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Why Nomads Recommends Genki
The question we get most from new members is which health insurance to get. Our answer is Genki Traveler. Here's why it fits life in Costa Rica , and what it wont cover
- Category
- guide
- Reading time
- 3 min
- Written by
- Patrick Guiney
- About
- Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Tags
- genki traveler, health insurance, digital nomads, costa rica, santa teresa, nosara, tamarindo, travel insurance, nomad insurance, expat insurance

Choosing Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
The question we get most from new members is which health insurance to get. Our answer is Genki Traveler. Here's why it fits life in Santa Teresa, Nosara and Tamarindo, and the honest version of what it won't cover.
Real health insurance for life on the move
Genki Traveler is health insurance built for people who live abroad and move around. It covers up to €1,000,000 for unexpected medical care, from a bad stomach bug to a life-threatening emergency.
Every country. See any doctor, at public or private hospitals.
Monthly. Stay covered for up to 12 months and cancel anytime after the first month.
Sign up abroad. You don't need to be home to start. Most of us aren't.
Why Genki Traveler Suits Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
Most travel insurance is written for a two-week holiday. Genki fits the way our community lives day to day.
Surfing is covered. So are diving, kitesurfing, hiking and most other sports.
Scooter accidents are covered. Small scooters are included even without a local licence. Conditions apply.
24/7 emergency line. If you're admitted to hospital, Genki pays the hospital directly and can arrange a medical flight home if needed.
Fast claims. For regular doctor visits, you pay first and claim online. Genki says 80% of reimbursements are paid within 2 business days.
What Medical Services Genki Traveler Covers
The stuff you hope you never need:
Doctor visits and telemedicine
Hospital stays and surgery
Scans: X-ray, MRI, CT
Prescribed medication
Emergency ambulance, including air ambulance
Medical flight home if needed
Up to 6 physio sessions per case
Dental treatment after an accident, up to €1,000
Travel for a family member to visit you in a life-threatening emergency, up to €5,000
What Genki Traveler Does Not Cover
Read this part twice. No insurance covers everything, and we'd rather you know now than find out in a clinic.
Anything you had before you signed up
Mental health care
Pregnancy and maternity care
Routine dental
Check-ups, vaccines and screenings
Elective procedures that can wait
Search and rescue
Trekking or climbing above 4,000 m
Sport you get paid for
These are the key exclusions, not the full list. Check Genki's insurance conditions before you sign up.
Important Information Before Signing Up for Genki Traveler
Genki Traveler Deductibles and Initial Coverage
€50 deductible per case. It's not charged on hospital stays.
Already abroad with no prior cover? Only emergencies are covered for the first 14 days.
12 months max. If you're staying longer, or you need mental health or maternity cover, look at Genki Native, their international health insurance.
Home country cover is limited. This is insurance for abroad, not a replacement for healthcare back home.
[DISCLOSURE: Nomads earns a referral fee if you sign up through our link. / Nomads earns nothing from this recommendation.]
Get covered: nomads-community.com/insurance
Sources for Genki Traveler Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Genki Traveler?
Genki Traveler is health insurance designed for individuals who live abroad and move around, covering unexpected medical care up to €1,000,000.
Does Genki Traveler cover surfing accidents in Costa Rica?
Yes, Genki Traveler covers surfing, diving, kitesurfing, hiking, and most other sports.
What is the deductible for Genki Traveler?
There is a €50 deductible per case with Genki Traveler, which is not charged on hospital stays.
Can I sign up for Genki Traveler if I'm already abroad?
Yes, you can sign up for Genki Traveler while abroad, but if you have no prior cover, only emergencies are covered for the first 14 days.
What does Genki Traveler not cover?
Genki Traveler does not cover pre-existing conditions, mental health care, pregnancy and maternity care, routine dental, check-ups, vaccines, screenings, elective procedures, search and rescue, trekking above 4,000 m, or paid sports activities.