🇨🇷 Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica requires proof of travel insurance covering medical expenses and COVID-19 for entry. This requirement has been in place since 2020 and is checked at immigration.
Healthcare & Medical Costs in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has excellent healthcare for Latin America. The public system (Caja/CCSS) has long waits but decent quality. Private hospitals in San José — CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clínica Bíblica — are modern and staffed by US/European-trained doctors. Medical tourism is a growing industry.
Private clinic visit: $80–150. Hospital day: $300–800. Surgery: $3,000–15,000 at private hospitals (30–60% of US prices). Public emergency care is available but wait times can be 4+ hours.
Key Risks & Safety Concerns
Adventure tourism risks — zipline injuries, white-water rafting accidents, surfing injuries. Venomous snakes (fer-de-lance) in rural and jungle areas. Rip currents on the Pacific coast. Petty theft in San José and tourist beach towns. Rental car break-ins are common.
Recommended Coverage for Costa Rica
$100,000 medical coverage. Adventure sports add-on is highly recommended — Costa Rica is a major adventure tourism destination. Vehicle coverage if renting a car (mandatory liability is minimal). Trip interruption for rainy season travel disruptions.
Insider Tips for Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the adventure tourism capital of Central America — verify that your policy explicitly covers ziplines, rafting, surfing, and ATV tours as many standard policies exclude them. If renting a car, the mandatory insurance from rental companies is minimal — your travel insurance auto rental coverage is important.
Emergency numbers: 911 (universal emergency)
Recommended Providers for Costa Rica
EKTA
European travel insurance with global coverage. Medical, trip cancellation, and more.
Check EKTA →
Frequently Asked Questions
While travel insurance may not be legally mandatory for all visitors to Costa Rica, it is strongly recommended. Visa-free for most (90 days). Some visa categories may require proof of insurance coverage.
Helpful Insurance Guides
Learn more about choosing the right travel insurance:
Travel Insurance for Other North America Countries
Planning to visit multiple destinations in North America? Check our travel insurance guides for nearby countries:
Plan the Rest of Your Costa Rica Trip
Insurance is just one part of trip planning. Our partner sites can help with the rest: