica. All policies on our marketplace are from top-rated insurers and have been carefully vetted by our expert product team.
Most Popular Plan Among Costa Rica Travelers
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$500,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
The top-selling policy among Squaremouth customers visiting Costa Rica, representing 27% of all policy sales to the destination
Features up to $500,000 in Emergency Medical coverage per person, which is among the highest coverage for this benefit found on Squaremouth, and plenty to cover any unexpected medical expenses you incur in Costa Rica
Offers excellent coverage for adventure sports, covering more than 250 unique activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, surfing, and canyoning
Best for Family Trips to Costa Rica
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Provides complimentary coverage to children under the age of 18, which can provide significant savings for large families visiting Costa Rica
Lets your family tailor coverage to fit your trip with add-ons like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and optional upgrades that increase coverage limits for specific benefits
Comes with free concierge services, which can assist in making dinner reservations, booking adventure excursions, or arranging airport transfers to your hotel
Best Evacuation Coverage
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Features up to $500,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, which can cover the cost to transport you from the rainforest to a nearby medical facility or back home in the event of a serious medical emergency
Offers up to $100,000 in Non-Medical Evacuation coverage that covers the cost to transport you to a place of safety if your trip is disrupted by volcano eruptions, flooding, or hurricane conditions
Provides coverage if your personal sports equipment is lost, delayed, stolen, or damaged during your Costa Rica trip, including surfboards, scuba equipment, trekking poles, and fishing rods
How Much Does Costa Rica Travel Insurance Cost?
Based on Squaremouth policy sales data, here’s what U.S. travelers are paying for Costa Rica travel insurance in 2026:
- Average Premium: $230
- Average Trip Cost: $5,940
- Average Trip Length: 12 Days
- Percentage of Comprehensive Policies: 59%
The cost of Costa Rica travel insurance continues to rise, with premiums up over 6% compared to last year. This is largely driven by a 7% increase in the overall cost of traveling to the Central American destination.
As a general benchmark, travel insurance typically costs between 4-9% of your total trip costs. Other factors like your age, trip length, the number of travelers in your group, and the level of coverage you need will also impact your total premium.
Estimated Premiums: Top-Selling Plans for Costa Rica
To help you get a better idea of how much Costa Rica travel insurance costs, we created sample quotes for the most popular policies among Squaremouth users. The premiums below are based on quotes for a 35-year-old taking a $6,000, 12-day trip to Costa Rica.
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Plan Cost Per Day | % of Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Gold | $302 | $25 | 5% |
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $215 | $18 | 3.6% |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Choice | $162 | $14 | 2.7% |
What Does Costa Rica Travel Insurance Cover?
Medical Emergencies
Costa Rica has a strong healthcare system, especially in San Jose. But the U.S. State Department notes that outside the capital, services may be limited and some facilities lack basic medical equipment. Additionally, most facilities will require proof of insurance or upfront payment before providing care.
Almost all travel insurance plans on Squaremouth include some degree of Emergency Medical insurance, which can reimburse you for unexpected hospital stays, doctor visits, and other medical expenses. Due to the risks involved in traveling to Costa Rica, we recommend plans with at least $50,000 in medical coverage per person.
Medical Evacuations
As mentioned, many medical facilities in rural parts of Costa Rica lack the resources to handle complex medical situations. If you get severely injured or sick in a remote part of the country, you will likely need to be medically transported to a better-equipped facility for treatment purposes. These services, known as medical evacuations, can be extremely costly, especially if you need to be transported back to the United States.
Johns Hopkins reports that medical evacuations can cost anywhere from $10,000 to more than $100,000. For that reason, we only recommend policies with no less than $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
Trip Cancellations
Trip Cancellation coverage reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs, including flights and hotels, if a covered event forces a cancellation before departure. Common covered reasons include sudden illness or injury, a death in the family, natural disasters, or involuntary job loss.
This protection is found in comprehensive travel insurance plans and is essential given that the average Costa Rica trip costs almost $6,000. Keep in mind that the more expenses you insure, the greater your travel insurance policy will cost.
High-Risk Adventure Sports & Activities
Condé Nast Traveler ranks Costa Rica as one of the world’s top 10 adventure travel destinations. The Central American playground is home to hiking, zip lining, rafting, kayaking, and other adrenaline-filled activities.
Not all travel insurance policies include coverage for hazardous activities like the ones named above. If your itinerary includes adventurous excursions, you will likely need a policy that includes the Sports & Activities benefit. This will improve your odds of being covered if you are harmed while participating in extreme sports while traveling.
Hurricane and Weather Protection
While Costa Rica is in the Caribbean, just south of the hurricane belt, it only sees hurricanes occasionally. With that said, if you’re traveling during hurricane season, you should still be cautious and prepared to face severe weather.
Fortunately, most travel insurance policies will include Hurricane and Weather coverage. This coverage provides reimbursement if you need to cancel your trip or end your trip early due to inclement weather and natural disasters.
“Coverage only applies to storms that form after your policy purchase date. Once a storm is named and has made the news, it’s typically no longer considered an “unforeseen event. If you’re traveling to Costa Rica, it’s best to purchase your coverage earlier rather than later.”
Costa Rica Flight Delay Coverage
If your flight is delayed heading to or from your Costa Rica trip, you may be eligible for reimbursement through the following benefits:
- Travel Delay: Can reimburse you for food and lodging expenses if they experience significant flight delays.
- Missed Connection: May cover additional costs needed to catch up to a trip if a delay forces you to miss your connecting flight.
Baggage Coverage
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies will also include coverage for delayed or lost luggage in the form of the following benefits:
- Baggage Delay: Can reimburse you the cost of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities if your bags are delayed in transit.
- Baggage & Personal Item Loss: This benefit may reimburse you if your luggage or belongings are lost, damaged, or stolen at any point during your trip.
- Sports Equipment Loss: Can reimburse you in the event your own sports equipment, such as a surfboard or hiking poles, is lost or damaged during a covered trip.
Costa Rica Travel Safety: What You Need to Know
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination, but the U.S. Department of State advises caution. Travel insurance can help protect your trip when unexpected medical emergencies, travel delays, or other surprises get in the way.
Here are some of the main reasons you need travel insurance for your Costa Rica vacation.
Adventure Activities & Outdoor Injuries
Costa Rica is a top destination for adventure travelers. Zip-lining through the rainforest, hiking volcanoes, surfing, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, and ATV tours are among the most popular activities for visitors.
While these experiences are a major reason people from around the world visit Costa Rica, they also come with risks. Falls, injuries, accidents, and other emergencies can happen during outdoor activities, especially in remote areas. Some travel insurance plans may exclude certain adventure sports unless you purchase additional coverage.
✅ Look for a travel insurance plan with Sports & Activities coverage that includes the adventure activities you plan to do in Costa Rica.
Remote Destinations & Emergency Medical Evacuations
Costa Rica has excellent healthcare options in major cities like San José, but many tourists spend their trips exploring more remote destinations, including national parks, beaches and rainforest areas.
If you experience a serious injury or medical emergency far from a hospital, you may need ambulance transportation or emergency evacuation to receive proper care. Medical transportation from remote areas can be expensive, especially if air evacuation is required.
✅ Travel Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage can help pay for emergency treatment and transportation to an appropriate medical facility if needed. Since U.S. health insurance is not accepted in Costa Rica, prioritize plans that offer strong medical benefits.
Medical Emergencies & Unexpected Healthcare Costs
Getting sick or injured while traveling abroad can create stressful and expensive situations. Travelers to Costa Rica may need medical care for issues like food poisoning, infections, injuries or other unexpected illnesses.
Even though Costa Rica has a strong healthcare system, you may still face out-of-pocket expenses if your regular health insurance does not provide coverage internationally, which is the case for most Americans.
✅ Travel Medical coverage can help cover eligible emergency medical expenses, doctor visits, hospital stays, and other healthcare costs during your trip.
Rainy Season, Flooding & Weather Disruptions
Costa Rica’s tropical climate means weather can change quickly, especially during the rainy season from May through October. Heavy rain can lead to flooding, road closures, transportation delays, and canceled tours, among other headaches.
Weather disruptions can be especially frustrating if you have prepaid for accommodations, excursions, and transportation. Even storms that do not directly affect your destination can cause delays that impact your itinerary.
✅ Many travel insurance plans include Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage for covered weather events that disrupt your travel plans.
Rental Car Accidents & Road Issues
Many visitors rent a car in Costa Rica to explore beaches, national parks, and smaller towns at their own pace. However, driving conditions can vary, and some roads may be challenging due to narrow routes, potholes, construction or heavy rain.
A car accident, vehicle damage, or unexpected transportation issue can quickly add stress and expenses to your vacation.
✅ Depending on the plan, travel insurance may provide coverage for certain rental car issues, while additional rental car protection may be available through some policies.
Lost Luggage, Theft & Personal Belongings
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but petty theft can still happen in crowded areas like airports and beaches.
Lost luggage, stolen electronics, or missing personal items can disrupt your trip and require unexpected replacement purchases. This can be especially inconvenient if you are traveling between multiple destinations.
✅ Travel insurance with Personal Item & Baggage Loss insurance can reimburse you for eligible lost, stolen or damaged belongings during your Costa Rica trip.
Click here to begin your search for Costa Rica Travel Insurance.
Health & Vaccinations for Costa Rica
While no vaccinations are currently required to enter Costa Rica, the CDC recommends staying up to date on the following vaccinations.
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid (especially if you plan to eat or drink outside of major cities)
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies (if you’re spending time in rural or wilderness areas)
- Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, flu, COVID-19)
The CDC also advises Costa Rica-bound visitors to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever and Zika virus, which are present in certain regions.
Medication Tip: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to make sure your medication is safe to take to Costa Rica. The U.S. Department of State advises checking with the Costa Rican Ministry of Health to confirm your prescription medications are approved for entry into Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa
Traveling to Costa Rica as a digital nomad? In July 2022, Costa Rica officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa, formally known as Estancia para Trabajadores Remotos. This visa allows eligible foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, to legally live and work remotely in Costa Rica for up to one year, with an optional second-year extension.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Minimum monthly income of $3,000 for individuals or $4,000 for families
- Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of the visa
- Valid passport from a Costa Rica visa-free country, like the United States
- Payment of the $100 application fee
The mandatory health insurance requirement makes travel insurance particularly important. While standard single-trip travel insurance policies typically cover trips up to 180 days, some specialized policies offer long-term travel insurance plans that are more suitable for digital nomads.
Costa Rica Entry Requirements
While there are currently no travel insurance requirements that need to be met to enter Costa Rica, there are other guidelines that visitors must follow to gain entry.
- Valid Passport: Visitors must have a passport that’s valid for the duration of your stay.
- Exit Intent: All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or proof of their intent to exit the country before their entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days.
- Tourist Visa: May be required for stays longer than 90 days. See the Embassy of Costa Rica’s website for the most current visa information.
FAQ: Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Will my U.S. health insurance work in Costa Rica?
Generally, no. Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare and employer-sponsored policies, do not cover medical care received abroad. Costa Rica’s private hospitals may accept proof of travel insurance for billing purposes.
Does travel insurance cover injuries that happen during excursions?
It depends on the plan. Most standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for high-risk adventure sports and activities, including zip-lining, whitewater rafting, surfing, and volcano hiking. If your trip includes potentially hazardous itinerary items, you should find a policy that includes the Sports & Activities benefit.
When should I buy Costa Rica travel insurance?
As soon as possible after making your first trip deposit. Purchasing within 14-21 days of your initial payment towards your trip typically unlocks time-sensitive benefits like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Pre-Existing Condition Waivers. Both of these benefits are unavailable as you get closer to your departure date.
Does travel insurance cover hurricane season in Costa Rica?
Yes, most comprehensive travel insurance plans include Hurricane & Weather coverage for trip cancellations caused by named storms, natural disasters, and other severe weather events. However, coverage only applies if you purchase your policy before the incident becomes a known or foreseeable event. Once a storm is named or is widely reported, it is typically too late to purchase travel insurance.