Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
What am I covered for when I visit Costa Rica?
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More than 91,000 British travellers head to Costa Rica every year, drawn to its misty volcanic peaks, rushing rapids, epic waves, and exotic jungle wildlife. Many who seek out Costa Rica do so for the thrills, adventure and, of course, the 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’ll need to fill in a Health Pass 72 hours before you arrive and show proof of travel insurance. That’s where World Nomads comes in - our policies cover you 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 to see which is best for what you’re planning to do. For British travellers to 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 transport.
- Activities: World Nomads has cover for more than 150 + activities. For those considered higher risk you may be asked to 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.
How to get the most out of your insurance if you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica?
British travellers have long considered Costa Rica a go-to vacation spot. With direct flights between Heathrow and San Jose, it is an accessible, exciting destination.
As dizzying as the appeal is, Costa Rica is a 10-hour flight from London, and most of us know that long haul isn’t always smooth travelling, flights get delayed or cancelled, baggage goes missing, and documents/personal belongings are mislaid. Insurance can reduce this stress.
What to look for out when travelling to Costa Rica?
Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, road conditions in Costa Rica can be poor; crime occurs, 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.
Explorer Plan policy holders can take advantage of provisions for costs associated with natural catastrophe's, as 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, depending on your country of residence and the circumstances.
Make sure you list planned activities when you apply for your policy (higher-risk activities may require an upgrade to an increased level of cover with an additional premium). Remember our Emergency Medical Assistance Team is available 24/7 to answer any urgent questions if you’re in a medical crisis.
Travel Insurance tip: 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.
What‘s not covered
Some things we won’t not cover include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions as explained in your Policy Wording;
- Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government Do Not 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 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
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: £5,000
- Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses
Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.
- Explorer Plan: £10 million
- Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transport
Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.
- Explorer Plan: £3,000
- Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Baggage & Personal Belongings
- Cancellation
- Trip Curtailment
- Personal Accident
- Loss of Passport or travel documents
- Personal Liability
- Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.
For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.
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
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
