- The best travel insurance plans for Costa Rica
- Is It Safe to Travel to Costa Rica?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Costa Rica?
- Why take out travel insurance for Costa Rica?
- What should travel insurance for Costa Rica cover?
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
- How to pay less for travel insurance to Costa Rica
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Costa Rica?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Costa Rica: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Costa Rica covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage abroad.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended for medical emergencies and adventure activity risks.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital stays can be expensive, costing over $1,000 CAD per night for tourists.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Costa Rica typically costs between $30 and $60 CAD.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers theft, as petty crime and car break-ins are common.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Costa Rica.
The best travel insurance plans for Costa Rica
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M $CA | Our top pick for Costa Rica, with excellent protection for medical and evacuation costs. - high limit - repatriation - adventure sports included |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M $CA | Ideal for Canadian travellers needing full support. - 24/7 assistance - no deductible - covers medical repatriation |
| Tourist Card | 0.75M $CA | Good value for general tourism in Costa Rica. - solid core health cover - affordable - quick access to emergency services |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M $CA | Balanced coverage for all regions. - high medical limit - evacuation covered - reliable for longer stays |
| Globe Partner | 0.45M $CA | Recommended for shorter stays. - covers medical needs - emergency evacuation - simple claim process |
| Globe Traveller | 0.75M $CA | Practical for mainstream tourism. - emergency protection - quick reimbursement - suitable for mid-length trips |
- high limit
- repatriation
- adventure sports included
- 24/7 assistance
- no deductible
- covers medical repatriation
- solid core health cover
- affordable
- quick access to emergency services
- high medical limit
- evacuation covered
- reliable for longer stays
- covers medical needs
- emergency evacuation
- simple claim process
- emergency protection
- quick reimbursement
- suitable for mid-length trips
Is It Safe to Travel to Costa Rica?
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada’s Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Costa Rica. While there is no official warning against travel for most of the country, heightened vigilance is required due to security and health risks.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: levels of petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing remain high, especially in urban centres like San José, the Coca-Cola bus terminal, and popular Pacific Coast destinations like Jacó and Quepos. Incidents of vehicle break-ins are frequent, and valuables should never be left unattended.
- Health risks: dengue fever is widespread year-round, while malaria, chikungunya and Zika virus also pose threats in some areas. Access to advanced medical care can be limited outside San José, and evacuation may be necessary for serious illness or injury.
- Entry formalities: Canadians do not need a visa for stays up to 180 days but must show proof of onward travel and carry a valid passport at all times. Entry stamps are mandatory and passport copies are not accepted.
- Legal obligations: travellers are required to show proof of sufficient funds, at least US$100 per month of stay, and follow all customs rules. Lack of compliance may result in denied entry.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Costa Rica.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Costa Rica?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travellers from Canada to enter Costa Rica.
It is still strongly recommended to have travel insurance for Costa Rica, as medical care can be costly, emergency evacuation is often required for serious injuries, and adventure sports or natural disasters are frequent risks.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Costa Rica, largely due to the high cost of private healthcare, the risk of theft, and the country’s popularity for adventure activities.
Why take out travel insurance for Costa Rica?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, private hospitals such as Clínica Bíblica in San José and Hospital CIMA in Escazú are commonly used by travellers but can charge high fees for care. Public hospitals may have long wait times and limited capacity, particularly outside the capital or tourist areas.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization costs, medications, ambulance transportation, and repatriation to Canada if needed in case of a serious situation.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Costa Rica.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clínica Bíblica | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 2,100,000 CRC (approx. 5,300 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 950,000 CRC (approx. 2,400 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA |
| I need to be repatriated | 8,000,000 CRC (approx. 20,000 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA or 100% of costs |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 3,500,000 CRC (approx. 8,900 $CA) | up to 150,000 $CA |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Costa Rica cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Costa Rica.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and prescribed medication in Costa Rica due to illness or accident. A reimbursement limit of minimum $150,000 CA is recommended. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for emergency transport to another country or back to Canada if advanced care is needed. Look for coverage up to $100,000 CA or 100% of actual evacuation costs. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Arranges and covers the costs to return you to Canada in case of severe illness, injury, or death. Limits of at least $150,000 CA are advised. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Reimburses costs for medicine if you are treated during your stay. Consider a plan offering at least $1,000 CA for medication reimbursement. |
| 🧳 Baggage insurance | Covers loss, theft, or delays of your luggage or personal belongings. A limit of at least $2,000 CA per trip is a good standard. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Pays damages if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Minimum $1,000,000 CA of coverage is strongly advised. |
| 🚗 24/7 assistance | Provides access to help lines and local support in emergencies. Should be included for all services, with no minimum limit. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Reimburses unused, non-refundable travel costs if you have to cancel for a valid reason. We recommend at least $5,000 CA in cancellation/interruption benefits. |
A reimbursement limit of minimum $150,000 CA is recommended.
Look for coverage up to $100,000 CA or 100% of actual evacuation costs.
Limits of at least $150,000 CA are advised.
Consider a plan offering at least $1,000 CA for medication reimbursement.
A limit of at least $2,000 CA per trip is a good standard.
Minimum $1,000,000 CA of coverage is strongly advised.
Should be included for all services, with no minimum limit.
We recommend at least $5,000 CA in cancellation/interruption benefits.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers only basic coverage, with low reimbursement limits and exclusions. To ensure better protection for your trip, it is safest to select a trusted insurer with high limits and full coverage. Compare the best options and get instant certification with HelloSafe.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $28 CA |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $43 CA |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $69 CA |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $138 CA |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for your trip to Costa Rica depends on several elements: your age, the duration of your stay, your destination, the desired coverage level, and optional add-ons like trip cancellation or adventure sports coverage. Considering these factors is key to finding a policy that fits your needs and budget.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for travel insurance to Costa Rica
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Costa Rica while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑🤝🧑 Traveller's age | Age is a primary factor for premiums, with prices typically rising past age 60 for adventure travel. | Compare rates since some insurers, like Heymondo, do not increase prices for people over 62. Look for age-neutral plans. |
| ⏳ Trip duration | Longer stays or slow travel will increase overall premium costs, especially with health coverage. | Set coverage only for your full stay, but avoid extra days. Short-single trip insurance is usually most cost-efficient. |
| 🩺 Level of coverage | Medical and evacuation costs in Costa Rica are high, especially for adventure travel or emergencies. | Choose limits appropriate to your risk. $200k CA often suffices for a typical trip, unless doing high-risk activities. |
| 🧳 Add-on options | Extras like baggage or device cover add cost and may not be needed if your risk or value is low. | Remove optional covers not essential for Costa Rica—focus on medical and emergency, skip valuables and cancellation add-ons. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Group or family plans | Multi-person policies may be offered at a lower per-person rate than individual policies. | Seek a group quote if traveling with family or companions. Discounts can be substantial compared to buying singles. |
| 🛫 Deductible | Higher deductible means lower up-front cost, but more out-of-pocket if you file a claim. | Raise your deductible if you can absorb minor costs, as this can noticeably shrink your annual premium. |
| 🏄 Activity coverage | Many activities popular in Costa Rica, like surfing or zip-lining, may not be included as standard. | Only pay for activity coverage if you really need it—be honest about your plans when picking your policy level. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Costa Rica?
It is completely legitimate to consider whether your public health insurance or credit card coverage can cover you for a trip to Costa Rica. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or not enough, especially for medical emergencies or evacuation. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in Costa Rica? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Insurance (Canada Health, RAMQ, MSP, AHCIP) | Never | No coverage abroad. Emergency care and hospitalisation in Costa Rica are not reimbursed. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 CA for medical, evacuation, and repatriation support. |
| Private Health Insurance (Sun Life, Manulife, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | May reimburse a small share of overseas hospital bills, but often excludes medical evacuation. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 CA plus 24/7 helpline, direct payment, and return travel for family. |
| Classic Credit Card (TD Classic, CIBC Classic, Scotiabank) | Limited coverage | Medical below $15,000 CA for short trips, little or no baggage/trip cancellation protection. | Travel insurance covers up to $1,000,000 CA with baggage, trip cancellation, and assistance during accident. |
| Premium Credit Card (RBC Avion, Amex Gold, BMO World Elite) | Limited coverage | Medical usually under $100,000 CA, valid only if travel booked with the card. | Travel insurance provides up to $1,000,000 CA for medical, plus full trip, delay, and baggage compensation. |
Example
While surfing in Costa Rica, David contracted severe dengue fever, requiring intensive care. The private hospital bill reached $25,000 CAD. His TD Aeroplan card's travel insurance had a low limit, and his provincial plan covered almost nothing, leaving him to pay over $20,000 out-of-pocket for his unexpected medical emergency.
Expert advice
Essential coverage, like trip interruption for a family emergency, is often excluded from credit card benefits and provincial health plans. Review your policies carefully to avoid surprises. In all cases, purchasing dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
No, Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 180 days in Costa Rica. You must hold a valid passport for the duration of your visit and present proof of onward travel, such as a return or connecting ticket. Ensure you receive an entry stamp from immigration officials on arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Costa Rica?
First, compare travel insurance plans using the HelloSafe comparison tool to identify offers tailored to Costa Rica. Carefully review included covers and exclusions, especially those relating to adventure sports, theft, and medical evacuation. Purchase your selected policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical treatments expensive in Costa Rica for visitors?
While basic medical care is available at reasonable cost in public establishments, private clinics and hospitals often require payment upfront and can be expensive. Medical evacuation to Canada can cost several tens of thousands of Canadian dollars. Travel insurance helps cover these costs, protecting you from high unexpected bills.
Are there special health concerns for Canadians visiting Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has ongoing dengue transmission, with outbreaks most common during the rainy season. There's also a risk for other illnesses like chikungunya, malaria in some areas, Zika, and rabies. Routine vaccination and insect bite prevention are strongly advised, and it is important that your travel insurance covers tropical diseases and medical emergencies.
Is my provincial health coverage from Canada valid in Costa Rica?
No, Canadian provincial and territorial health insurance plans generally do not reimburse medical expenses incurred abroad. A private travel insurance policy is needed to cover both emergency medical treatment and costly repatriation or evacuation back to Canada in case of a serious accident or illness.
What should I do if my belongings are lost or stolen in Costa Rica?
Report the theft immediately to local police and retain the police report for your records. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start a claim and provide all documentation requested. Insurance for theft, loss, or damage of baggage and valuables should be included in your travel insurance for the best protection.
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
No, Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 180 days in Costa Rica. You must hold a valid passport for the duration of your visit and present proof of onward travel, such as a return or connecting ticket. Ensure you receive an entry stamp from immigration officials on arrival.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Costa Rica?
First, compare travel insurance plans using the HelloSafe comparison tool to identify offers tailored to Costa Rica. Carefully review included covers and exclusions, especially those relating to adventure sports, theft, and medical evacuation. Purchase your selected policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical treatments expensive in Costa Rica for visitors?
While basic medical care is available at reasonable cost in public establishments, private clinics and hospitals often require payment upfront and can be expensive. Medical evacuation to Canada can cost several tens of thousands of Canadian dollars. Travel insurance helps cover these costs, protecting you from high unexpected bills.
Are there special health concerns for Canadians visiting Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has ongoing dengue transmission, with outbreaks most common during the rainy season. There's also a risk for other illnesses like chikungunya, malaria in some areas, Zika, and rabies. Routine vaccination and insect bite prevention are strongly advised, and it is important that your travel insurance covers tropical diseases and medical emergencies.
Is my provincial health coverage from Canada valid in Costa Rica?
No, Canadian provincial and territorial health insurance plans generally do not reimburse medical expenses incurred abroad. A private travel insurance policy is needed to cover both emergency medical treatment and costly repatriation or evacuation back to Canada in case of a serious accident or illness.
What should I do if my belongings are lost or stolen in Costa Rica?
Report the theft immediately to local police and retain the police report for your records. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start a claim and provide all documentation requested. Insurance for theft, loss, or damage of baggage and valuables should be included in your travel insurance for the best protection.
On the same topic
