Costa Rica Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
Written By 
Reviewed By 
Key Takeaways
-
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.
-
Costa Rica travel insurance costs $216 on average, with an average trip length of 12 days. With that in mind, you can expect to pay roughly $18 per day for trip protection when traveling to Costa Rica.
-
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.
-
Medical care and medication costs are significantly cheaper in Costa Rica compared to the United States, but private hospitals throughout the country do not accept U.S. health insurance.
-
Natural hazards and insect-borne illnesses can result in costly travel disruptions when visiting Costa Rica, and are among the top concerns to consider before departure.
-
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 Ria 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, Squaremouth encourages all Costa Rica travelers to get a 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 travelers currently planning a Costa Rica adventure.
Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
From zip-lining through the rainforest to surfing along the Pacific coast, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for adventure. 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 travelers 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 travelers 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.
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, visitors may still face out-of-pocket expenses if their regular health insurance does not provide coverage internationally.
✅ 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 for travelers who 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.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
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 families tailor their coverage to fit their 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
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica Medical Travel Insurance
Since most health plans don’t cover overseas medical emergencies, most Costa Rica travelers purchase insurance to cover costs related to unexpected injuries and illnesses during their trip. Travel medical insurance is broken down into two main benefits: Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation.
Emergency Medical covers the cost of common medical expenses you may encounter when you get sick or injured, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, physician visits, x-rays, and more. Coverage can range dramatically from one plan to the next, but we suggest a policy that includes at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.
Medical Evacuation can cover expenses related to transporting you to an adequate medical facility to receive treatment. This could be a facility in Costa Rica, another neighboring country, or back home. Since the cost of evacuations can be extremely expensive, we recommend at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
Sports and Activities Coverage
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.
Click here to see what activities can be covered and find a policy that can offer protection for your itinerary.
Costa Rica Cancellation Coverage
If you need to cancel your Costa Rica trip before it begins, Trip Cancellation coverage may be able to help you recoup your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs, such as flights, hotels, and excursions. This benefit can reimburse you if you are forced to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as an unexpected illness, injury, or employment termination.
Depending on how soon you purchase your policy, some providers may offer the option for you to include Cancel For Any Reason coverage in your policy. This optional upgrade can offer partial reimbursement for cancellations that aren’t typically covered by standard travel insurance.
Travelers may also be covered if they need to cut their trip short and return home early under their policies Trip Interruption benefit. This coverage may cover any unused trip costs, as well as additional costs required to book additional travel arrangements to safely return home.
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, those traveling during hurricane season 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 for travelers who need to cancel their trip or end their trip early due to inclement weather and natural disasters.
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 travelers 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 a traveler to miss their 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 travelers the cost of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities if their bags are delayed in transit.
- Baggage & Personal Item Loss: This benefit may reimburse travelers if their luggage or belongings are lost, damaged, or stolen at any point during their trip.
- Sports Equipment Loss: Can reimburse a traveler in the event their own sports equipment, such as a surfboard or hiking poles, is lost or damaged during a covered trip.
Other 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.
Costa Rica Articles and Press Releases
- New CDC Requirement Proves Value of Travel Insurance Upgrade
- Travel Insurance Trends Show Pandemic Impact on Holiday Travel
- For the First Time, Caribbean Countries Lead in US Tourism Destinations