Travel health tips for Costa Rica

Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America for travelers, with reliable healthcare in urban areas and a well-established tourism infrastructure. However, there are some health considerations to keep in mind when managing the tropical heat, preventing mosquito-borne illnesses, and practicing ocean safety. With a little preparation—like staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and being mindful of your surroundings—you can stay healthy and enjoy all that the country has to offer. Here's our roundup of the best Costa Rica travel health tips.
 

Essential vaccines for traveling to Costa Rica

Technically, you don’t need any vaccines for Costa Rica travel unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. In that case, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
It’s a good idea to get any vaccines you need about 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. This gives your body enough time to build up immunity, and if you need a vaccine with more than one dose, you’ll have time to complete the series.

Here are the vaccines to consider:

• Hepatitis A: This disease spreads through contaminated food or water, and it’s common in Costa Rica. You’ll need two doses for long-term protection, but one dose will do for most trips.
• Typhoid: If you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas, where food safety can be a bit unpredictable, this is one to think about. You can get it as an injection or in an oral form. It’s a good option if you’re planning to try some local dishes.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Make sure your childhood vaccines are up to date. Measles is still a risk in some parts of the world. If you never got vaccinated or need a booster, this one is important.
• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis: This is a basic vaccine that protects you in case you get cuts or scrapes, which can happen pretty easily with all the outdoor activities in Costa Rica.

Depending on your trip, you might also want to consider these vaccines for Costa Rica travel:

• Rabies: If you’re spending time in rural areas, doing lots of outdoor activities, or staying for a while, this vaccine might be worth thinking about. While rabies isn’t common, it’s something to consider if you’ll be around animals or in places where you might be at risk.
• Hepatitis B: If you think you might need medical treatment, get a tattoo, or be in situations where injury is a risk, it’s a good idea to consider this vaccine. It requires three doses.
  By getting these vaccines sorted, you’ll be set to enjoy Costa Rica with fewer worries about health issues.

Pre-travel health checklist

Part of staying healthy in Costa Rica is to make sure you're healthy before you board the plane. It’s smart to get a quick health check-up before you leave — dental and medical, especially if you’ve been putting off anything. If you’re staying in San José or other major cities, healthcare is pretty accessible. But in more remote areas, it can take time to reach a hospital.

A Costa Rica travel tip: If you're going off the grid — jungle lodges, remote beaches, that kind of thing — check how far you'll be from the nearest clinic or hospital before booking. Emergency services may be limited in rural areas.

Note that if you're planning on traveling during holiday periods, some smaller clinics might reduce their hours, but hospital emergency departments stay open around the clock.
Some things you might want to pack:

• Anti-diarrheal meds: Loperamide (Imodium) is good to have for minor stomach issues that can occur when adjusting to new foods and water.
• Oral rehydration salts: Helpful if you get dehydrated from heat, humidity, or stomach problems, which are common in tropical environments.
• Antihistamines: Useful for insect bites, allergies, or unexpected reactions to the lush Costa Rican environment.
• Anti-itch cream: Great for any insect bites that get through your defenses.
• Insect repellent: Go for one with at least 20% DEET or something picaridin-based. This is essential for protection against disease-carrying mosquitoes. Plan to spend $8-15 per bottle.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+ or higher, and make sure it's water-resistant for those beach days and rainforest humidity. Budget $10-20 per bottle.
• Prescription meds: Pack enough for your whole trip, plus a few days extra just in case. Keep them in their original containers in your carry-on luggage.

How to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses

Costa Rica has experienced significant outbreaks of mosquito-transmitted diseases in recent years, particularly during the rainy season (May-November). These illnesses represent the most significant health risk for travelers.

No matter which illness you're trying to avoid, the general advice is pretty much the same:

• Use repellent with 20–30% DEET: Reapply it throughout the day, especially on exposed skin like your ankles and arms.
• Stick to light, loose clothing: Long sleeves and pants help cut down on bites, especially around sunrise and sunset when many mosquitoes are most active.
• Stay somewhere with air conditioning: Or at least make sure there are screens on the windows and doors that close properly.
• Do a quick room check once you arrive: Look under beds, behind curtains, and in the bathroom corners—mosquitoes tend to hang out in dark, still places.
• If you're heading into the jungle, consider permethrin-treated clothing and gear: It's a good extra layer of protection for hikers and adventure travelers.
• Be extra cautious during the rainy season: That's when mosquito numbers go up dramatically.

Dengue fever

Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne illness in Costa Rica, with over 31,200 cases reported in 2024 and more than 1,200 cases in early 2025. It's around all year, but it spikes during the rainy season (May-November). It's not limited to the countryside either—you'll find cases in cities, towns, and tourist areas.

The virus spreads through Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The symptoms can feel a lot like the flu—fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain (hence its nickname "breakbone fever"), and sometimes a rash. In more serious cases, it can lead to internal bleeding.

Cases are typically highest in the Central Pacific and central regions of the country. There's no specific cure, so treatment is mostly about staying hydrated and getting rest.

Malaria

Malaria risk is low in Costa Rica but still present in certain areas. In 2024, there were 232 locally acquired malaria cases reported, primarily in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón. The risk is highest in lowland areas and near the Nicaraguan border.

The parasite is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, which typically bite between dusk and dawn. Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like illness that can become severe without treatment. If you're planning to spend time in high-risk areas, talk to your doctor about antimalarial medication.

For travelers visiting the provinces of Alajuela and Limón, antimalarials such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine may be recommended. For all other areas, mosquito bite prevention measures are generally sufficient.  

Chikungunya

Chikungunya has been reported in Costa Rica, with around 405 infections in 2024. This viral disease causes fever and severe joint pain that can last for months, along with headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.

The virus is spread by the same day-biting Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue. A vaccine for chikungunya is now available in some countries, including the U.S. Check with your healthcare provider about availability before your trip.

Staying healthy in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s weather, food, and natural beauty make it a great place to explore, but they can also bring up some health challenges. With a little preparation, most of these can be avoided so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Staying healthy in Costa Rica means keeping these things in mind:

Dealing with tropical heat

Costa Rica is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from 70-90°F (21-32°C), depending on elevation and region. The humidity can be especially challenging if you’re not used to it. Take a couple of days to adjust before tackling any physically demanding activities like hiking in places such as Manuel Antonio or Corcovado National Park. Be sure to factor this in when deciding how many days in Costa Rica you want to spend.

Costa Rica’s proximity to the equator means the sun is intense—even on cloudy days. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating. A hat and sunglasses are a must. Try to avoid being outside during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM), when the sun is at its strongest.

Staying healthy in Costa Rica means you'll want to plan to drink around 3-4 liters of water a day, more if you’re active or in particularly hot areas. If you’re hiking or spending long hours at the beach, adding electrolyte packets to your water can help keep you hydrated. The Caribbean coast, like Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero, can be especially humid, so keep that in mind.

Food and water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban areas and popular tourist spots. However, in more remote regions, it’s better to stick with bottled or purified water. Even if the locals drink the tap water, your body might not be used to the local microbes, and that could lead to an upset stomach.

Costa Rica’s food scene is great, but when it comes to street food, be selective. Look for busy restaurants, as they likely have fresher food. With fruit, go for options you can peel yourself, like bananas, pineapples, or mangoes, and avoid pre-cut fruit that may have been washed with untreated water.

If you're traveling to Costa Rica with kids, keep in mind that kids tend to have more sensitive stomachs than adults, and extra care should be taken.

Ocean safety

Rip currents are a serious risk in Costa Rica and are responsible for several drownings each year. Always check for warning flags at the beach and swim only at beaches with lifeguards if possible. Beaches like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Jacó often have lifeguards, but that’s not the case everywhere.

Before your trip, take some time to learn how to spot and escape rip currents. If you do get caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then head back to land. Never try to fight the current by swimming directly against it.

Be mindful of marine hazards like jellyfish and stingrays, especially on the Pacific coast. If you get stung by a jellyfish, you’ll want to rinse the area with vinegar (not fresh water) and see a doctor if the symptoms are serious.

That said, don't let these warnings scare you: Costa Rica's beaches are definitely worth visiting.

Staying safe while hiking

Before hitting the trails, you’ll want to make sure to research the route thoroughly. Popular parks (like Monteverde and Arenal) have well-marked paths, but trails in less-visited areas may not be in the best shape. An important Costa Rica health tip is to always check trail conditions with local rangers or guides, especially since heavy rains can quickly turn a passable trail into a dangerous mudslide.

For more challenging hikes, consider hiring a local guide. They can offer useful safety tips and help you spot wildlife you might miss. If you’re hiking solo, share your itinerary with someone and set check-in times. Cell service is often unreliable in many natural areas, so don’t count on being able to use your phone in an emergency. For inspiration, see our guide to Costa Rica's best hikes.

Wildlife

Costa Rica’s wildlife is a big part of what makes it special, from monkeys in Manuel Antonio to sloths in the cloud forests. That said, rabies is carried by some animals, including bats and dogs, so always keep your distance from wild animals, even if they seem friendly.

Never feed wild animals. It disrupts their natural behaviors and can lead to aggressive interactions. If you're hiking in dense jungle areas, wear closed-toe shoes and use a walking stick to avoid surprising any snakes or ground-dwelling creatures.

If you’re scratched or bitten by any animal, clean the wound well with soap and water, then seek medical attention immediately. Even minor bites or scratches from bats should be treated seriously due to the risk of rabies.

Why travel insurance is a must

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. The public system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or CAJA) provides universal coverage to citizens and residents, but visitors typically rely on private facilities. Private hospitals, particularly in cities like San José, Liberia, and other tourist areas, are modern, well-equipped, and have English-speaking doctors.
However, outside the major cities, medical care can be limited. 

In rural areas, you’ll find basic clinics, but if you’re in a more remote area, like the Osa Peninsula or Tortuguero, getting to the right medical care can take time. 

Our top Costa Rica health tip is to not skip insurance; this is a must.

Hospital costs in Costa Rica

If you end up in a private hospital without insurance, you’ll likely face significant costs. While healthcare in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the U.S. (about a third to a fifth of what Americans pay), it’s still substantial. Here’s a rough idea of what things might cost if you're uninsured:

• Doctor's consultation: $50–75 for general practitioners, $80–100 for specialists.
• Emergency room visit: $100–200 for basic services; this can rise if more complex care is required.
• Hospital stay (private room): $500–800 per night, depending on the hospital and location.
• Basic diagnostic tests (blood work, X-rays): $100–300; basic tests can sometimes be cheaper.
• Advanced imaging (MRI, CT scan): $500–1,500, depending on the scan.
• Surgery: $1,000–20,000, based on the complexity of the procedure.
• Treatment for dengue fever: $1,000–3,000 for hospitalization, if necessary.
• Medical evacuation from remote areas to San José: $2,000–10,000, depending on the location and how difficult it is to access.
• Medical evacuation to your home country: $25,000–100,000, especially if you need an air ambulance.

Even a relatively minor illness like dengue fever can rack up significant costs. Serious medical problems could cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you need surgery or evacuation.
 

What to look for in a policy

Travel insurance policies aren’t all the same, so you’ll want to make sure your coverage includes the risks you might face in Costa Rica. Here are the key features to look for:

• Medical coverage: Aim for at least $50,000 to cover doctor visits, hospital care, and medications, though $100,000 or more is better.
• Emergency evacuation: This can be very expensive and might be necessary if you get seriously ill or injured. Look for coverage of at least $250,000.
• Adventure sports coverage: If you're planning to zip-line, surf, or dive, make sure these activities aren’t excluded from your policy.
• Trip cancellations and delays: Useful if your plans change due to illness or unexpected circumstances.
• Lost or stolen belongings: Covers things like cameras, phones, or other valuables you’re traveling with.
• 24/7 assistance: Ideally, look for a company with staff familiar with the Costa Rican healthcare system and able to communicate in Spanish if needed.

Trusted travel insurance providers

There are a lot of great travel insurance providers out there. Here are a few options that can be great for Costa Rica:

• World Nomads: Great for adventurous travelers. They cover over 250 activities in Costa Rica, including surfing, hiking, and zip-lining. Their policies are flexible, allowing you to extend coverage while abroad, and they offer 24/7 emergency assistance.
• Trawick International: Trawick offers comprehensive plans like Safe Travels Voyager, which includes up to $250,000 in medical coverage and $3,000 for quarantine accommodations. They also have optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage for more flexibility.
• IATI Backpacker: This one’s designed for European travelers, offering up to €500,000 in medical coverage with no deductibles. It covers adventure sports, theft, and trip cancellations, making it a solid choice for varied travel scenarios.
• Allianz Global Assistance: Allianz is known for its solid emergency medical coverage and 24/7 assistance. Their plans cater to different types of travelers, with both single-trip and annual policies that can be customized to your needs.
   

Emergency help: what to do if you get sick

Even with the best planning, medical issues can arise. If you get sick or injured while in Costa Rica, here's what you need to know to get help quickly.

Save these numbers in your phone before your trip:

• General Emergency: 911
• Red Cross (Ambulance): 128
• Fire Department: 118
• Tourist Police: 911 or +506 2586-4620
• OIJ (Judicial Investigation): 800-8000-645
• Poison Control: +506 2223-1028
• To contact the U.S. embassy, dial +506 2519-2000 or email [email protected] (after contacting local authorities).

Going to the hospital

You'll find high-quality private hospitals in major cities, especially in San José. These facilities usually have 24-hour emergency departments, and many staff speak English—particularly in hospitals that regularly treat international patients.

Here’s what you can do if you need medical care:

• Ask your hotel or rental host for help finding a good hospital or clinic nearby.
• Make sure to show your travel insurance information when you arrive at the facility.
• Keep all receipts and treatment documentation for insurance purposes. Many private hospitals may ask for payment upfront, but some may be able to work with your international insurance or offer payment plans.

Hospitals in Costa Rica that are good for travelers

Here’s a not-so-complete list of some trusted hospitals that might be good to know about before your trip.

• San José, Hospital Clínica Bíblica: This hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). It has a good range of services and an international patient department with English-speaking staff.
• Escazú, Hospital CIMA: Known for meeting international care standards, this hospital has 24/7 emergency services, U.S.-trained physicians, and English-speaking staff. It’s a go-to for many medical tourists.
• Liberia, Hospital La Anexión: The largest hospital in Liberia, this one covers a broad range of services, including emergency care and surgery, with English-speaking staff.
• Alajuela, Hospital San Rafael de Alajuela: A public hospital that's well-regarded for emergency care and specialized services, popular with both locals and visitors.
• Cartago, Hospital Max Peralta: A respected public hospital offering comprehensive healthcare, including emergency and surgical care.