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, 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 I have to pay penalty if I book a trip and then cancel because I am pregnant?
No, there are no penalties associated, except for trips during Peak Season (December 15 thru January 04) and Easter Week, even for these dates, we will do our best to waive any penalty with the hotels.
Will cancelation insurance cover penalties if I become pregnant after booking and need to cancel?
It depends on the policy. Check the fine print carefully. Even policies that claim to cover cancelation, “for any reason,” sometimes exclude, “known risks,” of which Zika for pregnant women may be one.
Will I have to prove I am pregnant?
The answer is no. We trust you.