The Zika Virus: Should I Travel to Costa Rica Right Now?
The answer is YES, except if you are pregnant or may get pregnant during your visit.
- Zika is no worse than the flu
- The chances of getting Zika in Costa Rica is extremely slight, Costa Rica has one of the strongest health system in the world with capability to monitor and contain most of the common tropical diseases, tropical diseases that in many countries are serious problems, in Costa Rica are totally controlled.
- However, in the tropical destinations worldwide, Zika has been linked to an alarming high incidence of birth defects for babies born to women who were infected with Zika when they were pregnant.
- Even though there is only a very slight possibility of getting Zika in Costa Rica, the possible consequences for pregnant women are so grave, that in our view it would be a mistake to travel to anyplace where there is even a slight chance of getting Zika including the Southern United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America (except Peru, Chile, Uruguay and Argentina)
Will cancelation insurance cover penalties if I become pregnant after booking and need to cancel?
For all our travelers, we highly recommend acquiring trip insurance for their vacation, no matter when they travel.
Various unforeseen circumstances, ranging from political issues to unexpected pregnancies, may impact your travel plans. With comprehensive trip insurance, you can safeguard your investment.
In particular, if you suspect you are pregnant or there's a chance of pregnancy between the time of booking and the end of your vacation, we highly recommend acquiring insurance and meticulously reviewing the policy, paying special attention to the fine print. Some policies, despite claiming to cover cancellations "for any reason," may exclude "known risks," such as the Zika virus for pregnant women. It's crucial to be well-informed to ensure your coverage aligns with your specific needs.