Travel Insurance for Costa Rica: Which Should We Choose?

Planning to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rainforest, surf its waves or explore active volcanoes? No matter how well planned your trip is, there’s always room for the unexpected. From missing a connecting flight to an accident on an excursion. Thus, travel insurance for Costa Rica will be your best ally. It’ll allow you to enjoy your trip without worries.

It’s the assurance you need to enjoy your holidays without thinking about anything but to enjoy, covering unforeseen events that could affect both your health and your pocket. In this article, we explain why taking out travel insurance for this destination is key and what coverages are essential to be prepared for any situation that may arise during your adventure in Costa Rica.

Why take out travel insurance for Costa Rica? 

Travelling to Costa Rica is the dream of many travellers: lush jungles, paradise beaches and the opportunity to experience unforgettable adventures in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. However, no matter how exciting the idea of touring its national parks, surfing its coastline or exploring its impressive volcanoes, there’s always the risk of something going wrong. From a simple flight cancellation to a medical emergency, the perfect holiday can become complicated in the blink of an eye. This is where health insurance comes in.

Although since April 2022 travel insurance is no longer mandatory to enter the country (a measure that was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic), it’s advisable to take out travel insurance to ensure that any mishap, however small, is covered. Costa Rica has a solid tourism infrastructure, but access to medical services for foreigners can be expensive and, in severe situations, the costs of an accident or illness can run into several thousand dollars or euros.

For example, an overnight stay in a private clinic can easily cost €280 ($300 US). And an emergency medical intervention? You could expect to pay around €2,350 ($2,500 US) . Add to this the cost of ambulance transport or even the possibility of needing to be repatriated to your home country, and it’s easy to imagine why choosing a good travel insurance is a must.

In addition to the risks you run when you travel to any other country, Costa Rica is a destination where adventure activities are the main attraction. Zipline over the jungle, scuba dive in the Pacific or Caribbean waters, hit the trails in the mountains or visit nature reserves teeming with wildlife. These experiences, while unforgettable, also involve an increased risk of injury. Getting injured while surfing or hiking could mean dealing with a fracture. And this would not only mean a hard time, but also a major expense in medical care. Or even the need to return home earlier than expected. Taking out an insurance policy that covers this type of situation will not only save you from financial worries, but will also allow you to fully enjoy every adventure without being limited by the “what ifs”.

Moreover, airlines operating routes to Costa Rica may experience delays or cancellations, which can affect your connections or make you late for your planned activities. A travel insurance that covers these unexpected mishaps can reimburse you for extra hotel nights or additional meals while you wait for your next flight! On a long journey, with stopovers, having that peace of mind is key. Add in the possibility of your luggage being lost or stolen, and adequate insurance will also ensure that you can replace your belongings as soon as possible.

In short, the idea of having travel insurance for Costa Rica is not just a formality, it’s a protection measure for you and the investment you’ve made in flights, hotels and other bookings. Holidays are for enjoying, not for worrying about what could go wrong. Before you pack your suitcase, make sure you have the right policy to cover you for any possible incidents that may arise during your adventure in Costa Rica.

What should a travel insurance for Costa Rica cover?

If you’ve never considered taking out travel insurance before, you may feel overwhelmed with all the options available and the coverages they provide. Up to what amount is it reasonable for insurance to cover medical expenses? Should I take it out with a cancellation policy? Does it cover lawyers in case I have any legal problems at my destination?

To begin with, you should know that the right Costa Rica travel insurance for you will depend on the type of holiday you’re planning. You won’t need the same coverage if you plan on rafting down the Pacuare River and other risky activities as if you plan on lying on a beach in Guanacaste. For a destination with the particularities of Costa Rica, where it’s also usual to do nature trails, these are some of the coverages you should look for when taking out insurance:

1. Emergency medical care: This is the cornerstone of any travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers at least €500,000 ($550,000 US) in medical expenses. Costa Rica has excellent medical services, but, as mentioned above, they can be quite expensive. For example: A simple surgery can cost more than €3,000 ($3,300 US).
2. Medical repatriation: In the event of a severe emergency, repatriation to your home country should be covered. This type of return can exceed €10,000 ($11,836 US), especially if you’re in a rural or remote area. This is one of the key points, as the most beautiful natural destinations are often far from big hospitals.
3. Lost or stolen luggage: It’s not unusual for bags to go missing or for valuable belongings to be stolen. Make sure your insurance offers compensation of between €1,000 and €3,000 ($1,081-$3,300 US). This will allow you to quickly replace your belongings and continue your journey without major problems.
4. Coverage for adventure sports: If you plan to go surfing, rafting or any other outdoor activity in Costa Rica, make sure your insurance covers of accidents related to these sports. Not all policies do and any accident could cost you more than €2,000 ($2,200 US) if you aren’t insured.
5. Flight delays and cancellations: Flight delays and cancellations are one of the most common annoyances for travellers. Adequate insurance will compensate you for extra expenses, such as extra hotel nights or meals. Standard coverage usually offers between €100 and €200 ($108 and $216 US) per day of delay.
6. 24/7 support: Ensure 24/7 support, regardless of time zone. Many of the most reputable insurance companies have apps for easy inquiries. Thanks to this and your holafly eSIM you’ll be able to notify your insurance company of your incidents wherever you are.

Comparison of the best travel insurances for Costa Rica

Finding the best travel insurance for Costa Rica to suit your needs can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. Each insurer has different coverage, prices, and terms, and picking the wrong one could leave you unprotected when you need it most.

That’s why we’ve put together a detailed comparison table of the five best travel insurances for Costa Rica. Here you can see more clearly the main features of each option, from the medical expenses covered to the price for a week’s travel. The idea is that you can quickly and easily compare which insurance is best for you according to your type of travel and budget.

The 5 best travel insurances for Costa Rica 

As you can see in the table above, while all insurance plans offer similar coverage, some stand out for certain benefits while others excel in different areas. For this reason, we would like to explain in further detail these five insurance policies, the best on the market for travelling to the country of “Pura Vida”. Choose the one that best suits your needs and requirements in order to anticipate any incident that may arise.

IATI

IATI is a well-known insurance company among travellers visiting Latin America and especially Costa Rica. Its strength lies in the variety of policies it offers, from the most economical to the most comprehensive, allowing it to suit both those seeking basic insurance and those who prefer more extensive coverage. What makes IATI particularly interesting is that its coverages are designed with the needs of travellers visiting the region in mind, which is crucial if you plan to move around several Central American countries.

With close and personalised customer service, this insurance is ideal if you value sound support during your stay. However, their price may be a factor to consider, as some of their more comprehensive policies are somewhat high compared to other options. Here are IATI’s main coverages and prices, so that you can consider if it’s the option that best suits you.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: From €100,000 ($103,419.91 US) for IATI Basic to €5,000,000 ($5,171,222.58 US) for IATI Star.
• Repatriation: 100%.
• Loss of baggage: €500 ($517.12 US) For Basic insurance, up to €2,500 ($2,585.52 US) for Star insurance.
• Adventure sports coverage: Included in superior plans.
• Refund for delays: €300 ($310.26 US) in IATI Star insurance
  

Plans and prices:

• IATI Backpacker: €87.76 ($90.76 US) for 15 days
• IATI Basic: €50.18 ($51.89 US)for 15 days
• IATI Standard: €63.05 ($65.20 US) for 15 days
• IATI Star: €110.50 ($114.26 US) for 15 days

Chapka

Chapka Seguros is one of the most recommended options for those who are planning a trip to Costa Rica and want to enjoy outdoor activities without worries. Known for its flexibility, this insurance is tailor-made for adventure travellers, covering a wide range of extreme sports—an absolute must in a destination famous for its lush nature and thrilling activities like surfing, hiking, and rafting. Besides offering generous medical coverage, Chapka ensures assistance at any hospital or clinic in the country, giving you peace of mind no matter what comes your way.

What sets Chapka apart from other options is its coverage focused on adventure activities without the need for additional policies, something that adrenaline-seeking travellers value highly. These are its most important coverages, so that you can easily assess whether it’s the best option for your trip.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €250,000 ($269,946 US). €1,000,000 ($1,081,395 US) for superior plans, and also emergencies and hosptialisations.
• Repatriation: Included.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 ($1,620 US). Superior plans €2,500 ($2,703 US).
• 24/7 assistance: Medical assistance at any time.
• Adventure sports cover: It includes sports such as diving, surfing or kitesurfing.
• Flight delays: Only at the start of the trip, up to €150 ($162 US). €1,500 ($1,622 US) for superior plans.

Plans and prices:

• Cap Trip Plus: €35.59 ($36.80 US) for 7 days.
• Cap Basic: €26.76 ($27.67 US) for 7 days

HeyMondo 

If you’re looking for a comprehensive travel insurance easy to manage during your stay in Costa Rica, HeyMondo is an excellent choice. This insurance has earned travelers’ trust by offering comprehensive coverage that includes medical assistance, trip cancellation, and adventure sports protection. This makes it an ideal option for those who are looking for peace of mind and don’t want to further worry about details during the trip. With Costa Rica being one of the most biodiverse and adventurous destinations, it is essential to take out insurance to back you up every step of the way.

One of HeyMondo’s standout features is its mobile app, which allows you to manage incidents, make online medical consultations and even find the nearest hospital with just a couple of clicks. In short, HeyMondo is a convenient and reliable option for travellers looking to combine adventure with safety.

Main coverage:

• Price: €35.59 ($36.80 US) for 7 days.
• Medical expenses: Up to €600,000 ($648,837 US).
• Repatriation: Unlimited.
• Lost or stolen luggage: Up to €1,500 ($1,622 US).
• Adventure sports: Included.
• Civil liability: €60,000 ($64,883 US)

AXA Assistance

AXA Assistance is a premium option for travellers who prioritise safety and quality of service above all. This global insurer is renowned for its quick response to emergencies and its expertise in handling critical situations. If you’re looking for travel insurance that guarantees protection against any eventuality in Costa Rica, AXA is an option to consider, although their prices tend to be higher than those of other companies.

Despite having a higher cost, AXA’s coverage is worth the investment, especially if your priority is to have an efficient service at critical moments. In addition, although cover for adventure sports is optional, its comprehensive medical and repatriation cover guarantees peace of mind throughout your trip.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €150,000 ($162,209 US)
• Repatriation: Unlimited.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Up to €1,500 ($1,622 US)
• Adventure sports: Additional option €33.61 ($34.76 US)
• Civil liability: €30,000 ($32,441 US)

Plans and prices:

• Mini insurance: €37.64 ($40.82 US) for seven days
• Total Insurance: €58.07 ($62.80 US) for seven days
• Total Plus Insurance: €80.28 ($86.81 US) for seven days

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance is a long-established insurer offering affordable prices and excellent customer service. For those who are already Allianz customers with other financial products, such as life or health insurance, it’s a convenient and advantageous option, as they can access additional discounts and promotions on their travel insurance. With coverages adapted to the different needs of travellers, Allianz is a reliable and cost-effective option for those looking for a practical solution.

One of the advantages of Allianz is the flexibility of its plans, that allow choice of coverage according to the the different traveller needs. From basic protection to more comprehensive plans, Allianz easily adapts to diverse profiles. Here are the main coverages and prices to help you consider if this insurance is right for your trip.

Main coverage:

• Medical expenses: Up to €75,000 ($81,104 US) for Standard and up to €200,000 ($207,197.47 US) for Premium Assistance.
• Repatriation: Included.
• Lost luggage: Up to €800 ($865 US) in Standard and up to €2,000 ($2,072.00 US) in Premium Assistance
• 24/7 Assistance: Available

Plans and prices:

• Light holiday assistance: €33.33 ($36.04 US) for seven days
• Standard holiday assistance: €80.28 ($86.81 US) for seven days
• Premium holiday assistance: €51.98 ($56.21 US) for seven days

Which is the best travel insurance for Costa Rica?

As you can see, it’s hard to choose. It depends on the money you’re willing to pay, the type of holiday you’re planning and the cover you want to take out. All in all, after comparing the different options, we’d say that the IATI Backpacker stands out as the best travel insurance for Costa Rica, especially if you’re planning to actively explore its nature. Why?

• Sound medical coverage: IATI Backpacker includes up to €500,000 ($540,697 US) in medical expenses, an amount that guarantees peace of mind in case of any accident or illness. This coverage is ideal if you plan to go into the heart of the country and do activities such as hiking in Monteverde or surfing in Santa Teresa. It also includes unlimited medical repatriation, which is essential if a serious incident occurs and you need to go back home.
• Coverage for adventure sports: Costa Rica is a perfect destination for activities such as Zip-lining, rafting and scuba diving and this insurance covers these adventure sports at no extra cost. You can sign up for as many activities as you want without worrying about whether your insurance will respond or not. In fact, many insurances charge extra for high-risk sports, so this is a big plus for IATI Backpacker.
• Lost or stolen luggage: There’s nothing worse than losing your equipment on a trip, especially if you’re carrying a camera, drone or sports equipment. IATI Backpacker offers up to €1,500 ($1,622 US) of compensation in case of theft or loss, a big plus for any traveller who wants to be covered for these unforeseen events.
• Trip cancellation and interruption cover: Plans can change and if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, IATI covers you up to €2,000 ($2160 US), allowing you to recover part of your investment. This is especially useful if unforeseen events arise before or during your adventure.
• Multilingual assistance 24/7 support: IATI offers a 24-hour multilingual helpline, which can be key when you’re in a remote area or need a quick response. In addition, their staff is familiar with common adventure travel situations, so they can help you at any time, even at the most unexpected moments.

In terms of price, IATI Backpacker has a competitive rate to suit most budgets, offering excellent value for money in terms of medical cover, protection for high-risk sports and comprehensive assistance.

With this, we’d say you’re one step closer to finding the perfect insurance for you! If you need more information to prepare for your trip, you can consult our guides on what to bring to Costa Rica or how to stay connected upon your arrival. Ah! If you’re considering staying for a while, don’t forget to check out the visas for digital nomads in Costa Rica.

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