The experience of studying in Costa Rica is life changing. The nation has a combination of biodiversity, quality education and a friendly culture. However, you must first have to take care of your health. The health insurance is not a formality in this case, but it is a legal provision that international students have to have.
The immigration law of Costa Rica demands that a student should present evidence of health insurance that must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation throughout his/her stay. The majority of students also receive the request to join the public health system, which is the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), upon receiving a student visa or a residency. Nevertheless, a significant role is played by the private and international health insurance. It offers access to private clinics much faster and covers a bigger area as well as supporting the services that are not wholly provided by the public system.
The 10 best health insurers in Costa Rica among the international students are discussed below. Both of them have their own particular advantages, and they complement each other effectively to address a wide spectrum of requirements- starting with the global coverage to the services which are locally-based.
Cigna Global
Cigna global is a well known insurer globally. Its health insurance plans, both student and expat are flexible and acceptable by most institutions in Costa Rica.
Why choose Cigna Global?
- The policies are customizable to the extent of simple hospital coverage up to full-fledged packages that include dental, vision, and mental health.
- It covers more than Costa Rica thus in case you intend to visit Latin America, or even go to your home during school holidays, you are covered.
- Good acceptance of private hospitals in San Jose, Heredity and Guanacaste.
Cigna may be more expensive than domestic plans, however, its reliability credibility makes it the best plan among students who desire international coverage without limits.
Bupa Global
Another high-quality competitor in the global health insurance market is Bupa Global. It is known to have high standards of service and this has been able to attract students who do not want to be provided with the bare minimum.
Key advantages:
- Extensive network of hospitals worldwide, comprising of large privately owned hospitals in Costa Rica.
- Dental and vision is an option, which the majority of international plans do not cover.
- The fact that it takes into consideration pre-existing conditions which are an valuable quality to the students with chronic problems.
Bupa policies are specially appropriate to students who require a long-term and steady cover and is less sensitive to financial constraints.
Best Doctors Insurance (NOW Health International)
Best Doctors Insurance which has been incorporated with NOW Health international particularly applies to students in Latin America. It is an international coverage mixed with regional know-how.
What makes it strong:
- Tiered plans can enable the student to choose based on his budget.
- It also has emergency medical evacuation and this is important in the rural regions of Costa Rica where there may be no specialized care.
- The network connections with clinics in Latin America facilitate the claims and billing.
Best Doctors will be a good choice to you should you desire a local insurer who knows the region, but who also has international benchmarks.
Allianz Care
Allianz Care is an international insurer of health insurance driving at the students. It also provides adaptable and solid coverage which fulfills the majority of Costa Rican visa and university demands.
What you get with Allianz:
- International mobility benefits, which are perfect in students who travel a lot.
- Extensive mental health and counseling services, which are significant in adjustment in the course of international studies.
- Visa compliant paper work that simplifies the paperwork involved in immigration.
Allianz is a middle ground between cheapness and coverage. It is popular among those students who prefer to have a relaxing environment with a brand that is trusted worldwide.
ASSA
One of the Central American insurance firms is ASSA. It has a great balance of local knowledge and a broad network of providers, which is why it is a good choice among the international students in Costa Rica.
Strengths of ASSA:
- Expats and student-specific policies.
- Telemedicine services, gaining popularity in terms of fast consultation.
- Covering of both private hospitals and clinics in small cities.
The ASSA is a good option to consider in case you desire to have local expertise with international quality of services.
GeoBlue (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
GeoBlue refers to the international segment of Blue Cross Blue Shield, one brand that is very well known to the students of the United States.
Why it stands out:
- It is also covered internationally but highly accepted in North America and Central America.
- Big hospital and medical cover limits.
- Perfect to the U. S. citizens studying in Costa Rica, which will fit well with insurance back home.
GeoBlue would be a good fit with those students wishing to have continuity between their U.S. coverage and their needs in the country of studying.
Mondassur
Mondassur is a French based provider whose products are directly targeted to the international students. It will attract students going to Costa Rica because of its price and its flexibility.
Main benefits:
- Plans such as Student Backup, Budget and Global are student-based plans that start at only 27/month
- It covers hospitalization, medical visits, and repatriation.
- A well-documented record that is in various languages so that non-Spanish speakers will have an easier time enrolling.
Mondassur will be particularly appealing to the European students who can afford a low-cost but comprehensive plan when studying overseas.
WorldTrips (StudentSecure)
The StudentSecure plan is offered by WorldTrips, which is a U.S.-based company. International students are very popular with this plan due to its affordability and flexibility.
The reasons students choose WorldTrips:
- Originally intended as a multi-year course, which was why it fit into bachelor or masters degree courses.
- Fulfills visa and university health insurance.
- Students are able to match coverage with financial constraints with four plan levels (Elite, Select, Budget, Smart).
StudentSecure is a good option when you are willing to have a low-cost plan and still be able to satisfy the student visa regulations.
APRIL International
APRIL International is a registered brand among mobile students who are all over the world. It is flexible and has features that directly focus on the needs of the students.
Key highlights:
- Alternatives to add dental and optical coverage.
- Online customer service and the possibility of submitting claims in several languages.
- Admitted in most of the universities in Costa Rica, enrollment becomes easier.
APRIL will suit students that are seeking to be able to cover more of their lifestyle without necessarily breaching the visa regulations.
INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros)
INS is the national insurance company of Costa Rica and is a key player in the state and the privacy insurance industry.
Why INS matters:
- It is the most popular local insurance company, which provides a variety of health and travel insurance products.
- Immigration authorities and universities often check whether compliance is met.
- Offers localized assistance especially to students who might be in need of assistance in Spanish.
Although INS might be not as international as Cigna or Bupa, it has local credibility and connection with the health system of Costa Rica.
Key Points for International Students
Health insurance in Costa Rica is not optional—it is mandatory. Here are the most important points to remember:
- Visa Requirements: Students must show proof of insurance covering hospital and medical care, plus repatriation, for their entire stay. Documentation from global providers like Cigna, Allianz, or Bupa is typically accepted without issue.
- Public Health Enrollment: Students with residency or student visas must also enroll in the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). This provides access to Costa Rica’s public system, though many supplement it with private insurance for quicker or broader care.
- Balance International and Local: International insurers (Cigna, Bupa, Mondassur, Allianz, APRIL) ensure coverage abroad and recognition by universities. Local providers (ASSA, INS) offer strong integration with Costa Rica’s healthcare system.
- Key Features to Check: Emergency evacuation, hospitalization, outpatient visits, mental health services, and repatriation are essential. For active students, check coverage for sports or travel-related incidents.
- Cost and Value: Prices vary widely. Local providers may be cheaper but have limited international networks. Global insurers cost more but provide seamless coverage if you travel or return home.
Actionable Steps to Choose the Right Plan
- Confirm University Requirements: Before purchasing, ask your university in Costa Rica if they require specific providers or coverage levels.
- Compare Plans Side by Side: Create a chart with premiums, deductibles, and benefits. Tools on provider websites make this easier.
- Check Acceptance Locally: Contact private hospitals in San José or Heredia to confirm if they accept direct billing from your chosen insurer.
- Review Exclusions: Always read what is not covered. Pay attention to pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, or high-risk activities like scuba diving.
- Think Long-Term: If you plan to stay in Costa Rica for more than a year, select a plan that can be renewed without hassle.
Final Thoughts
The possibilities of studying in Costa Rica are unbelievable, yet one needs to plan to be healthy and financially secured. Health insurance is a legal mandate as well as an individual safety net.
With proper research on the services of providers like Cigna, Bupa, Allianz, and Mondassur on a global scale, you can identify a plan that will not cost you more than you can afford, does not defy the visa requirements, and will provide you with high-quality care.
You are not only out to fulfill needs, but also gain a sure defense. Having the right plan, you can devote all your attention to studying and experience all that Costa Rica can offer.
References:
- Allianz Care. (2025). International health insurance for students. Allianz Care. https://www.allianzcare.com
- APRIL International. (2025). Student health insurance plans. APRIL International. https://www.april-international.com
- ASSA Compañía de Seguros. (2025). Health insurance products. ASSA. https://www.assanet.com
- Bupa Global. (2025). International student and expat health insurance. Bupa Global. https://www.bupaglobal.com
- Cigna Global. (2025). International health insurance for students and expats. Cigna. https://www.cignaglobal.com
- GeoBlue. (2025). Student health plans abroad. GeoBlue. https://www.geobluestudents.com
- Instituto Nacional de Seguros. (2025). Seguro de salud y estudiantes internacionales. INS Costa Rica. https://www.ins-cr.com
- Mondassur. (2025). International student insurance plans. Mondassur. https://www.mondassur.com
- NOW Health International. (2025). Best Doctors and student health insurance. NOW Health International. https://www.now-health.com
- WorldTrips. (2025). StudentSecure international student health insurance. WorldTrips. https://www.worldtrips.com
