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Travel insurance for Costa Rica

What coverage do I need as an entry requirement to Costa Rica?

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Rainforest treks, volcanic hot springs, cloud forest canopy tours, world-class surf breaks. From the coastal mangroves to wildlife-dense jungles, Costa Rica is a place for adventure, nature and experiencing La Pura Vida.

Do I need travel insurance to enter Costa Rica?

Yes, visitors to Costa Rica need to show proof of travel insurance coverage before entering the country. Contact your World Nomads representative to see if your plan meets the minimum requirements and to obtain a letter or certificate to present with your Health Pass. Our representatives can also advise you on any other visa or entry requirements.

Getting adventure sports coverage 

Whether you are river tubing near Arenal or mountain biking near San Jose, World Nomads can support you on a variety of adventures, with coverage for more than 150 activities. You may need to compare the Standard or Explorer plans to see which activities are covered on each plan. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to add activities to your policy for an additional fee.

Your plan may also have conditions of coverage. For example, you may be required to wear safety equipment, book a tour with a licensed tour operator, or stay within certain parameters of your sport: your treks may only be covered up to a certain elevation, or your scuba dives only to a certain depth.

Please check your policy for any exclusions, such as search and rescue missions and professional sports.

Support for medical emergencies

Costa Rica is a well-known adventure travel destination but there have been reports of visitors being seriously injured or worse. Many travelers have gone missing and/or died in Costa Rica while hiking or camping in rural areas and national parks.

Your travel insurance can back you up in these types of scenarios. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can get you help on the ground when you’re lost, injured or sick, whether you need an ambulance transfer, a prescription medication or a hospital that can treat your condition.

Get in touch with the team before undergoing any medical treatment; you may need pre-authorization before undergoing medical procedures or ordering an evacuation. It’s also important that you look at the exclusions section of your policy; our plans don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions or preventative care.

Road safety

Road conditions can be poor around in Costa Rica, with huge potholes and other road hazards. Some of our plans have damage collision waiver coverage for rental cars, depending on your country of residence, and whether you’ve chosen a Standard or Explorer plan. If you get into an accident, be sure toalways get a report from the authorities, which you’ll need for your claim.

In a crisis, our Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 for roadside assistance referrals or locations of nearby hospitals, medical providers or pharmacies. The team can even also help if you’re having trouble getting by in a language you don’t know.


Ready to go? Before you pack your bags, read our articles on crime prevention and traveling during COVID-19 in Costa Rica for more tips and advice.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, customer service is here to help.


Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

Stolen Device

I was renting a room in Costa Rica. Before I left for an excursion, I put my valuables out of sight. When I returned, my trip my device was gone. There were a few other items moved throughout the house, but that was the only item that was taken.
U.S. Nomad

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.