What am I covered for when visiting Costa Rica?
As featured in:
Costa Rica is teeming with incredible wildlife and beautiful landscapes, and like most visitors, the Irish are drawn to its misty volcanic peaks, rushing rapids, epic waves, and exotic rainforests. Many who seek out Costa Rica do so for the adventure and, of course, are in search of La Pura Vida.
To enter Costa Rica, you must fill in a Health Pass 72 hours prior to arrival and show proof of travel insurance. That’s where World Nomads comes in, as our policies provide cover, so you can focus on your holiday.
World Nomads has two levels of cover – Standard and Explorer – that offer different benefits, limits, and sub-limits, so it’s best to compare them. For Irish travellers with their sights set on Costa Rica, our policies include cover for:
Travel insurance tip 1: Irish residents will need to contact your private medical insurance (PMI) provider (if applicable) and follow its emergency medical procedures and claims procedures. Cover available under this travel insurance policy is in excess of any cover provided by your PMI. Also, provide us with details of your PMI provider to help us co-ordinate your care. Where your PMI provider does not cover you, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team before incurring medical costs.
Irish travellers have long considered Costa Rica a great place to holiday. Most flights from Dublin require a stop on the way and transit time can take up to 16 hours. Those who are well travelled know that long haul doesn’t always mean smooth travelling, flights get delayed or cancelled, baggage goes missing, and documents/personal belongings are mislaid. Insurance can reduce this travel-related stress.
Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, road conditions in this part of Central America can be poor; crime does occur; it experiences hurricanes, and as the country is on the so-called Ring of Fire, it can be earthquake-prone.
When you’re at the beach, always follow lifeguard advice, and be aware of dangerous currents particularly at beaches that aren’t supervised by lifeguards.
If you’re a digital nomad, keep your tech devices secure as thieves are active everywhere.
If you’re hiring a car, our Explorer Plan covers rental car excess if you have an accident. Cover is also available for the cost of replacing rental car keys if they get lost, stolen or damaged during the rental period. You must have a valid licence from your country of residence for the class of vehicle you’re driving overseas, regardless of local laws. You must also comply with local laws of the country you’re driving in.
Please note: travel insurance doesn’t replace the need to have a signed rental vehicle agreement or damage waiver in place.
Explorer Plan policy holders can take advantage of provisions for hijacking and costs associated with natural disasters, so long as the event was unexpected and there wasn’t prior warning.
When it comes to the loss or theft of personal belongings, both plans offer travel insurance cover, but as always cover will depend on your country of residence and the circumstances.
Make sure you list all the activities you’re planning in the policy detail. Higher-risk activities may require an upgrade to the level of cover or an additional premium. Remember our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 and can assist with any language barriers you may face.
Travel insurance tip 2: Costa Rica grants visas to digital nomads. It allows foreign nationals and their families to live and work there for at least 12 months, with the possibility of a year-long renewal. The visa allows exemption from income tax, and a local bank account; this is a significant increase on the 90-day limit on tourist stays.
For the latest travel advice from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) check out their website.
Some things we won’t cover include:
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You can read more about hiking and travel insurance and 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, please get in touch.
You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
We’ve got your back.
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
We’ve got your back.
Know where the nearest suitable medical facility is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Help starts here.
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Help starts here.
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.
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical 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 Medical Assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022
For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.