Costa Rica: Health Insurance Required
Costa Rica reopened to tourism this summer by welcoming travelers from Europe and Canada. Around 6,000 visitors arrived in August and September. By comparison, the country drew a total of 3.1 million travelers in 2019 – but the government said Costa Rica had not seen any travel-related transmission of coronavirus.
“Basically, tourism makes up about a tenth of our economy,” said Gustavo J. Segura, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism. “We really needed an economic reactivation. Through this step-by-step process, we were able to prove that international travel is not a problem. “
While some Americans from states with lower transmission have been able to visit Costa Rica since September, November 1st, Costa Rica will welcome all American travelers, although cases are increasing in the United States.
The government requires all visitors to: a Health passport Provide negative test results online within 72 hours of arrival and purchase travel insurance with one of two local agencies to cover costs for accommodation and illness if the traveler becomes infected with the coronavirus ( the costs depend on the age and length of stay, but from 45 years) – An old stay of two weeks pays off rough 10 USD per day). Travelers with international insurance policies are required to provide a certificate uploaded to their health passport from the insurer stating that the policy is effective in Costa Rica and covers the total medical and accommodation costs associated with the virus, totaling approximately $ 50,000. A negative test is no longer required after October 26th.
The country relies on its reputation as a nature tourist, from its volcanic interior to its coastline, to attract visitors. 94 percent of hotels have 40 or fewer rooms, which makes it easier to avoid other guests.
“The government tells us that we can be 100 percent in hotels, but in restaurants and public areas it is 50 percent. That’s why we have limited the limit to only 75 percent in most hotels,” said Hans Pfister, President and Co-founder of das Cayuga collection, which operates five lodges in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is not the place to look for rock bottom prices, which are usually easier to dangle for large hotels. With similar fixed costs, most small hotels are more likely to offer an extra night for free or a room upgrade.
