Travel Insurance for a Costa Rica Vacation

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

Travel insurance isn't required to enter Costa Rica, but it's still beneficial to have to protect against financial losses while you're traveling or even if you have to cancel your trip. It can cover everything from minor inconveniences, like delayed luggage, or major expenses, such as hospital stays or medical evacuations. Without it, you may be responsible for paying out of pocket if an unexpected event happens on or before your trip.

Learn more: Should You Buy Travel Insurance?

Reasons to Consider Getting Costa Rica Travel Insurance

Even though travel insurance for Costa Rica isn't mandatory, it can be a smart investment. Here are some of the main reasons to consider it.

• Medical emergencies: Some providers may require proof of insurance or payment upfront, and authorities may prevent you from leaving the country with unpaid medical bills. Travel insurance can cover doctor visits, prescription medications, hospital stays and even medical evacuation that isn't covered by your regular provider while you're outside the U.S.
• High-risk activities: Costa Rica is known for its adventures. Activities like ziplining, rappelling, river rafting, surfing and volcano hiking carry higher risk of injury. A travel insurance plan that includes adventure coverage or accidental death and dismemberment benefits can provide financial support for you or your family if you're involved in a serious accident.
• Trip interruption and cancellation: If you have to cancel due to covered reasons like illness or a family emergency, travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid expenses such as flights, hotels and tours. Similarly, if your trip is interrupted and you need to head home early, you may be able to recoup nonrefundable trip costs.
• Lost or delayed luggage: Connections, layovers and customs increase opportunities for bag mishandling. If your bags are lost, stolen or delayed during your trip, travel insurance can reimburse you for essential items you need to purchase while you wait for your luggage to arrive.
• Rental car insurance: Road conditions in Costa Rica can be challenging, especially during the rainy season, with unpaved roads, potholes and other hazards. Travel insurance may fill the gaps that aren't covered by your personal auto insurance or credit card travel benefits, saving you money if your rental car is damaged.
• Travel assistance: Assistance hotlines can help you find medical care, replace lost documents and arrange emergency transportation. Travel insurance may provide multilingual assistance, which can be helpful if you're not fluent in Spanish.

Some policies offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, which allows you to cancel your trip even if the reason isn't normally covered. This option usually costs more and may only reimburse part of your expenses, but it offers more flexibility if your plans aren't solid.

Tip: Many credit cards include limited travel protections such as trip cancellation, interruption and baggage delay insurance. Check your benefits to see what's included before purchasing a separate policy.

How Much Does Costa Rica Travel Insurance Cost?

Costa Rica travel insurance usually costs 4% to 8% of your total trip price. Your age, the length of your trip and the type of coverage can affect your premium. Policies that include CFAR or higher medical limits will typically cost more, while basic plans covering only trip cancellations or luggage may be less expensive.

Example: If your Costa Rica vacation costs $4,000, travel insurance will generally cost between $160 and $320.

Learn more: Average Cost of Travel Insurance

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Costa Rica

When you're shopping for travel insurance, here are some factors to consider.

• Prioritize strong medical coverage. Medical expenses can add up quickly. Look for policies with high coverage limits and primary coverage to save time on claims if your health insurance doesn't provide coverage abroad.
• Consider adventure and outdoor coverage. If you're planning to hike, zipline, scuba dive or experience other adventures, make sure your policy covers these activities. Keep in mind that you may need a specialized plan or rider for high-risk sports, like hot air ballooning or skydiving.
• Compare deductibles and limits. Pay attention to any amount you may be responsible for paying out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Check coverage caps, which are the maximum amounts your insurer will pay if you make a claim.
• Opt for 24-hour customer service. Emergencies can happen anytime, so choose a provider you can reach whenever you need help, whether it's early morning or late at night.
• Explore flexible coverage options. Some insurers offer tiered plans or add-ons that let you customize your coverage. This flexibility helps you avoid paying for protections you don't need.
• Understand exclusions. Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. For example, certain personal property or preexisting medical conditions may not be covered. Always read the fine print before purchasing.
• Consider provider reputation. Look for insurers with positive customer reviews. A company with a proven track record can make the claims process easier if you need to use your coverage.
• Look for the ability to add other travelers. If you're traveling with a family or group, see if you can add them under a single policy. This can be more cost-effective and easier to manage.

Tip: Purchase travel insurance soon after booking your trip to make sure your claims are covered. Some policies require that they're purchased within a couple of weeks of booking your trip to be covered.

The Bottom Line

Though it isn't required, purchasing travel insurance for your Costa Rica vacation can protect you from financial losses if things don't go as planned. Buying early provides you with the most protection and benefits.

In addition to travel insurance, consider booking your trip with a travel rewards credit card. You'll gain access to built-in travel protections and earn rewards on your travel spending. Combining credit card benefits with an insurance policy can give you more protection and peace of mind for your Costa Rica vacation.