Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Travel insurance isn’t required, but it’s a smart way to protect yourself from unexpected issues like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost gear. Costa Rica’s beaches, jungles, and adventure activities are incredible, but its rugged roads, remote areas, and tropical weather can bring challenges.
Whether you’re renting a car, catching domestic flights, or zip-lining through the canopy, this guide explains why you need insurance, what it should cover based on your plans, and how to pick the right policy.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica dropped all travel insurance requirements in April 2022, including COVID-19 mandates. But it’s highly recommended, as U.S. health insurance often doesn’t cover you abroad. From car accidents on potholed roads to flight delays during the rainy season, or injuries from surfing, risks are real. A good policy covers medical bills, canceled plans, and stolen gear, tailored to your activities.
When to Buy Travel Insurance
Buy insurance as soon as you book flights, hotels, tours, or car rentals. This maximizes your coverage window and may qualify you for extras, like a pre-existing condition waiver. Waiting too long leaves you unprotected if something happens before your trip.
Your insurance needs depend on what you’re doing in Costa Rica. Below is a table of key coverages, tailored to common activities, including car rentals and domestic flights, and why they matter.
What Travel Insurance Should Cover for Costa Rica
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Relevant Activities | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Refunds non-refundable costs (flights, hotels, tours, car rentals) if you cancel for covered reasons like illness or storms. | All travel types, including car rentals, domestic flights. | Protects prepaid costs if a hurricane or family emergency cancels your trip. |
| Trip Interruption | Covers unused costs and extra travel expenses if you return home early. | All travel types. | Covers costs if you leave early due to injury or an emergency. |
| Emergency Medical | Pays for hospital visits, doctor fees, or ambulance rides. | Surfing, hiking, adventure tours, fishing, driving. | Covers injuries like a broken leg from surfing or a car accident. Aim for $50,000 minimum. |
| Medical Evacuation | Covers transport to a hospital or back home. | Adventure tours, fishing charters, remote drives. | Essential for remote areas (e.g., Osa Peninsula). Aim for $100,000 minimum. |
| Travel Delay | Reimburses expenses (meals, lodging) if flights or tours are delayed. | Domestic flights, car rentals, tours. | Covers costs if rainy season storms delay domestic flights or road closures delay travel. |
| Baggage Loss/Delay | Compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage or gear. | Beach trips, fishing charters, adventure tours, flights. | Replaces essentials like surfboards or car rental GPS if lost or stolen. |
| Adventure Activities | Covers injuries from sports like surfing, zip-lining, rafting, or horseback riding. | Adventure tours, surfing, zip-lining, rafting. | Critical for Costa Rica’s thrill-seeking activities. Must be listed in the policy. |
| Watercraft Liability | Covers injuries or damage caused by rented or chartered boats. | Fishing charters, sailing tours. | Protects against accidents on a fishing boat, like colliding with another vessel. |
| Rental Car Collision | Covers damage to a rental car from accidents, theft, or vandalism. | Car rentals. | Reduces liability for scratches, dents, or accidents on Costa Rica’s rough roads. |
| Missed Connection | Covers costs (rebooking, lodging) if you miss a connecting flight due to delays. | Domestic flights. | Helps if a delayed domestic flight (e.g., San José to Liberia) causes you to miss an international connection. |
Specific Travel Scenarios and Insurance Needs
Costa Rica offers something for every traveler, from lazy beach days to heart-pounding zip-lining or off-road adventures. But each activity—whether it’s surfing, chartering a fishing boat, renting a car, or hopping a domestic flight—comes with its own risks. The right travel insurance depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going. Here’s how to match your plans with the coverage you need to stay protected.
- Beach Vacations (e.g., Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio): Focus on trip cancellation and travel delay coverage for weather disruptions, as the rainy season (May-November) can delay flights or close roads. Baggage loss coverage is key for theft in tourist areas, where pickpocketing is common. For example, if your camera is stolen on the beach, this coverage can replace it.
- Jungle and Wildlife Tours (e.g., Arenal, Corcovado): Get emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage. Remote parks like Corcovado are hours from hospitals, and injuries from slips or insect bites (e.g., dengue fever) can require costly transport. Trip cancellation covers prepaid tour costs if a volcano eruption or flood cancels your plans. For instance, heavy rains in 2024 disrupted tours in Arenal.
- Adventure Tourism (e.g., zip-lining, whitewater rafting): Confirm adventure activity coverage, as standard policies often exclude high-risk sports. A sprained ankle from zip-lining or a concussion from rafting won’t be covered unless specified. Providers like World Nomads or Tin Leg specialize in adventure-friendly plans. Check that activities like canyoning or horseback riding are included.
- Surfing (e.g., Nosara, Santa Teresa): Ensure emergency medical coverage for injuries like coral cuts or broken bones from wipeouts. Adventure activity coverage is essential, as surfing is often excluded. Baggage loss coverage helps replace damaged or stolen surfboards, which can cost hundreds. For example, a cracked board in Santa Teresa could leave you out $500 without coverage.
- Fishing Charters (e.g., Quepos, Gulf of Papagayo): Look for watercraft liability coverage for accidents on chartered boats, like colliding with another vessel or injuring a passenger. Medical evacuation is critical, as offshore fishing can be far from medical facilities. Baggage loss covers expensive fishing gear (e.g., rods worth $200+) if lost or damaged. An accident at sea could cost thousands without proper coverage.
- Car Rentals (e.g., exploring Guanacaste or Central Valley): Costa Rica’s roads are often unpaved, potholed, or flood-prone, making car rental insurance essential. Here’s what you need:
- Mandatory Liability Insurance (SLI/TPL): Required by law, this covers damage or injury to third parties (e.g., another driver’s car) up to $20,000-$100,000, with a 20% deductible or $1,000 minimum. Costs $10-$20/day through rental agencies, who buy it from the government’s INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros). Credit card coverage doesn’t apply here.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): This optional waiver reduces your liability for damage to the rental car (e.g., scratches, dents) to a deductible of $1,500-$3,000. Costs $15-$40/day. Some credit cards offer CDW coverage, but you need written proof (e.g., a letter from your card issuer), and some agencies (e.g., Avis) may refuse to accept it. If you decline CDW, expect a $1,000-$3,000 deposit hold on your card.
- Full Coverage/Zero Deductible: Combines CDW with extras like vandalism or theft protection, reducing your liability to zero. Costs $30-$50/day but may be cheaper through travel insurance (e.g., $184 for a 7-day trip with $35,000 rental car collision coverage via Yonder).
- Why It Matters: A fender bender on a gravel road or a stolen car in San José could cost thousands without coverage. Rental agencies often push high-cost insurance, but travel insurance with rental car collision coverage can save money and include trip cancellation or medical benefits. Always check for exclusions like off-road driving or river crossings, which void coverage.
- Domestic Flights (e.g., San José to Liberia or Quepos): Domestic flights with airlines like Sansa or Green Airways are common for reaching remote areas like the Osa Peninsula or Nicoya. Insurance needs include:
- Travel Delay: Covers meals or lodging if a domestic flight is delayed due to weather (e.g., heavy rains delaying a San José-Quepos flight). Delays of 3-12 hours typically qualify.
- Missed Connection: Reimburses rebooking fees or lodging if a delayed domestic flight causes you to miss an international connection. For example, a delayed flight from Liberia to San José could make you miss your U.S.-bound flight.
- Trip Cancellation: Refunds non-refundable domestic flight costs if you cancel for a covered reason, like illness or a family emergency.
- Why It Matters: Domestic flights are prone to delays or cancellations during the rainy season or due to small aircraft issues. In 2024, Tropical Storm Sara caused widespread flight disruptions. Coverage ensures you’re not stuck paying for rebookings or extra nights.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): This add-on lets you cancel for any reason, refunding 50-75% of your costs. It’s pricier (40% more) and must be bought within days of your first deposit. It’s ideal for flexible plans, like canceling a car rental or domestic flight due to personal concerns or unrest. For example, if protests in San José disrupt your travel plans, CFAR can help recover costs.
What’s Not Covered?
Every travel insurance policy has limits, and knowing what’s excluded can save you from costly surprises. In Costa Rica, where you might be surfing, driving rugged roads, or taking domestic flights, certain risks—like off-road car damage or high-risk sports—may not be covered unless specified. Check your policy’s fine print to confirm what’s included, especially for unique activities or remote areas. Here are the most common exclusions to watch for.
| Exclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Medical issues before buying the policy, unless you get a waiver. |
| High-Risk Activities | Sports like surfing or zip-lining, if not listed in the policy. |
| Off-Road Driving | Damage from driving on unpaved roads or rivers, common in Costa Rica. |
| Minor Baggage Issues | Small delays or loss of cash, keys, or credit cards. |
| Boat-Related Exclusions | Damage or injuries from boats, unless watercraft liability is included. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Picking the right travel insurance for Costa Rica is only half the battle—avoiding common slip-ups is just as important. Whether you’re surfing in Nosara, renting a car for a road trip, or catching a domestic flight to Quepos, mistakes like assuming all activities are covered or waiting too long to file a claim can leave you unprotected. Here’s what to watch out for to make sure your policy works when you need it.
- Assuming All Activities Are Covered: Surfing, zip-lining, or off-road driving may be excluded. Confirm adventure or rental car coverage.
- Relying Solely on Credit Cards for Car Rentals: Many agencies don’t accept credit card CDW without written proof, and liability insurance is never covered. You may face high deposits or upfront repair costs.
- Skipping the Fine Print: Ensure your policy covers specific risks, like hurricanes or boat accidents.
- Ignoring Pre-Existing Conditions: Buy early, be healthy at purchase, and insure the full trip cost for a waiver.
- Delaying Claims: File claims quickly with documentation, like a doctor’s note for a surfing injury or a police report for a car accident.
Car Rental Insurance Options in Costa Rica
Renting a car in Costa Rica lets you explore jungles, beaches, and volcanoes at your own pace, but the country’s rough roads and strict insurance rules can catch you off guard. From mandatory liability coverage to optional collision waivers, navigating your options is key to avoiding hefty costs for scratches, accidents, or theft. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available, so you can drive with confidence and save money.
| Option | Coverage | Cost/Day | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Liability (SLI/TPL) | Covers third-party damage/injury (up to $20,000-$100,000). | $10-$20 | Required by law; widely accepted. | Doesn’t cover rental car damage. |
| Agency CDW/LDW | Reduces liability for rental car damage to $1,500-$3,000 deductible. | $15-$40 | Easy to purchase at rental desk. | Expensive; excludes vandalism, theft. |
| Agency Full Coverage | Zero deductible; covers theft, vandalism, accidents. | $30-$50 | Comprehensive; no out-of-pocket costs. | Very costly; may overlap with travel insurance. |
| Credit Card CDW | Covers rental car damage (if accepted); varies by card. | Free | No extra cost if card qualifies. | Requires written proof; high deposit ($1,000-$3,000); excludes liability. |
| Travel Insurance (Rental Car Collision) | Covers rental car damage up to $35,000-$50,000; includes trip/medical benefits. | $5-$10 (part of policy) | Cheaper; broader coverage. | Must confirm Costa Rica eligibility. |
Tips for Car Rentals:
- Compare agency rates (e.g., Alamo, Vamos) and check if they accept credit card CDW. Some, like Avis, may refuse.
- Bring a letter from your credit card issuer confirming CDW coverage for Costa Rica, as verbal assurances aren’t enough.
- Photograph the car at pickup/drop-off to dispute unfair damage claims.
- Avoid off-road driving or river crossings, as these void most coverage.
- Consider travel insurance with rental car collision coverage (e.g., via Squaremouth or Yonder) for cost savings and broader protection.
Why Travel Insurance Matters for Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s stunning beaches, jungles, and adventure opportunities are unlike anywhere else, but its remote areas, unpredictable weather, and rugged roads bring real risks. From a surfing injury to a canceled domestic flight or a car accident on a potholed highway, unexpected problems can hit your wallet hard. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind, covering medical bills, trip disruptions, and more, so you can focus on the pura vida experience.
- Medical Emergencies: A coral cut from surfing or a car accident on a rural road can cost thousands. Medical costs for tourists rose in 2024, making $50,000 in medical coverage a baseline.
- Remote Locations: Areas like Osa Peninsula or offshore fishing spots are far from hospitals. Medical evacuation can cost $20,000+ without coverage.
- Weather Risks: The rainy season or storms (e.g., Tropical Storm Sara in 2024) can cancel flights, tours, or road trips. Recent airline disruptions highlight the need for trip cancellation and delay coverage.
- Theft: Pickpocketing in San José or Tamarindo is common. Baggage loss coverage replaces stolen cameras or rental car GPS units.
- Car Rental Risks: Potholes, floods, or theft can damage rental cars, leaving you liable for thousands without proper coverage.
- Domestic Flight Disruptions: Small aircraft and weather issues can delay or cancel flights, stranding you without coverage for rebooking or lodging.
Flight Insurance vs. Comprehensive Plans
Flight insurance covers only air travel issues, like cancellations or accidents (e.g., $500,000 for accidental death). Comprehensive plans include medical costs, car rentals, tours, and more. Some credit cards offer free flight insurance when you book with them, so check first. For domestic flights, comprehensive plans with travel delay and missed connection coverage are more practical.
How Much Does It Cost?
Expect 5-10% of your non-refundable trip cost. A $3,000 trip (flights, tours, car rentals) means $150-$300 for insurance. Adventure coverage, CFAR, or older travelers increase costs. For car rentals, agency insurance can add $30-$50/day, but travel insurance with rental car collision coverage is often cheaper (e.g., $184 for 7 days with $35,000 coverage).
Where to Buy Travel Insurance
Finding the right travel insurance for your Costa Rica trip doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you’re surfing, renting a car, or exploring remote jungles, comparing policies ensures you get coverage that fits your plans at a fair price. From comparison sites to trusted providers, here are the best places to shop for insurance that keeps you protected on your adventure.
- Squaremouth: Compares 30+ providers with 100,000+ reviews. Strong for adventure and rental car plans.
- InsureMyTrip: Offers agent support and side-by-side comparisons.
- TravelInsurance.com: Quick comparisons with detailed breakdowns.
- Yonder: Filters for rental car collision coverage, ideal for drivers.
Providers like World Nomads (adventure-focused), Allianz (comprehensive), or AXA (CFAR and rental car options) are solid, but comparison sites often find better rates.
Pro Tips
- Keep receipts for expenses (e.g., medical bills, car repairs, rebooked flights) for claims.
- Contact your insurer immediately if an issue arises, like a car accident or delayed flight.
- Confirm coverage for natural disasters, as earthquakes or floods can disrupt plans.
- Verify adventure activity coverage for surfing, rafting, or zip-lining.
- For car rentals, check agency policies and bring credit card CDW proof.
- For domestic flights, book early and confirm delay/missed connection coverage.
The Bottom Line
Costa Rica’s volcanoes, beaches, and adventures are unforgettable, but risks like car accidents, flight delays, or surfing injuries can derail your trip. Whether you’re renting a car, catching a domestic flight, or fishing offshore, pick a policy that matches your plans. Compare options, read the details, and buy early to stay protected. With the right insurance, you can focus on the pura vida lifestyle without worry.s.