Travel Protection for Costa Rica

From gorgeous beaches to lush tropical forests, Costa Rica offers a wealth of biodiversity and plenty of opportunities for resort enthusiasts and nature lovers. You can enjoy whitewater rafting one day and hike near a volcano the next, and you may be able to see monkeys, sloths, sea turtles and many other indigenous wildlife. Hot springs, day spas, and tranquil natural environments also make this destination ideal for those seeking literal R&R.

But the peace of mind that supports ample rest and relaxation requires you to plan ahead. One factor to consider before you travel to Costa Rica is whether you need travel protection.

Traveling to Costa Rica: What Do You Need?

Many locations in Costa Rica accept U.S. currency, but you might also want to exchange some money so you have Costa Rican colón too. One or more credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees can be helpful, and you'll want to pack appropriate clothing for exploring tropical areas — including rain gear such as a waterproof jacket or poncho. Before you think about clothing and accessories you'll need for your trip to Costa Rica, ensure you have passport and visa requirements covered. 

Passport

U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica need a passport with at least one blank page that is valid for the duration of their planned stay. They also need proof of their planned departure, either via a return ticket or a ticket to another location. 

Visa

It's possible to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. However, the Costa Rican government does not guarantee that the stay will be permitted, so it's important to double-check all requirements before you travel. 

Do You Need Travel Protection for Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located in the southern part of Central America, making it occasionally susceptible to tropical storms and extreme weather from both the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. These are just a few of the considerations to keep in mind when traveling to Costa Rica — and why you may want to invest in Costa Rica travel protection.

Unpredictable Travel Mishaps

Good travel protection helps protect you from expenses that arise due to unpredictable issues with flights, weather, or luggage. Some types of coverage that can be helpful when traveling to Costa Rica include:

• Trip Cancellation, Interruption or Delay coverage. Trip Cancellation coverage may help you recover nonrefundable expenses you paid in advance if your trip is canceled due to covered causes, such as certain weather conditions, illness or jury or military duty. Trip Interruption coverage kicks in to help reimburse you for prepaid expenses if you lose nonrefundable deposits and other payments when a trip is cut short or delayed for qualifying reasons. Travel Delay coverage is only for certain out of pocket expenses they incurred because a covered reason delayed the trip

• Baggage Loss or Delay coverage. Baggage coverage may help mitigate financial loss if your bags are lost, stolen or delayed. You can get up to a certain amount of coverage to help you replace lost or stolen items. If your bags are delayed when you fly to Costa Rica, travel protection may reimburse you up to a certain amount to help pay for clothing or personal accessories you might need while you wait on your luggage. 

• Coverage for Sporting Equipment with our Preferred and Premium plan. Sporting equipment like golf clubs or scuba gear is not generally covered under the regular baggage protection portion of your travel protection plan. If you plan to travel with this type of gear, check and see if your plan includes Sporting Equipment coverage or ask about optional add-ons. 

• Missed Connection coverage. Missed Connection coverage can help cover losses if you miss out on a prepaid cruise or tour because your flight was delayed three hours or more or you missed a connection. 

Illness & Injury

Providers in Costa Rica probably won't take your state-side health protection plan, so it helps to have additional coverage to help pay for medical treatment if you are injured or fall ill while traveling. Travel protection plans from Generali Global Assistance offer $50,000, $150,000 or $250,000 per person in Medical and Dental coverage during your trip, depending on which plan you purchase. 

Our plans also include Accidental Death and Dismemberment – Travel Accident coverage ranging from  $50,000 and $100,000 per person, depending on the plan. This coverage allows a one-time benefit to be paid to you or your named beneficiary if you suffer a covered incident that results in death or dismemberment. 

Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage & Travel Assistance

High-quality travel protection plans include numerous additional benefits, such as travel assistance. For example, our plans include Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage if you experience a medical issue. This coverage may help pay for the cost of repatriation or transport to an appropriate medical facility if you can't get adequate treatment where you are in Costa Rica. Our team also operates a 24/7 Travel Assistance hotline you can call to get assistance with emergencies and other travel needs. 

Additional Coverage

Generali Global Assistance offers multiple travel protection plans with varying levels of coverage. Standard benefits generally include Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, and Emergency Assistance & Transportation.

The Preferred Plan and Premium Plan may provide additional benefits beyond standard coverage, such as Rental Car Damage coverage and reimbursement for treatment related to pre-existing conditions (subject to eligibility and not available to residents of Texas). These plans may also include Cancel for Any Reason coverage when all requirements are met. This optional benefit allows travelers to cancel for reasons not otherwise covered under standard Trip Cancellation benefits, in accordance with plan terms and conditions.

Coverage availability, benefit limits, and eligibility requirements vary by plan and state of residence. Review your plan details carefully to understand what is included.

How Do You Get Travel Protection for Costa Rica?

You can purchase travel protection from a reputable provider like Generali Global Assistance. Before you browse travel protection plans, make some notes about your coverage goals and needs. 

Get a quote for Costa Rica travel protection from Generali Global Assistance now. 

Costa Rica Travel Tips

Planning ahead allows you to make the most of your Costa Rican getaway. Research factors such as the best times to visit — the dry season between December and April is popular, but you'll deal with crowded beaches. The wet season between May and November lets you enjoy Costa Rica without so many other people, but you trade convenience for a bit of rain almost every afternoon.

In addition to researching your destination, buying travel protection for Costa Rica and getting your passport in order, some other travel tips include:

• Using public transport. Costa Rica's public buses cover many destinations of interest to tourists and are an affordable way to get around. Depending on your adventure plans and preferences, you might forgo a rental car and stick to public transport. If you do rent a car, ensure it has 4x4 capability if you plan to explore rural areas.

• Get outside your comfort zone. Costa Rica offers plenty of adventure opportunities, so stretch your tolerance of adrenaline with zip lining or snorkeling.
  

• Plan to tip and pay fees. Tipping drivers, guides, waitstaff and other people who help you enjoy your trip can enhance service. If you plan to explore national parks and other attractions in Costa Rica, look up fee structures ahead of time so you can include these expenses in your budget. 

Enjoy a Costa Rica Travel Adventure Soon

Plan your travel to Costa Rica, including practical considerations like buying travel protection. The team at Generali Global Assistance can help you select the right plan for your needs, and we're here 24/7 after you purchase your plan and begin travel to assist with emergency needs or questions. 

Note: Trip Cancellation for Any Reason coverage is not available to residents of New York and other eligibility requirements apply.

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