Travel insurance when visiting Costa Rica
What am I covered for when visiting Costa Rica?
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Costa Rica is teeming with incredible wildlife and beautiful landscapes, and like most visitors, the Irish are drawn to its misty volcanic peaks, rushing rapids, epic waves, and exotic rainforests. Many who seek out Costa Rica do so for the adventure and, of course, are in search of La Pura Vida.
- What’s covered?
- How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?
- What to look for out when travelling to Costa Rica?
- What's not covered
What’s covered?
To enter Costa Rica, you must fill in a Health Pass 72 hours prior to arrival and show proof of travel insurance. That’s where World Nomads comes in, as our policies provide cover, so you can focus on your holiday.
World Nomads has two levels of cover – Standard and Explorer – that offer different benefits, limits, and sub-limits, so it’s best to compare them. For Irish travellers with their sights set on Costa Rica, our policies include cover for:
- Emergency medical coverage: if you’re injured or fall ill during your trip, World Nomads may cover surgery and hospital fees, and emergency medical transport.
- Activities: World Nomads has cover for more than 150 activities. For those considered higher risk you may be asked to upgrade your cover or pay an additional premium. When participating in an activity, always act sensibly, use safety equipment, and undergo the required training.
- Baggage and personal belongings: if your baggage or belongings are stolen, damaged, or destroyed you may be compensated. Baggage delays may also be claimable so long as the delay is more than 24 hours.
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: to find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus
Travel insurance tip 1: Irish residents will need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow its emergency medical procedures and claims procedures. Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any cover provided by your PMI. Also, provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us co-ordinate your care. Where your PMI provider does not cover you, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team before incurring medical costs.
How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?
Irish travellers have long considered Costa Rica a great place to holiday. Most flights from Dublin require a stop on the way and transit time can take up to 16 hours. Those who are well travelled know that long haul doesn’t always mean smooth travelling, flights get delayed or cancelled, baggage goes missing, and documents/personal belongings are mislaid. Insurance can reduce this travel-related stress.
What to look for out when travelling to Costa Rica?
Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, road conditions in this part of Central America can be poor; crime does occur; it experiences hurricanes, and as the country is on the so-called Ring of Fire, it can be earthquake-prone.
When you’re at the beach, always follow lifeguard advice, and be aware of dangerous currents particularly at beaches that aren’t supervised by lifeguards.
If you’re a digital nomad, keep your tech devices secure as thieves are active everywhere.
If you’re hiring a car, our Explorer Plan covers rental car excess if you have an accident. Cover is also available for the cost of replacing rental car keys if they get lost, stolen or damaged during the rental period. You must have a valid licence from your country of residence for the class of vehicle you’re driving overseas, regardless of local laws. You must also comply with local laws of the country you’re driving in.
Please note: travel insurance doesn’t replace the need to have a signed rental vehicle agreement or damage waiver in place.
Explorer Plan policy holders can take advantage of provisions for hijacking and costs associated with natural disasters, so long as the event was unexpected and there wasn’t prior warning.
When it comes to the loss or theft of personal belongings, both plans offer travel insurance cover, but as always cover will depend on your country of residence and the circumstances.
Make sure you list all the activities you’re planning in the policy detail. Higher-risk activities may require an upgrade to the level of cover or an additional premium. Remember our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 and can assist with any language barriers you may face.
Travel insurance tip 2: Costa Rica grants visas to digital nomads. It allows foreign nationals and their families to live and work there for at least 12 months, with the possibility of a year-long renewal. The visa allows exemption from income tax, and a local bank account; this is a significant increase on the 90-day limit on tourist stays.
For the latest travel advice from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) check out their website.
What's not covered
Some things we won’t cover include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in the Policy Wording.
- Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government Do Not Travel or Avoid Non-essential Travel warning.
- Illness associated with a failure to comply with preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization.
- Loss or damage to luggage due to age, wear and tear, loss of value. Damage to sporting equipment caused while in use.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You can read more about hiking and travel insurance and you should read your Policy Wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Did you know travel insurance covers...
- Trip cancellation
- Emergency medical
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Lost or damaged gear
- Delayed baggage
- Death overseas
- Terrorism
- And more...
You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest suitable medical facility is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Disruption
- 24-Hour Medical Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
Stolen Device
I was renting a room in Costa Rica. Before I left for an excursion, I put my valuables out of sight. When I returned, my trip my device was gone. There were a few other items moved throughout the house, but that was the only item that was taken.
24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.