In response to falling COVID-19 cases in the country, as of April 1, 2022, Costa Rica has suspended its requirements for international visitors to register with the Costa Rica Health Pass to enter the country, or use the formerly required QR code to gain entry to some businesses and establishments. The Central American nation has also ended its requirement for international visitors to purchase travel medical insurance, regardless of vaccination status.

What does this mean for visitors to Costa Rica?

Essentially, entry rules are reverting back to those that were in place pre-pandemic. All tourists are now welcome to visit Costa Rica with no COVID testing or quarantine, whether they have been vaccinated or not. In addition, all establishments and businesses can now operate at 100% capacity with no vaccine certificate or QR code necessary. Travel medical insurance, which was previously mandatory, is now optional for all visitors to Costa Rica.

Do I Still Need Travel Medical Insurance Without the Costa Rican Requirement?

While it is true that travel medical insurance is now optional to visit Costa Rica, that does not mean you should go without it. People were purchasing travel medical insurance long before the COVID-19 pandemic, and for good reason. You’re still just as likely to get food poisoning, break your leg, or get a severe sunburn while visiting Costa Rica. These, or any other new medical condition, could land you in the hospital. If you don’t have travel medical insurance, that could mean you’re stuck paying a massive medical bill out of your own pocket.

Travel medical insurance is designed exactly for these situations; unexpected illnesses and injuries that occur in a foreign country, where your domestic insurance will not be accepted.

If you’re planning a getaway to Costa Rica soon, make sure you’re protected. Remember that breakthrough cases of COVID are possible even if you’re fully vaccinated, and injuries and illnesses can be even more likely on vacation. So, get travel medical insurance, and enjoy your Costa Rican holiday with extra peace of mind.