What am I covered for when visiting Costa Rica?
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More than 91,000 British travellers head to Costa Rica every year, drawn to its misty volcanic peaks, rushing rapids, epic waves, and exotic jungle wildlife. Many who seek out Costa Rica do so for the thrills, adventure and, of course, the La Pura Vida
To enter Costa Rica, you’ll need to fill in a Health Pass 72 hours before you arrive and show proof of travel insurance. That’s where World Nomads comes in - our policies cover you 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 to see which is best for what you’re planning to do. For British travellers to Costa Rica, our policies include cover for:
Travel insurance tip 1: UK residents please keep in mind that you’ll first 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.
British travellers have long considered Costa Rica a go-to vacation spot. With direct flights between Heathrow and San Jose, it is an accessible, exciting destination.
As dizzying as the appeal is, Costa Rica is a 10-hour flight from London, and most of us know that long haul isn’t always smooth travelling, flights get delayed or cancelled, baggage goes missing, and documents/personal belongings are mislaid. Insurance can reduce this stress.
Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, road conditions in Costa Rica can be poor; crime occurs, 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 going to hire a vehicle, our Explorer Plan covers rental car excess in the event 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 also take advantage of provisions for hijacking and costs associated with natural disasters, as 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, depending on your country of residence and the circumstances.
Make sure you list planned activities when you apply for your policy (higher-risk activities may require an upgrade to an increased level of cover or an additional premium). Remember our Emergency Assistance Team is available 24/7 to answer any urgent questions if you’re in a crisis.
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. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to many countries and territories due to coronavirus (COVID-19) risks. You can lread the FCDO’s COVID-19 travel advice.
Some things we won’t not cover include:
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions 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, 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.
Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.
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Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.
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Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.
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Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.
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World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not (this includes if you're on separate or joint policies). You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion is not removable.
For travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) Money Helper website, or call 0800 138 7777. BIBA's (The British Insurance Brokers' Association) Find Insurance Service offers information on serious PEMCs and travel insurance providers that may cover these conditions. You can also contact them on 0370 950 1790.
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.
If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
For policies purchased on or after 1 September 2021:
+44 (0) 2030931750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
For policies purchased before 1 September 2021:
Phone: +353 21 237 8005 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
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.