To get Costa Rica’s digital nomad stay, you need a medical insurance policy that covers you for your whole authorized stay, with at least US$50,000 of cover for medical costs from illness in Costa Rica. It can come from an insurer authorized in Costa Rica or be an international policy with that cover, and every family member you include needs their own policy. Those are the rules in Article 9 of the regulation to the digital nomad law (Executive Decree 43619). Here is what that means in practice, and what your insurance certificate should show.
What the law requires
Law 10008, the digital nomad law, makes a medical policy one of the core requirements: it must cover the applicant for the full length of the stay, and it must also cover each family member who applies with you. Migración sets the minimum cover, and the regulation spells it out:
- Duration: the policy must cover the entire stay that Migración authorizes.
- Amount: at least US$50,000 of cover for medical expenses from illness in Costa Rica, valid for the whole period you are in the country.
- Insurer: either an insurer authorized by Costa Rica’s insurance regulator (SUGESE) and registered with it, or an international insurance policy with the same cover.
- Families: each member of the family group needs a policy that meets the same conditions.
What your insurance certificate should show
Migración reviews the policy as part of your application, so ask your insurer for a certificate or policy document that makes these points easy to see:
- Your full name, exactly as in your passport, and the name of each insured family member.
- The start and end dates, covering the full period you are applying for.
- Medical cover for illness in Costa Rica of at least US$50,000.
- The insurer’s name and, for a local policy, that it is a SUGESE-authorized insurer.
The policy goes with the rest of your application: proof of income of at least US$3,000 a month (US$4,000 if you include family), your passport and the application form. Our digital nomad document checklist lists everything.
Is travel insurance enough?
The regulation does not name policy types; it sets conditions. A travel policy can only work if it meets every one of them: it covers illness, not just accidents or trip problems, it gives at least US$50,000 of medical cover in Costa Rica, and it lasts for your whole authorized stay. Many travel policies fall short on the length of cover or only cover emergencies on short trips, so check the wording before you rely on one.
Local or international insurer?
Both are allowed. A policy from a SUGESE-authorized Costa Rican insurer is written for care here and is easy for Migración to verify. An international policy can suit you if you travel in and out of the country, as long as it meets the same cover and dates. Whichever you choose, compare the deductibles, the hospital network in the Central Valley, where most private hospitals are, and how claims are paid.
Bringing your family
The digital nomad stay can include your spouse or partner, children under 25, children of any age with a disability, and older adults who live with you. Each of them needs a policy that meets the same conditions. One family policy can work only if it clearly shows each person and the required cover for each.
Renewing for a second year
The stay is granted for up to one year and can be extended once for another year, if you spent at least 180 days in Costa Rica during the first year. Because the policy must cover the whole authorized stay, renew your insurance so it covers the extra year before you apply. See our digital nomad renewal guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much health insurance do I need for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa?
At least US$50,000 of medical cover for illness in Costa Rica, for your whole authorized stay.
Can I use an international insurance policy?
Yes. The regulation accepts an international policy as long as it gives the same cover and lasts for your whole stay.
Does each family member need insurance?
Yes. Every family member included in the application needs a policy that meets the same conditions.
Do I need new insurance if I renew?
Your policy must cover the whole authorized stay, so make sure it covers the second year before you apply for the extension.
Sources: Law 10008 (Article 10) and its regulation, Executive Decree 43619 (Articles 8 and 9), on SINALEVI, checked 15 October 2026. General information only — confirm current requirements before acting.
Planning your digital nomad stay? CRIE is an immigration law firm in Costa Rica with over 20 years of experience. Talk to our immigration expert, Johanna: WhatsApp +506 8373 2085 or email info@crie.cr. You can also read our full guide to the digital nomad visa in Costa Rica.