By San José, Costa Rica — A strategic alliance between the National Insurance Institute (INS) and Correos de Costa Rica is fundamentally changing the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country. Since the launch of a new, highly accessible shipping insurance program in February 2025, over 48,600 packages have been sent with enhanced protection, providing a critical safety net for entrepreneurs who rely on national distribution to grow their businesses and reach their customers.
This initiative directly addresses a significant vulnerability for small business owners: the risk of financial loss due to theft, damage, or misplacement of goods during transit. For a minimal fixed investment of just ₡229 per package, SMEs can now secure their shipments, a measure that has brought newfound peace of mind and operational stability. The program has seen particularly strong adoption in regional commercial hubs like Palmar Norte and Limón, where local economies are heavily dependent on the reliable flow of goods.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and contractual nuances of insurance policies for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insights for entrepreneurs navigating this complex landscape.
For an SME, an insurance policy is more than just a safety net; it’s a strategic asset. However, the devil is truly in the details. Many business owners overlook crucial clauses related to coverage exclusions, deductibles, and the specific procedures for filing a claim. It is imperative to conduct a thorough legal review of any policy *before* signing, not after a loss occurs. Proactive legal counsel ensures that the coverage you are paying for is the coverage you will actually receive when you need it most.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is crucial, transforming the view of insurance from a passive safety net into a meticulously verified strategic asset. The proactive legal diligence that Lic. Arroyo Vargas advocates for is precisely what ensures an SME’s resilience is built on contractual certainty, not just hope. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this vital topic.
The program, officially titled the “Inland Merchandise Transport Insurance,” provides comprehensive coverage for loss, damage, and theft up to a maximum value of ₡100,000 per package. A key feature that makes this insurance particularly valuable for businesses is its straightforward claims process. Payouts are made directly against the product’s purchase invoice, ensuring that entrepreneurs are indemnified for the precise value of their goods, simplifying accounting and minimizing financial disruption.
This initiative reflects a dedicated effort to support the backbone of the national economy. The collaboration aims to remove barriers to growth and encourage entrepreneurship by mitigating risks that might otherwise deter smaller operations from expanding their market reach through shipping.
Our commitment at INS is to protect the efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises, offering accessible solutions that provide them with peace of mind and confidence in every shipment they make.
Rainer González, Head of the Individual Clients and SMEs Sub-directorate at INS
The success and necessity of the program are underscored by the data. While over 48,600 packages have been insured since February, INS reports that only 15 incidents have been filed as of August. This low claim rate suggests a high level of reliability in the shipping process, yet provides an indispensable guarantee for those unfortunate and unpredictable events that can cripple a small business’s cash flow.
The potential market for this service is immense. In 2024 alone, SMEs shipped approximately 2.236 million packages using the Pymexpress service from Correos de Costa Rica. The new insurance offering provides a scalable solution to protect a significant portion of this commercial activity, fostering a more secure environment for e-commerce and distance selling, which are increasingly vital components of the modern economy.
Accessibility has been a cornerstone of the program’s design. Entrepreneurs do not need to navigate complex paperwork or separate administrative processes to secure their shipments. The insurance can be conveniently purchased directly at the service windows of any Correos de Costa Rica branch at the same time the package is being sent, integrating seamlessly into the existing logistics workflow.
Ultimately, this partnership represents more than just a new insurance product; it is a strategic investment in the nation’s economic vitality. By safeguarding the fruits of their labor, INS and Correos de Costa Rica are empowering entrepreneurs to operate with greater confidence, encouraging business expansion, and ensuring that products from every corner of the country can reach their destinations safely and reliably.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros is Costa Rica’s state-owned insurance provider. With a long history of serving the nation, INS offers a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products for individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes. As a key player in the country’s financial sector, it is committed to developing solutions that promote economic stability, risk management, and social welfare for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit correos.go.cr
About Correos de Costa Rica:
Correos de Costa Rica is the national postal service of the country, responsible for universal postal services and a wide range of logistics and courier solutions. Beyond traditional mail, it has evolved into a crucial partner for the e-commerce and business sectors, offering specialized services like Pymexpress to support the growth and distribution needs of small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm channels its deep experience across a multitude of sectors not only to pioneer innovative legal strategies but also to fulfill a profound civic duty. This is demonstrated through a dedicated effort to demystify legal concepts for the public, aiming to construct a society where every citizen is equipped with the knowledge to assert their rights.
