The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Costa Rica in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Costa Rica
- Is it currently 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 Your Travel Insurance to Costa Rica
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Costa Rica?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Costa Rica: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Costa Rica covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal property loss.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians but is strongly recommended for medical and evacuation coverage.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is expensive; a hospital stay can easily exceed AUD $1,500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Costa Rica typically costs between AUD $50 and $100.
5. Good to know: Full Australian consular assistance is provided from the embassy in Mexico, not San José.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, 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 | AUD 1.6M | Suits most Costa Rica trips with high cover. - strong medical ceiling - evacuation included - 24/7 emergency support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Good for short or multi-activity stays. - high reimbursement - medical helpline - cancellation cover |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Practical contract for general tourism in Costa Rica. - good core medical cover - basic repatriation - competitive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Solid choice for active travellers seeking peace of mind. - hospital costs covered - worldwide assistance - no deductible |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Useful for longer stays or volunteer travel. - essential guarantees - good for study or work - includes personal liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Affordable option for those needing essentials. - emergency medical expenses - quick claim process - capped limits |
- strong medical ceiling
- evacuation included
- 24/7 emergency support
- high reimbursement
- medical helpline
- cancellation cover
- good core medical cover
- basic repatriation
- competitive pricing
- hospital costs covered
- worldwide assistance
- no deductible
- essential guarantees
- good for study or work
- includes personal liability
- emergency medical expenses
- quick claim process
- capped limits
Is it currently safe to travel to Costa Rica?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Costa Rica, mainly due to the prevalence of violent crime, including in tourist areas.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: armed robberies, carjackings, and express kidnappings frequently target visitors in city centres and national parks. Travellers should avoid walking or driving at night, especially in central San José.
- Health risks: outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and malaria occur, particularly in Limón and border regions. Medical facilities are basic outside San José, and complex cases often require evacuation to the United States.
- Legal requirements: all visitors must submit proof of onward travel, and a departure tax applies when leaving Costa Rica. Carry your passport at all times, as checks are common.
- Environmental hazards: Costa Rica experiences annual hurricanes and flash flooding, especially from June to November. Road closures and transport disruptions can occur without warning in affected provinces.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 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 Australian citizens entering Costa Rica for tourism or business stays.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended due to the limited quality of medical facilities outside San José, and because medical evacuation to the United States may be necessary in case of serious illness or accident. Out-of-pocket payments for hospital care or evacuation can reach significant amounts, leaving travellers at financial risk.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Costa Rica. This high rate is linked to the elevated local security risks and the high cost of private healthcare services and emergency medical evacuations.
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, foreign visitors must often use private hospitals such as Clínica Bíblica in San José, where the cost of care can be high and advance payment is usually required. Public health facilities are basic outside the capital, and medical evacuation to the United States may be necessary for serious cases, resulting in very high expenses.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
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 | 2,300,000 CRC (approx. AUD 7,000) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 1,900,000 CRC (approx. AUD 5,800) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 13,900,000 CRC (approx. AUD 42,500) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 5,100,000 CRC (approx. AUD 15,600) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
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?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Pays for treatment if you become ill or injured in Costa Rica, including doctor consultations, hospital stays and medication. We recommend a limit of at least 1,000,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Covers the cost of air or ground transport to a suitable hospital or back to Australia for urgent treatment. Recommended minimum: 500,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Pays for the return of you or your remains to Australia if required after a medical emergency. Recommended minimum: 250,000 AUD. |
| 💼 Baggage and personal items | Covers loss, theft or damage to your belongings, including electronics and travel documents. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
| 💳 Trip cancellation/curtailment | Refunds eligible travel costs if you need to cancel or shorten your stay because of illness, injury, or emergencies. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
| 🏠 Personal liability | Covers legal costs or compensation if you accidentally injure someone or damage property in Costa Rica. Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD. |
| 🌩️ Natural disaster cover | Protection in case your trip is affected by severe weather, landslides, or volcanic activity. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Pays for urgent dental care while travelling. Recommended minimum: 1,000 AUD. |
We recommend a limit of at least 1,000,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 500,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 250,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 1,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually offers only basic coverage, low claim limits and many exclusions. It is safer to select a reliable insurer offering comprehensive protection. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant proof of insurance.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 45 – AUD 65 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 80 – AUD 120 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 135 – AUD 180 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 280 – AUD 390 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When sorting your travel insurance for Costa Rica, the price depends on your age, trip duration, destination risk, and chosen level of medical or cancellation cover. Given the specific health risks and limited medical facilities outside San José, keeping these in mind is vital to ensure you're properly covered for your trip, mate.
💡 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 Your 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | The price of insurance depends on how long you stay. Precise dates help avoid paying for unnecessary extra days in Costa Rica. | Limit coverage to actual trip dates. Adjust coverage if plans change, to avoid overpaying. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age influences premium costs significantly, especially for older travelers. In Australia, price increases often start from age 60 for most providers. | Compare age bands and policies. The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Higher limits for medical or lost baggage raise costs. In Costa Rica, private medical care and evacuation can be expensive but basic coverage is suitable. | Customise coverage amounts. Choose reasonable but sufficient medical limits suitable for Central America. |
| 🏄♂️ Planned activities | Adventure sports and tours are common in Costa Rica and require extra coverage. Only needed if participating in higher-risk activities. | Avoid unnecessary adventure cover. Only add if planning activities like surfing, rafting or zip-lining. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Multi-person policies (family or group) usually mean lower cost per person. Travelling together also simplifies management of the policy. | Opt for group or family policies. This often results in a better rate than buying separate policies. |
| 🚑 Excess/deductible | A higher excess lowers your premium but means you'll pay more for each claim. Especially useful if only concerned about large emergencies. | Choose a higher excess if affordable. Balance your budget and ability to pay out-of-pocket for small claims. |
| 💻 Purchase timing | Early bookings can result in better rates. Leave sufficient time to compare options and ensure all requirements are met for Costa Rica. | Buy early to secure discounts. Some insurers reward advance purchase and online buying with better prices. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Costa Rica?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your public or private health insurance, or even your credit card insurance, can cover you for your trip to Costa Rica. Unfortunately, this protection is often very limited or insufficient for travel risks. 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 (Medicare) | Never | No coverage for medical care, repatriation, emergencies, or personal belongings when overseas. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 5,000,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and 24/7 overseas assistance. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | Very limited emergency benefits, usually excludes outpatient care and repatriation. No cover for baggage, theft, or trip disruption abroad. | Travel insurance covers medical, evacuation, cancellation, and personal property—most with up to AUD 10,000 limits. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Gold, ANZ Low Rate) | Limited coverage | Some medical, baggage, and delay benefits, capped at AUD 2,500. Conditions strict, often requires travel paid with the card. | Travel insurance offers much higher limits, up to AUD 15,000 for baggage and full cover for emergencies and delays. |
| Premium credit card (Westpac Altitude Black, NAB Signature) | Limited coverage | Higher limits (up to AUD 20,000 medical) but strict eligibility, limited pre-existing and adventure cover, and may need trip to be card-funded. | Travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions, legal assistance, evacuation, and liability, with up to AUD 5,000,000 cover. |
Example
While surfing in Puntarenas, Chloe contracted severe dengue fever. Urgent hospitalisation and medical evacuation to the US cost AU$90,000. Her CommBank credit card's travel insurance only covered AU$2,000 and her domestic health cover offered nothing, leaving her with a massive, unexpected bill for what was meant to be a dream trip.
Expert advice
Don't assume your bank card or health insurance covers everything. Trip interruption for a relative's illness is often excluded. Check your policy's PDS carefully to avoid getting caught out. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to buy dedicated travel insurance for your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourist stays of up to 90 days. You must have a valid Australian passport, proof of onward travel, and adequate funds for your stay. Additional entry requirements include presenting your return ticket and a passport with at least six months’ validity recommended.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Costa Rica?
Start by comparing travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check what each plan covers and excludes, especially for medical evacuation and trip disruptions in Costa Rica. Purchase the preferred policy online. After your payment is processed, your insurance certificate will be sent to you electronically, usually within minutes.
Is medical care expensive for Australians in Costa Rica?
Yes, private medical treatment in Costa Rica can be costly and payment is often required upfront. For serious illness or injury, evacuation to another country may be necessary and can cost several thousand AUD. Comprehensive travel insurance can cover these substantial expenses and save you from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Are there specific health risks I should be aware of in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has notable health risks, especially from mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria in some regions. Medical facilities are basic outside San José. It is important to ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation and covers infectious diseases, as these issues require robust protection.
What should I do if I plan to visit more than one country on my trip?
If your trip includes Costa Rica and other countries, confirm that your policy covers all destinations on your itinerary. A single travel insurance policy can typically cover multiple countries, but you should check the geographical coverage and make adjustments if you plan to visit countries with different risk profiles or healthcare standards.
Can I buy travel insurance after I have departed Australia?
It is recommended to buy your travel insurance before leaving Australia, as most insurers require cover to begin before your departure. If you are already overseas, some insurers may allow you to purchase a policy, but waiting can mean reduced cover options or waiting periods before benefits activate, which could leave you unprotected.
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourist stays of up to 90 days. You must have a valid Australian passport, proof of onward travel, and adequate funds for your stay. Additional entry requirements include presenting your return ticket and a passport with at least six months’ validity recommended.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Costa Rica?
Start by comparing travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check what each plan covers and excludes, especially for medical evacuation and trip disruptions in Costa Rica. Purchase the preferred policy online. After your payment is processed, your insurance certificate will be sent to you electronically, usually within minutes.
Is medical care expensive for Australians in Costa Rica?
Yes, private medical treatment in Costa Rica can be costly and payment is often required upfront. For serious illness or injury, evacuation to another country may be necessary and can cost several thousand AUD. Comprehensive travel insurance can cover these substantial expenses and save you from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Are there specific health risks I should be aware of in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has notable health risks, especially from mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria in some regions. Medical facilities are basic outside San José. It is important to ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation and covers infectious diseases, as these issues require robust protection.
What should I do if I plan to visit more than one country on my trip?
If your trip includes Costa Rica and other countries, confirm that your policy covers all destinations on your itinerary. A single travel insurance policy can typically cover multiple countries, but you should check the geographical coverage and make adjustments if you plan to visit countries with different risk profiles or healthcare standards.
Can I buy travel insurance after I have departed Australia?
It is recommended to buy your travel insurance before leaving Australia, as most insurers require cover to begin before your departure. If you are already overseas, some insurers may allow you to purchase a policy, but waiting can mean reduced cover options or waiting periods before benefits activate, which could leave you unprotected.
