08 Aug 2025 4 min read Costa Rica Travel

Why I Never Travel to Costa Rica Without Insurance — And You Shouldn’t Either

Costa Rica’s wild beauty comes with a few surprises — from sudden downpours in the rainforest to a misstep on a volcano trail. Travel insurance isn’t just a “nice to have” here; it’s your safety net for medical emergencies, trip delays, and those unexpected adventures gone wrong.

White-water rafting in Costa Rica is pure adrenaline — but one wrong turn in the rapids can turn your dream trip into a costly nightmare. Protect your adventure (and your wallet) with reliable travel insurance before you hit the river

When you’re planning a dream trip to Costa Rica — the kind filled with jungle treks, waterfall swims, and maybe even a heart-pounding zip-line ride through the cloud forest — insurance probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. I get it. You’re busy picking hotels, booking tours, and imagining that first morning coffee with a volcano view.

Swimming beneath Costa Rica’s hidden La Leona Waterfall is an unforgettable thrill — but cave currents, slippery rocks, and remote locations can turn risky fast. Secure your peace of mind with travel insurance before taking the plunge

But here’s the thing: adventure travel has its risks, and Costa Rica’s wild beauty means you’ll be spending time outdoors, in the water, and maybe even far from the nearest clinic. That’s why I never travel without proper coverage — and why I recommend you don’t either.

Exploring Costa Rica’s volcanic landscapes is awe-inspiring — but unpredictable terrain, heat, and sulfur vents can lead to sudden mishaps. Protect your trip and your health with comprehensive travel insurance before venturing into the wild.

Why Costa Rica Isn’t a “Skip the Insurance” Destination

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, but safe doesn’t mean risk-free.

Here’s what I keep in mind before every trip:

Adventure activities carry injury risks — whitewater rafting, surfing, ATV tours, and even hiking in wet season can lead to slips, falls, or worse.
Remote locations mean medical care might require a long drive (or a costly air transfer).
Unpredictable weather can disrupt flights, close roads, or cancel activities.
Wildlife encounters are rare but possible — think insect-borne illnesses, jellyfish stings, or snake bites.

Spotting a rare eyelash viper in Costa Rica is a wildlife lover’s dream — but a single bite can send you straight to the ER. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies in remote jungle locations.

On a past trip to Ecuador, I twisted my ankle on a rainforest trail. It wasn’t life-threatening, but the treatment was expensive — and I was grateful my insurance picked up the bill. That one moment was all the proof I needed that things can go wrong, even when you’re careful.

What Good Travel Insurance Should Cover

When I shop for coverage, I look for these essentials:

Medical expenses & treatment — doctor visits, clinic care, prescriptions.
Emergency evacuation — both medical and non-medical, like natural disasters.
Trip cancellation & interruption — protects against weather delays, illness, or family emergencies.
Adventure sports coverage — make sure your chosen activities aren’t excluded.
Baggage loss or theft — especially important if you’re traveling with expensive gear.

Pro Tip: Check if your credit card includes any travel insurance perks. Some premium cards offer rental car CDW coverage or limited medical insurance, but I never rely on them alone — the coverage caps are often too low.

I always compare my policy options before buying — here are the two I trust:

Klook – A one-stop travel platform that lets you bundle insurance with activities, eSIMs, and tours. It’s fast, easy to add to your trip, and ideal if you want coverage locked in while you’re booking the rest of your itinerary.

VisitorsCoverage – A specialist in travel and medical insurance, offering tailored plans for adventure travelers, long stays, and multi-destination trips. Their site makes it easy to compare coverage limits and find the right fit for your activities in Costa Rica.

Final Thought

Costa Rica’s magic lies in its wild unpredictability — the crashing surf, the shifting jungle clouds, the thrill of a rainforest trail at dawn. But with that unpredictability comes risk. The right insurance gives you the freedom to say yes to every adventure without hesitation.

Soaring above Costa Rica’s cloud forests on a zipline is pure magic — until equipment failure or a hard landing changes everything. Protect your adrenaline-filled adventures with travel insurance that covers accidents and medical care

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Ecuador or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.

Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools

✈️ Compare Flights

→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com
→ Traveloka

🏨 Book Budget Stays

→ Hostelworld Embedded JavaScript
→ Agoda

🛏️ Book Hotels & Unique Stays

→ Booking.com

🛡️ Protect Your Trip

→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)

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→ VisitorsCoverage

Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the blog — it keeps the adventures coming!