Costa Rica Travel Insurance | What Your Policy Needs

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Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and every year millions of foreign visitors flock there to experience the “Pura Vida” lifestyle for themselves. However, in the pandemic era, visitors can no longer only be interested in seeing exotic animals and stunning beaches, but they also need to consider being able to protect themselves financially should the unthinkable occur. There was a time when having Costa Rica travel insurance coverage was optional; however, due to COVID-19, the country has implemented new rules around the foreign visitor entry requirements, which will be in place likely for years to come.

Costa Rica requires that all visitors entering the country must provide proof of a travel insurance policy that explicitly covers any COVID-19 medical or lodging-related expenses for the length of the stay. In addition, there are other minimum requirements for the policy that must be met before being allowed entry. Here are the requirements that every Costa Rica Travel Insurance policy should have:

1. Provide proof that the policy covers COVID-19
2. Meets coverage minimums and covers travel dates
3. Each member of your family is covered
4. Insurance documents must be uploaded into the Health Pass form
5. Policy must come from an approved authority (Optional)

In this article, we will examine the requirements for travel insurance when visiting Costa Rica and what to consider when purchasing your policy.

Why Foreigners Need Travel Insurance In Costa Rica

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has made it mandatory for visitors entering the country to show proof of travel insurance that covers both medical and quarantine lodging-related bills. This is mandatory so that tourists can afford any unforeseen expenses as a direct or indirect result of COVID, such as contracting the disease or countrywide lockdowns. This will likely be the case for the foreseeable future, and it’s also highly likely that entry requirements for the next few years will continue to fluctuate as the Costa Rica government tries to battle the pandemic.

What Are The Requirements For Costa Rica Travel Insurance?

There are multiple minimum requirements for your travel insurance policy that must be met in order to be permitted to enter the country. Again, these will likely evolve over time, however, we recommend that travelers use these guidelines for the foreseeable future, even if the Costa Rican government relaxes these requirements at a later date.

1) Provide proof that the policy covers COVID-19

When you enter Costa Rica, customs officers will ask you to provide proof that you have an insurance policy that covers COVID-19 medical and quarantine lodging. This is non-negotiable and without it, you will not be allowed to enter the country through the airport. See Figure 1.0 as an example of the type of language that needs to be included in the policy.

2) Meets coverage minimums and covers travel dates

The policy must contain coverage of a minimum of $50,000 USD (fifty-thousand American dollars) for COVID19 medical-related expenses and $2,000 USD (two-thousand American dollars) for COVID-19 extended lodging expenses. In addition, your policy must show an effective date that lasts the entire duration of your stay in Costa Rica. If you purchase an international health insurance policy, your insurance carrier must issue a certification in English or Spanish that the policy meets these conditions.

3) Each member of your family is covered

Your policy must state your legal name (we would recommend the name matches your passport exactly) and each member of your party is included in the policy.

4) Insurance documents must be uploaded into the Health Pass form

The Health Pass is an electronic form that all visitors to Costa Rica must fill out prior to arrival and is made available to you to fill out up to 48 hours prior to your trip. The Health Pass as a digital survey and asks the traveler if they have experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, loss of smell or taste, signs of respiratory infection, diarrhea, among others. You must upload your travel insurance documents into the form and provide an explanation of your benefits.

5) Policy must come from an approved authority (Optional)

If you are purchasing an insurance policy directly from a local Costa Rican insurance company, the insurer must be approved by SUGESE (General Superintendency of Insurance of Costa Rica).

It is NOT mandatory that visitors purchase a policy directly from a Costa Rican insurance company, but it is an option.

Where to Purchase Costa Rica Travel Insurance

You have two options when purchasing travel insurance for Costa Rica:

• You can purchase an international travel insurance policy through an insurer of your choice
• You can purchase a policy from a local Costa Rican insurerer

If you choose to purchase a policy directly from a Costa Rican company here are two recommendations National Insurance Institute (INS) or Sagicor of Costa Rica.

How Much Does Costa Rican Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance rates will vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including the country in which you purchase your policy, your age, and the number of days you plan to stay in Costa Rica. Below is an example price rate matrix for a Costa Rican insurance company.

Who Are The Best Travel Insurance Companies in Costa Rica?

Choosing the best travel insurance companies for Costa Rica isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all comparison. There are many different factors you should consider when making a decision about who to trust with your international travel insurance needs. Here are some of the things you should consider:

• Number of people in your traveling party
• The age of the people in your party
• The total length of your stay
• The reputation of the travel insurance company
• Choosing a local or international policy

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is purchasing a policy without carefully considering all of these factors. We can help you find the perfect policy for your Costa Rican travel needs so that you spend more time thinking about your amazing upcoming vacation, and less about being insured. Contact Us today or get an instant quote from our partners.