Travel Insurance for Costa Rica

Travelling to Costa Rica for a much-needed getaway? Compare your travel insurance options with Savvy.

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, updated on September 5th, 2023       

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Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30 Seconds

Whether you’re wanting to surf the coast, explore bat-filled tunnels or climb foggy volcanic peaks, it’s always important to have peace of mind when you’re travelling to Costa Rica. If you’re searching for the right travel insurance cover for your next international journey, Savvy can point you in the right direction.

By comparing with us, you can find a policy which offers you the right protection, whether your flights are delayed, your luggage goes missing or you fall ill while overseas. We provide instant quotes from our partners, so you can consider their pros and cons and compare the cost of each policy. Before you take off overseas, compare your travel insurance options with Savvy today.

Do I need travel insurance for a holiday to Costa Rica?

You don't necessarily ‘need' international travel insurance if you're taking a trip to Costa Rica. However, it's strongly recommended that you purchase a policy before you jet off on your holiday, whether you want to laze on Jaco Beach with a drink and a good book or explore the wonders of Mother Nature in the Curi Cancha Reserve.

Costa Rica is a country with rich culture and history fused with jaw-dropping natural wonders. However, there are many dangers lingering for tourists and visitors to look out for, so it's paramount you compare with Savvy and get the best travel insurance before leaving.

If you’re eager to experience all of what Costa Rica has to offer, some of the incidentals to watch for include:

  • Drugs: Costa Rica has seen an increase in the number of violent crimes and killings that may be directly linked to the drug trade. Trafficking of illegal substances is widespread.
  • Violence: even while violent crimes against tourists don't happen often, they are nonetheless cause for concern. Even during the daytime hours, there have been armed robberies, carjackings and house invasions in coastal areas and on major roads in the Central Valley region. Both Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo have seen violent attacks on Australians. Never go out on foot at night and stay off of roads and trails that are particularly secluded.
  • Kidnappings: several people have been taken off the street and coerced, sometimes at gunpoint, into withdrawing money from ATMs.
  • Petty crime: petty thefts occur regularly. Whenever possible, don't take valuables with you and always check taxis and tour providers have proper documentation. Pickpocketing and pocketbook snatching are examples of minor crime that does occur, especially in major urban centres. Tourist hotspots, public transit, railway stations, hotel lobbies, and bustling marketplaces are all prime locations for organised thievery rings.
  • Protests: there have been strikes and barricades around the nation, which can turn violent. Don't go through protesters or around obstacles. Plan backup modes of transportation in case your original plans fall through.
  • Diseases: tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies are just some of the infectious illnesses that may be acquired from contaminated water, food or other sources. Use bottled water or boil your tap water before using it. Update your immunizations before you go.

What’s covered by my travel insurance for my holiday to Costa Rica?

One of the reasons you need travel insurance is to protect you if you become ill or injured while travelling, lose your things, or suffer flight cancellations or delays. Some of the benefits of travel insurance include:

  1. Overseas medical bills: if you want peace of mind in case you become sick or hurt in Costa Rica and need emergency medical assistance, buying travel insurance is a wonderful option. Most of the public hospitals in Costa Rica are of a high standard, though they will most likely request payment upfront, so it pays to take out travel insurance.
  2. Evacuation or repatriation: you may need medical evacuation back to Australia if you are in a critical condition due to illness or injury due to the varying condition of the hospitals. If you need repatriation out of Costa Rica, the costs can be eye-watering and it can be hard to organise. Luckily, your insurer can pay for your evacuation and repatriation, including if you need to disembark a cruise ship, which may cost up to $100, 000 without insurance.
  3. Cancellation: many travel insurance carriers may refund pre-paid deposits on hotels, flights, or excursions if you cancel your trip due to a covered occurrence. Illness, injury, or a sick or dying family member are among the valid reasons for cancelling a trip.
  4. Lost, stolen or damaged bags: most insurance providers will compensate or replace lost, stolen, or damaged baggage up to an agreed claim amount, which can reach up to $15,000.
  5. Individual items: taking a mobile phone or laptop on your overseas or domestic getaway? Many insurance plans offer sub-limits for lost, damaged, or stolen property.
  6. Travel delays: most travel insurance coverage hotel, food, and other expenses if your flight is delayed longer than 24 hours. This includes delayed luggage owing to a delayed airliner. Most insurers have limits on how much you can claim if your travel arrangements are delayed.
  7. Personal liability: legal issues abroad may be costly. If you're held directly accountable for damage or injury, most companies may cover you up to $5 million.
  8. Accidental death: if you die overseas in a covered accident, your insurance company can repatriate your remains. They may pay up to $25,000 for funeral or cremation fees.
  9. Optional extras: planning to surf the Caribbean or go mountaineering through the Cerro Chirripo forest? Most travel insurance plans don't cover these activities automatically, but they do offer supplementary coverage for an added premium.
  10. Pet cover: if your return home is delayed due to sickness or travel disruptions, your travel insurance can cover the additional boarding costs for your pet.

However, most travel insurance companies won’t cover you for the following incidentals:

  1. Unapproved pre-existing medical conditions
  2. Lost personal items left unattended
  3. Breaking local laws and road rules
  4. Accidents caused by drug or alcohol use
  5. Travelling to a country against Australian government advice
  6. Travelling for medical tourism

What factors should I consider before buying travel insurance for a trip to Costa Rica?

It might be difficult to figure out which policy provides the most beneficial coverage for your next trip to Costa Rica. However, by comparing with Savvy and getting a few travel insurance quotes, you may be able to make the experience of searching for the perfect policy a whole lot easier.

Premium cost

It is, of course, in your best interest to keep your insurance premium costs to a minimum. To avoid overpaying for your travel insurance, it is crucial to shop around and get the best possible policy at a price that works for you. If you’re a senior over 80 and planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’ll likely be paying a higher premium based on your age, so it will be worth shopping around to find the best seniors' travel insurance policy.

The type of policy you need

Numerous options exist for travel insurance, whether you're looking for single-trip, annual or one-way cover, so it’s important to consider your travel requirements. For example, if you’re travelling to Costa Rica but also taking a holiday to Belgium within the year, it might be good to find a multi-trip policy may be more suited to you than single-trip. Take a look at your itinerary, think about how often you’ll be flying and compare it with Savvy so you can get the best insurance for your trip.

What you’re doing in Costa Rica

Carefully consider which insurance company provides the greatest value and level of protection if you’re looking to partake in high-risk pursuits before signing up. If you’re planning to go white water rafting in the La Fortuna rapids or bungee jump off the Old Colorado River Bridge, make sure you get a policy that covers you.

Claim limits

In most cases, the amount you may claim from your overseas travel insurance policy will be capped. Check if these limits are enough for your trip and the items you want to take with you by doing a side-by-side comparison of several brands with Savvy. For example, most comprehensive policies allow you to claim up to $7, 500 if you lose your luggage or have it damaged while on holiday, compared to some other providers who only let you claim $3, 000.

Inclusions and exclusions

When searching for the best international policy for your trip to Costa Rica, make sure you opt for a policy that best suits your needs. Before settling on one choice, do your homework and weigh what's included and what isn't. For example, a pre-existing condition you suffer from may not be automatically included under one policy, while it could be covered by a competitor.

Types of travel insurance

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

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Top tips for saving on your travel insurance to Costa Rica

Combine policies

You can get group policies from providers covering you and your partner, your extended family, and even your children or grandchildren. Most travel insurance providers allow you to include up to 25 people under the same policies, which, if the costs are divided among the travellers, can save you money.

Consider increasing your excess

You can take out cheaper travel insurance by increasing the excess you're willing to pay if you need to file a claim. A higher excess can help you save money in the long term, but it shouldn't be so high that it causes you financial hardship to pay it.

Only pay for what you need

There's no point paying for cover you're not going to use, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure. Before you purchase a travel insurance policy, read the PDS and make sure you aren’t paying extra for add-ons such as rental car hire or cruise coverage if you don't have any intentions of either hiring a car or sailing across the international seas.

Compare your travel insurance options

Using Savvy to help you decide lets you easily see which provider gives you the best travel insurance coverage for the lowest price. You can compare policies side by side so you can weigh what's included, what's not included, the price of your premium, and any other essential factors.

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Costa Rica

Does travel insurance for Costa Rica cover me for COVID-19-related costs?

Yes – most travel insurance policies cover any COVID-19-related expenses, such as medical treatment while you’re in Costa Rica and the need to cancel your holiday if you test positive before you leave. However, cancellation due to COVID-19 isn’t usually available on basic policies. The risk of testing positive for COVID-19 is still quite high if you’re travelling to Costa Rica as of October 2022, so it’s best to wear a mask when possible if you’re worried about contracting the disease.

Can I take out travel insurance if I’m already in Costa Rica?

Yes – you can buy travel insurance online if you’re already wheels up and headed to Costa Rica for your holiday. You won’t need much to take out travel insurance, only the details of your trip and some other important information. You’ll be afforded the exact coverage you would usually get if you purchased before departure. However, these policies have waiting periods of between 48 and 96 hours. This means that if you suffer a claimable incident inside this period, you won’t be able to make a claim.

When is the best time to buy travel insurance for Costa Rica?

Most people in the know will tell you the best time to purchase your travel insurance is when you know your travel dates. That allows you to be covered for the maximum amount of pre-paid bookings, such as those for hotels or tours if something unforeseen happens and you need to call off your holiday. There are also often sales on around holiday periods, such as Easter, Christmas and the End of the Financial Year, which means you could snap up a policy at a discount.

How do I make a claim on my travel insurance if I’m in Costa Rica?

When you do it online, claiming on your travel insurance is a pretty easy process. When you go to your insurance company's website, enter your policy number and the email address that goes with it. From there, you can do the following:

  • Fill out your claim form with plenty of detail
  • Attach any documents, such as receipts, medical evidence, or proof of purchase
  • Submit your claim

 
The majority of the time, you should hear back from your travel insurance company within about ten business days. It's best to quickly answer any requests for more information to avoid slowing down the process.

How much will my travel insurance to Costa Rica cost?

There’s no average cost of travel insurance per se. instead, the price of your premium for a trip to Costa Rica will be determined by a range of interchangeable variables, including:

  • Your age
  • The length of your trip and destinations
  • Whether you suffer any pre-existing conditions
  • If you need optional extras, such as adventure sports cover
  • The insurance company you’ve chosen
  • The level of cover you have purchased
  • What part of Costa Rica you’re travelling to (for example, you may not be able to receive cover if you’re travelling somewhere experiencing a natural disaster or terrorism event)

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Disclaimer:
We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.