Costa Rica will accept all travel insurance policies
Costa Rica has decided to welcome tourists who obtain any travel insurance policy, even if it was not purchased through the National Insurance Institute (INS)
Previously, tourists had to purchase a policy through the INS, but local chambers and international groups criticised the limitation.
International tourists who enter Costa Rica will now be allowed to do so with a travel insurance policy that meets the following requirements: the policy needs to be valid throughout the scheduled visit, it needs to cover medical expenses related to Covid-19 of at least US$50,000 and needs to have a minimum coverage of $2,000 for accommodation expenses related to Covid-19.
However, visitors still have to come from approved countries, including Canada, the European Union and the UK and bring proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
INS president Róger Arias Agüero said the institute is exploring ways to lower its premiums. He said: “Our only interest is to contribute to the revival of tourism, provide protection to foreigners who visit the country and avoid – as much as possible – the saturation of public health centres.”
From this month, Costa Rica now opens most of its beaches until 14:30 and has reopened most national parks. Rental cars are exempt from vehicular restrictions, and open-air tourism activities are permitted. As of 10 August, the country has reported 235 Covid-19-related deaths. Nearly 400 people are currently hospitalised with the virus, putting pressure on public health infrastructure.