I can still vividly remember sitting in that rural Costa Rican clinic, sweating through my shirt while a doctor examined my ankle. It was swollen to the size of a mango after I’d slipped crossing a stream in Monteverde Cloud Forest.
The first question they asked wasn’t about my pain level. It was: “¿Tiene seguro de viaje?” — Do you have travel insurance?
Lucky for me, I did. But the couple next to me with matching food poisoning? They were frantically calculating how many credit cards they’d need to split a $900 bill on.
Let me save you from that fate.
In this article...
Is Travel Insurance Still Required for Costa Rica?
The short answer: Nope, not anymore.
During the pandemic, Costa Rica made insurance absolutely mandatory. I remember uploading my policy documents to their health pass system before I could even board my flight.
But as of August 1, 2022, they dropped that requirement. You can now enter with nothing but your passport and a smile.
💡 Tip: Requirements can change quickly. I always check the official Costa Rica Tourism Board website a week before traveling, just to be certain.
But here’s where I need to be real with you — just because you can enter without insurance doesn’t mean you should.
Why I Still Never Visit Costa Rica Without Insurance
After four visits to this stunning country (and yes, one clinic visit), I’ve learned that Costa Rica presents some unique risks that make insurance non-negotiable for me:
Those Adventure Activities Aren’t Risk-Free
Let’s be honest about what we’re all doing in Costa Rica:
- Ziplining through rainforest canopies
- White water rafting down rapids
- Hiking active volcanoes
- Surfing on beaches with strong currents
- ATV tours on rugged terrain
During my last trip, I watched a guy dislocate his shoulder on the Pacuare River white water rafting trip. The evacuation alone cost him over $1,200.
Medical Care Is Excellent But Expensive
Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America. It’s also priced accordingly.
| Medical Service | Typical Cost Without Insurance | My Personal Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency room visit | $300-700 | Paid $0 on my $430 bill with insurance |
| Simple doctor’s consultation | $75-150 | Friend paid $100 for food poisoning treatment |
| Overnight hospital stay | $500-1,000 per night | Tour guide’s appendectomy: $3,800 total |
| Evacuation from remote area | $1,000-5,000 | Witnessed rafting evacuation: $1,200+ |
| Prescription medications | $30-150 | My antibiotics would have been $45 |
💡 Tip: Costa Rica’s public hospitals can be good, but private clinics (where tourists typically end up) expect payment upfront.
Natural Disasters Are a Real Thing
Costa Rica has:
- Six active volcanoes
- A rainy season with flooding and landslides
- Occasional earthquakes
- Riptides and strong ocean currents
My second trip was extended by three days when landslides closed the roads from Arenal to San José. Without insurance, those extra hotel nights would have been straight out of my pocket.
Recommended Plans
Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.
Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).
Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
What Your Costa Rica Insurance Should Actually Cover
Not all policies are created equal. Here’s what actually matters for Costa Rica specifically:
Adventure Sports Coverage
Standard policies often exclude “hazardous activities” — which in Costa Rica could mean half your itinerary.
Make sure your policy specifically covers:
- Zipline tours
- White water rafting
- Surfing
- Scuba diving (if certified)
- Hiking on volcanoes
- ATV tours
I always call and specifically ask, “If I break my ankle ziplining in Costa Rica, am I covered?” If they hesitate or say “it depends,” I keep shopping.
Evacuation From Remote Areas
Costa Rica’s most magical spots are often its most remote.
When my friend’s daughter got a severe allergic reaction in Tortuguero National Park, the boat evacuation and transportation to the nearest hospital cost over $2,000.
Look for evacuation coverage of at least $100,000.
Trip Interruption/Cancellation
Costa Rica’s weather can disrupt plans, especially during green season (May-November).
I once had to cancel a day trip to Manuel Antonio when a bridge washed out after heavy rain. The tour company’s refund policy? “Pura vida, maybe next time!”
Good insurance would have reimbursed me.
Real Costa Rica Insurance Scenarios I’ve Witnessed
The Tamarindo Surfing Accident
My surfing buddy Ryan got slammed by his board in Tamarindo, resulting in a deep gash requiring 15 stitches.
- Medical costs: $450
- Antibiotics: $65
- Follow-up visit: $85
- Total without insurance: $600
With insurance, he paid: $0
The Rental Car Nightmare
Another friend backed his rental car into a ditch near Monteverde. No injuries, but significant car damage.
Costa Rican rental companies typically have high mandatory deductibles ($1,000-3,000). His credit card coverage had exclusions for “off-road damage.”
His travel insurance covered the entire $1,500 deductible.
The Volcano Arenal Hiking Mishap
A couple from our tour group got caught in a sudden rainstorm while hiking Arenal. One slipped and fractured their wrist.
- Medical treatment: $380
- Changed flights: $750
- Additional accommodation: $400
- Total potential loss: $1,530
Their insurance covered everything except a $100 deductible.
Best Insurance Options I’ve Actually Used in Costa Rica
After multiple trips (and yes, one claim), here are the policies that have proven reliable:
For US Travelers:
World Nomads Explorer Plan covers nearly all Costa Rican adventure activities without extra riders.
When I sprained my ankle in Monteverde, their 24-hour helpline directed me to an English-speaking clinic and arranged direct billing.
Allianz OneTrip Premier offers excellent medical evacuation coverage, vital in remote areas like Corcovado or Tortuguero.
For Budget Travelers:
SafetyWing offers subscription-style coverage that’s more affordable for longer trips, though with lower coverage limits.
If you’re ready to compare Costa Rica-appropriate plans, you can check them out here.
💡 Tip: For Costa Rica specifically, I recommend at least $50,000 in medical coverage and $100,000 in evacuation coverage. Anything less is cutting it too close.
When traveling, make sure you get travel insurance.
Buying it online can save up to 30%!
Costa Rica-Specific Insurance Considerations
The Rental Car Situation
Costa Rica car rentals REQUIRE liability insurance, but collision damage often comes with massive deductibles.
Many travelers assume their credit card covers this. Sometimes it does, but Costa Rica is frequently excluded in the fine print.
I always get a policy that includes rental car deductible coverage. It’s saved me over $1,000 twice now.
Rainy Season Realities
Visiting during Green Season (May-November)? Make sure your policy covers weather-related cancellations and natural disasters.
Roads can become impassable, and activities get canceled frequently. The right insurance turns these from financial losses into minor inconveniences.
Pre-Existing Conditions in High Humidity
Costa Rica’s humidity and heat can exacerbate certain medical conditions.
My asthmatic friend had a severe attack triggered by humidity in Manuel Antonio. Many policies exclude pre-existing conditions, but some cover “stable” conditions with a small premium.
Always worth it.
FAQs About Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Can I still use my regular health insurance in Costa Rica?
Probably not effectively. Most domestic health plans offer limited or no international coverage. Even those that do typically require you to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later – not ideal when a Costa Rican clinic wants payment before treatment.
What’s the best way to prove I have insurance if asked?
I keep both digital and printed copies of:
- My insurance card
- Policy number
- Emergency contact number
- A simple one-page coverage summary
While no longer mandatory, tour operators and rental car companies sometimes still request proof.
Does Costa Rican car rental insurance fulfill the travel insurance need?
No. Rental car insurance only covers the vehicle, not your medical needs or other travel disruptions.
This is a common and potentially expensive misunderstanding!
Are there any Costa Rica-specific insurance options available?
Yes, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) offers travel policies for visitors, available online or at the airport.
In my experience, they’re usually more expensive with less coverage than international policies purchased before arrival.
My Costa Rica Insurance Checklist
After multiple trips, here’s what I personally verify before visiting:
- Medical coverage of at least $50,000
- Evacuation coverage of at least $100,000
- Coverage for ALL planned adventure activities (specifically verified)
- Rental car deductible coverage (if renting)
- Trip interruption/cancellation
- Coverage during the actual months I’m visiting (seems obvious, but I’ve seen people mess this up!)
- 24/7 assistance hotline with Spanish speakers
Final Thoughts: Pura Vida Means Peace of Mind
“Pura Vida” – Costa Rica’s motto – literally means “pure life” but signifies living life to the fullest, with gratitude and relaxation.
It’s hard to embrace that philosophy when you’re stressed about potential medical bills or lost deposits.
For roughly $3-10 per day (depending on your age and coverage), travel insurance gives you the freedom to fully embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle. To take that zipline, to surf that wave, to hike that volcano – without the nagging voice of financial worry.
My ankle healed weeks after that slip in Monteverde. But had I been uninsured, the financial sting would have lasted much longer than the physical pain.
Get covered, go explore, and pura vida!
When traveling, make sure you get travel insurance.
Buying it online can save up to 30%!
