Costa Rica Travel Insurance

Familiarize yourself with Travel Guard’s most important travel tips and safety information to make sure you’re prepared for your vacation to Costa Rica.

Known for its active volcanos and untouched landscapes, Costa Rica is an ecotourist’s dream whether you’re travelling with family or friends. If you’re ready for relaxation in a tropical paradise, try taking a visit to the beautiful beaches along the Guanacaste coastline. 

Or, if you’re more adventurous, take a trip to the Arenal Volcano National Park to view wildlife, soak in hot springs or visit the cooled lava field. Whatever adventure you’re planning, from surfing to ziplining, we can help with the planning. 

Travel Insurance Plans for Costa Rica


Do I need a travel insurance plan to visit Costa Rica? 

We recommend that you visit the Costa Rica travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking your trip. While it is not required to have travel insurance to visit Costa Rica, travel insurance is highly recommended as your provincial health care plan may not include coverage when travelling internationally. Having a travel insurance plan with medical coverage (in addition to other helpful coverage) can be beneficial.

What is the best travel insurance plan for Costa Rica?

We understand that every traveller has different needs, which is why our All Inclusive Package is a great option. It provides coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This package also includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance.

Be sure to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage including the covered risks and benefits of the All Inclusive Packages. Most of our insurance plan options are available online; however, additional options may be available through our World Service Centre by calling (866) 648-8422 or by contacting one of our industry partners.

How much is a travel insurance plan for a trip to Costa Rica? 

Typically, a Travel Guard travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Other factors will come into play when pricing your plan, such as the packages you select and the number of travellers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs. 

Ready to book your travel insurance plan for your Costa Rica trip? Travel Guard’s travel insurance plans provide excellent coverage options and access to 24-hour emergency travel assistance. Compare our travel insurance plans to find the best option for your travels today.

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Costa Rica Travel Tips and Safety Information


Travel Guard provides travel insurance options to fit whatever adventures you’re hoping to find in Costa Rica. We want to make sure you’re safe and informed when travelling, so we’ve complied some popular questions tourists may have when travelling to Costa Rica. 

Is Costa Rica safe to visit? 

Costa Rica is a safe country to visit, but violent crime has risen slightly in recent years. Petty theft is the most common crime visitors encounter, so be sure to exercise caution and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or designer clothing. Try to blend in with the local culture as much as you can, and if you do encounter a robber, don’t resist, as criminals may not hesitate to use violence. 

Beyond crime concerns, be careful when visiting Costa Rica’s beaches, as strong currents can create dangerous conditions. The country is also prone to natural disasters, so watch out for tropical storms and volcanic eruptions that can lead to travel disruptions. 

Visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travellers to Costa Rica. 

All Canadian travellers should enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, a free service offered to Canadian citizens travelling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the Government of Canada and helps them contact you in an emergency. 

What currency is used in Costa Rica? 

The official currency of Costa Rica is the colón. Canadian citizens can exchange currency in major cities. Carrying cash will make smaller transactions, like a taxi ride, easier. Debit and credit cards are typically accepted in major cities, but make sure to let your bank know when and where you’ll be travelling.

What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and widely spoken throughout the country. However, there are a variety of other languages spoken such Creole, English and Indigenous Chibchan dialects. English is mostly used in popular tourist destinations.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Costa Rica? 

Canadians travelling to Costa Rica are required to have a valid Canadian passport that remains valid during the length of their stay. Tourist visas are not required for stays up to 90 days.

How do I contact the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica? 

The Embassy of Canada to Costa Rica is in San José and provides services to Canadians in Costa Rica as well as Honduras and Nicaragua. For a list of up-to-date phone numbers and address, visit the Canadian Embassy government website.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica? 

Temperatures in Costa Rica are consistently warm and tropical year-round averaging between (22 and 28 C). However, the northwest is hotter in the dry season from February to May when there is less rain.

When is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica? 

The best time of year to visit Costa Rica is during the summer to early fall, ideally from July through October. Though this is Costa Rica’s rainy season, temperatures are milder, which is ideal for doing activities on your trip. The dry season brings higher temperatures, but time allows for easy access to destinations that may otherwise be flooded. Aside from weather, there are multiple key festivals and events in Costa Rican culture that travellers may enjoy attending. Limon Carnival in mid-October is the largest carnival of the year where visitors will be able to partake in Costa Rica’s Caribbean culture, fun-loving vibe and festive people. Or if you want to escape from the winter, visit at the end of December for Fiestas Zapote, the biggest rodeo of the year that lasts for an entire two weeks.

What is the dial code for phoning to and from Costa Rica? 

To call from Canada to Costa Rica, dial 011 + 506 followed by the area code of the location you wish to reach. To make a call to Canada from Costa Rica, dial +1 followed by the area code and phone number.

What kind of power adapter do I need for my electronics? 

Costa Rica uses the same electrical outlet format as Canada. Travellers shouldn’t need to bring any extra adapters to charge their devices, as the standard cords will work just fine.

Get a travel insurance plan the way you want it!

Other Costa Rica FAQs


Can I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Renting a car in Costa Rica is very common. Car rental companies require a valid driver’s license as well as liability insurance to rent. 

Is Costa Rica a good destination for seniors?

Costa Rica has a lot to offer in terms of resort vacations, scenic views and culture, and is a great travel destination for seniors.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive travel insurance plans for travellers heading to Costa Rica. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our plans and find the best one for you!

Content provided by Travel Guard Group Canada, Inc. is not intended to be exhaustive. For more information, please call 866-648-8422 or speak with one of our Travel or Insurance Agency partners. For the most up to date safety and travel advice for any destination, please consult the Canadian Government Travel and tourism website at https://travel.gc.ca/ https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

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American International Group, Inc. (AIG) operates in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions around the world to serve you better.

Please note that travel insurance products are currently not available to residents of the Province of Quebec. SVP prendre note que nos produits d’assurances voyages ne sont pas présentement offerts aux résidents de la province du Québec. *Coverage as low as $20 is an example based on a 29 year old traveller purchasing the Gold Emergency Medical Single Trip Plan for a 6 day trip with no deductible; actual cost of insurance is $19.98. Prices vary based on individual needs.

Insurance underwritten by AIG Insurance Company of Canada (AIG Canada), with its principal place of business at 120 Bremner Boulevard, Suite 2200, Toronto, ON M5J 0A8. All policies are administered on AIG Canada’s behalf by Travel Guard Group Canada, Inc. (Travel Guard). The coverage described herein is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the Travel Guard products available. Please review full policy language for complete coverage details.