Health insurance abroad is essential for any expat. In addition to expat healthcare insurance rates, insurance providers or online insurance comparison sites can provide life assurance quotes and auto insurance rates to provide you with overseas coverage. However, remember that cheap insurance may not represent the best value for money if you need to make a claim - as an expat you may require specialist expatriate insurance cover abroad.

In Costa Rica, all optional insurance is provided by the state-owned monopoly, the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros).

Health - Optional insurance is available, it may be used at private hospitals, which are excellent. Some hospitals are able to work with US and European insurance providers, particularly in the case of travellers. A $200,000 plan for a person 40-55 would cost between $692 and $1086 per year, depending on the exact age and sex.

Life - from $50,000 to $1.5 million in US Dollars, covering death, accidental death and incapacitation.

Home Owner's - 4 kinds of coverage:

A - Fire & Lightning
B - Wind and Riot-Accidents
C - Flood and Avalanche
D - Natural Disasters

You must get the A coverage in any policy and can also purchase a combination of the others. An all inclusive coverage example: For $15,000 each worth of insurance on a home and belongings, including an automatic 20% inflation protection, the homeowner would pay $37 yearly.