Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica? (Updated 2023)

Posted: 8/12/2023 | August 12th, 2023

Known for its lush forests, active volcanoes, white-sand beaches, and incredible wildlife, Costa Rica is a favorite among travelers. It was the place that ignited my wanderlust (so it holds a special place in my heart).

Sandwiched between the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, this small country has a lot to offer. It attracts many visitors as it’s easily accessible to North American travelers, with frequent and affordable flights and a well-established tourist trail.

Overall, it’s quite safe, the quality of life is high, and parts almost feel like you’re in another US state.

A lot of travelers to Costa Rica wonder whether travel insurance is necessary at all.

“Do I really need it? It’s just an extra expense I won’t even use!” I get asked.

To me, the answer is yes.

Regardless of where I’m going, I never leave home without travel insurance. It’s protection against unexpected costs that may arise if things go wrong on the road, which — as every traveler will tell you — happens when you least expect it.

Since Costa Rica is more expensive than its Central American neighbors, and since you’re more likely to be participating in the adventure activities that make the country famous (volcano hikes, zip-lining), the risks can be higher, and costs can quickly add up quickly if things go sideways.

What Does Travel Insurance Typically Cover?

Travel insurance is an all-purpose emergency coverage plan for travel mishaps. Costs can add up quickly due to illness or injury, canceled flights, damaged electronics, lost luggage, the death of a family member back home — the list goes on.

Since most domestic health insurance programs don’t cover you overseas and travel credit cards offer limited protection, buying travel insurance is necessary to protect you against these unexpected costs. It’s designed to make sure you don’t lose a ton of money if an emergency happens abroad.

Great travel insurance plans include the following provisions:

• Medical coverage for injury and sudden illnesses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen possessions (including some coverage for your electronics)
• Trip cancelation/interruption coverage if you have a sudden illness, death in the family, or some other emergency that causes you to cancel or go home early
• Coverage for travel delays
• Coverage for political emergencies, natural disasters, or strife in the country
• Accidental death and…