Vacation time is supposed to be fun and worry-free, it’s actually recommended for our wellness, but there are those times where unfortunately we are faced with an unforeseen health problem while traveling, whether that is something as common and simple as a cold or a flu or something more serious such as a broken limb due to an accident, or an appendicitis that couldn’t wait until we got home.

According to data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, travelers that get sick usually report minor conditions, especially gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea,  but only about an 8% reported getting sick enough to require medical attention while abroad.

So what are some of the things you should consider to stay healthy while traveling to Costa Rica?

• The main concern right now for authorities is the Zika virus and dengue fever, and even though there haven’t been many Zika cases officially reported it is better to take preventive measures, and it is as simple as applying bugs spray constantly.
• To avoid gastrointestinal problems stick with “safe food”, this means, do not buy food from street vendors, wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them, stick to bottled sealed water, try to avoid ice in your drinks and stick with familiar foods.
• If you are traveling with kids, keep them hydrated and apply sunscreen and bug spray
• Only emergency medical treatment is available without charge for tourists, if you have a medical emergency and need medical care, call 911 and request an ambulance.
• Consider getting a travel health insurance or find out if your current plan covers international emergencies. Some insurance plans do not cover accidents that occur while practicing a “risky” activity such as those included in adventure tourism, so check first to make sure.
• If you need to go to the hospital there are private clinics that will provide fast and first class service, yet that comes with a high price tag. Local public clinics have high standards of healthcare but the service tends to be slow (if it’s not an emergency) and they are usually crowded. Private clinics usually take a number of international health insurance plans. Be careful while surfing as a lot of injuries are reported while practing this sport.
• Breaking a tooth or having a toothache are also common health issues while traveling; there are many great dentists in Costa Rica so don’t try to get by on pain killers when a quick visit to the dentist will get rid of the problem. We suggest Dr. Flikier

Even if you are the type of tourist that likes experiencing a country as a local, keep in mind that there might be certain germs or bacteria that locals are already immune to but that could get YOU sick, so even when your Tico friends suggest you try the meat “pincho” they sell on the street right outside the stadium, the “copo” (snow cone),  or the coconut water in a bag sold by a guy in the street corner do yourself a favor and avoid these type of “experiences” unless you are prepared to face the possible consequences.

There are not a lot of health risks you should be concerned about while visiting Costa Rica, but it is always best to take precautions. Follow the suggestions above, bring your regular medications and avoid unnecessary danger and you should be ready to have the best time of your life in Costa Rica.