Costa Rica does not require travel insurance to enter the country, but there is no reciprocal social security agreement with France: a stay in a private hospital can run to several hundred, even several thousand euros, and clinics often require an upfront payment before treatment. Getting covered before you go means you won’t be left footing the bill when things go wrong.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance mandatory for Costa Rica?
Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Costa Rica. There is no reciprocal social security agreement between France and Costa Rica: treatment in the private sector is billed at full price, and hospitals may ask for proof of financial means before treating you. Yupwego recommends cover of 450 000 € to be properly protected in the event of hospitalisation or repatriation.
Why take out travel insurance for Costa Rica?
- Costly private healthcare: Costa Rica’s private clinics are of a good standard, but they charge full price and may ask for an upfront payment before any treatment. Without insurance, any hospital stay comes entirely out of your pocket.
- Medical repatriation: Organising and funding a medical repatriation back to France from Costa Rica can run to tens of thousands of euros. Insurance covers the full logistics and cost.
- Dengue and vector-borne diseases: Dengue is endemic in Costa Rica, particularly from May to November. Severe cases may require hospitalisation: without cover, the costs fall on you.
- Trip cancellation or curtailment: Sudden illness, a natural disaster or a family emergency – cancellation cover reimburses your non-refundable flights and accommodation if you cannot travel or need to return home early.
- Lost or stolen baggage: In the event of theft or lost luggage, insurance compensates you so you can cover immediate expenses without waiting to get home.
What your Yupwego Costa Rica travel insurance covers
For Costa Rica, Yupwego recommends cover of 450 000 €: enough for a lengthy hospital stay or a medical repatriation without paying a cent upfront.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: The insurer settles directly with the private clinic – you pay nothing upfront, even when the hospital requires a deposit before treatment.
- Medical repatriation: Should your condition require it, Yupwego organises and funds your medically assisted return to France, from start to finish.
- Cancellation and curtailment: Your non-refundable flights and bookings are covered if a serious unforeseen event prevents you from travelling or forces you to return home early.
- Baggage and personal belongings: Theft or lost luggage: you are compensated so you can get back on your feet without waiting until you are home.
- Third-party liability abroad: If you cause damage to someone else in Costa Rica, insurance covers the financial consequences in accordance with your policy.
Health and healthcare in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a good network of hospitals, but private healthcare is expensive and a deposit may be required before treatment. Tourists only have access to the public system in life-threatening emergencies, and these are still billed. Dengue is endemic, particularly between May and November: protect yourself from mosquitoes from the moment you arrive. Before departure, consult a doctor or travel health clinic about recommended vaccines: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid depending on the length and conditions of your stay.
Entry requirements for Costa Rica
French nationals do not need a visa to stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days. A passport in perfect condition (valid beyond your planned return date), an onward ticket and proof of accommodation are required on entry. For stays exceeding 90 days, authorisation is required from the Costa Rican embassy in Paris or Costa Rican immigration services. For a long trip or a life change abroad, long-stay travel insurance or youth and working holiday travel insurance may be particularly suitable.
Vehicle hire and road safety in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s road network is manageable, but the tracks leading to national parks can be in poor condition and spring the occasional surprise. If you hire a vehicle, take out the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered by the rental company: Yupwego policies do not cover damage caused to the vehicle itself. However, in the event of an accident, your travel insurance covers your own medical costs, hospitalisation and repatriation (personal injury), as well as third-party liability in accordance with your policy. Always request a written, photographed inspection report before taking the wheel.
