Travel Insurance for Costa Rica

Welcome to the land of incredible biodiversity: Costa Rica. Lush rainforests, expansive national parks, picture-perfect beaches, and a long list of heart-pounding activities to keep you busy — Costa Rica is truly a playground for the adventurous. While we wholeheartedly embrace the easy-going, happy-go-lucky Pura Vida lifestyle that defines Costa Ricans, there's one aspect of traveling to this Caribbean country you should not underplay: ensuring your travel insurance is in place. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about travel insurance for Costa Rica.

1. What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Costa Rica? 
2. How does Travel Insurance work for Costa Rica?
3. Do I need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica? 
4. How much does Travel Insurance cost for Costa Rica? 
5. Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan
6. What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
7. Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Costa Rica?
8. Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Costa Rica?

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Costa Rica should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. 
AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind. 

• Medical Coverage – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.  
   
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events. 
   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation. 
   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage. 
   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Costa Rica

How does Travel Insurance for Costa Rica work?

Imagine this: captivated by the crystal-clear waters of San Antonio's beaches, you decide to try your hand at surfing. You find yourself caught in a sudden rip current, leading to an unexpected wipeout. In the aftermath, you've sustained injuries that require medical attention. Travel insurance comes to your assistance in times like these.

From arranging emergency medical evacuation to covering medical expenses incurred due to unforeseen mishaps, AXA may ensure that your focus remains on enjoying the wonders of Costa Rica, even when faced with unexpected challenges.
Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for entering Costa Rica. However, it's highly advisable to have travel insurance when visiting any foreign country, including Costa Rica. Why? There are several reasons:

• Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in Costa Rica, travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.

• Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

• Flight Delays: Travel disruptions like flight delays can happen. If you miss a connecting flight or incur additional expenses due to delays, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

How much does Travel Insurance cost for Costa Rica?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans:

• Total Trip cost: The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age: Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan, each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Costa Rica hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for Costa Rica’s experience. The "Cancel for Any Reason" benefit offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes in a rental car.

Additionally, in the event of a severe medical emergency where local facilities may not provide adequate treatment, "Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation" becomes crucial. It helps cover the costs of evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This could be a facility in Costa Rica, a nearby country, or back home.

What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

1. Emergency Medical: This may cover unforeseen incidents like fractures, burns, sudden illnesses, and allergic reactions.
2. Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness. 
3. Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: May provide support for situations requiring immediate departure from a destination due to non-medical events like natural disasters or civil unrest.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Costa Rica?

No. Costa Rica has dropped all COVID-19 restrictions for travelers from the United States. Entering Costa Rica now is just like it was before the pandemic.

Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.

Our Gold and Platinum Plans offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions. The Platinum plan is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons,

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plans with a pre-existing medical condition, so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation.

FAQ

1. Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2. When should I buy Travel Insurance to Costa Rica?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.)

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip.
Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

3. Do Americans need travel insurance in Costa Rica?

No, travel insurance is not currently required to visit Costa Rica.

4. What is needed to visit Costa Rica from the USA?

If you're visiting Costa Rica from the USA, all you need is a valid passport and a return ticket to leave within 90 days. The U.S. passport should be valid for at least one day beyond the entry date. A residence permit is required for all tourists who plan to stay more than 90 days.

5. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Costa Rica?

If you become sick in Argentina, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline at 855-327-1442. Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions. AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.