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Travel insurance for Costa Rica

What coverage do I need as an entry requirement to Costa Rica?

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Rainforest treks, volcanic hot springs, cloud forest canopy tours, world-class surf breaks – Costa Rica is an adventurer’s dream! But before you head into the amazing nature on offer   to experience La Pura Vida, check out our travel tips to ensure you stay safe and have a great trip.

Do I need travel insurance to enter Costa Rica?

Visitors to Costa Rica may need to show proof of travel insurance coverage before entering the country. Contact your World Nomads representative to see if your plan meets the minimum requirements and to obtain a letter or certificate to present with your Health Pass.

What’s covered when traveling around Costa Rica?

All our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:

We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your travel plans.

You can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling.

Getting adventure sports coverage 

Whether you are river tubing near Arenal, mountain biking near San Jose, or snorkeling for sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park, World Nomads covers you for more than 150 activities, adventures and sports.

Depending on your travel plans and Country of Residence, you may need to upgrade your policy to be covered for the activities you will be doing. If you’re unsure whether the activity you want to do is covered, just contact us. 

Your plan may also have conditions of coverage. For example, you may be required to wear safety equipment, book a tour with a licensed tour operator, or stay within certain parameters of your sport: treks may only be covered up to a certain elevation, or scuba dives only to a certain depth for example.

Traveler tip: be sure to check your policy for any exclusions, such as search and rescue missions and professional sports.

What to do if you sick or injured while traveling in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a well-known adventure travel destination, but there have been reports of visitors being seriously injured, or worse. 

All our policies offer coverage up to policy limits for medical emergencies, and our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can get you help on the ground with translation services when you’re lost, injured or sick, whether you need an ambulance transfer, a prescription medication or a hospital that can treat your condition.

As avid adventurers ourselves, we know that some adventures in Costa Rica may take you far from medical facilities, and our policies may also cover you for emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Traveler Tip: get in touch with the EA team before undergoing any medical treatment; you may need pre-authorization before undergoing medical procedures or ordering an evacuation.

Road safety 

Road conditions can be poor around in Costa Rica, with huge potholes and other road hazards being commonplace. Some of our plans have damage collision waiver coverage for rental cars, depending on your Country of Residence, and whether you’ve chosen a Standard or Explorer plan. If you get into an accident, be sure to always get a report from the authorities, which you’ll need for any claims.

Our Emergency Assistance team has your back and is available 24/7 to help locate nearby hospitals, medical providers, or pharmacies if you need assistance while you’re on the road.

Keeping your gear safe 

Whilst a relatively safe country, street crime and petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in Costa Rica. Should that happen to you, get to safety first and go to the local authorities to report the incident (don’t forget to get a copy of the report, and have copies or original receipts, which you’ll need if you make a claim). 

Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can provide support in a crisis, such as helping you get in contact with an embassy or providing local consular details and information, provide multi-lingual support and translation services when needed, and keeping you in touch with relatives and friends.

If your personal belongings get swiped, you may be able to make a claim for replacement or reimbursement of your stolen items, up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions apply, so be sure to check your policy wording. 

Traveler tip: if you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can purchase while you’re traveling (a waiting period may apply for some benefits). 

Note: all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any optional extras or upgrades you add.,

What’s not covered while traveling in Costa Rica?

Our policies aren’t designed to cover everything and there are some things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Any pre-existing medical conditions 
  • Any items lost, stolen or damaged that are unsupervised or unattended
  • Not following doctor’ orders: disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team.
  • If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure
  • Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies
  • Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Want some more travel inspo for your Costa Rican adventure? 

Check out our handy guides and tips to get the insider scoop on Costa Rica 

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions outlined in the policy wording. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

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 hospital 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 Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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.
U.S. Nomad

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency 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 assistance right now?

Contact the team

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.