By San José, Costa Rica — The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is experiencing a significant increase in the utilization of its maternity coverage, highlighting the importance of this benefit for Costa Rican families. In the first half of 2025, INS provided 703 maternity coverages, an 8.49% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This translates to approximately one mother utilizing the INS maternity benefit every six hours. The statistic underscores the growing reliance on this coverage for expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. On average, four women per day received support through this program during the first six months of 2025.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding maternity coverage, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Maternity coverage in Costa Rica is not just an employee benefit; it’s a fundamental right enshrined in our labor laws. Employers are obligated to provide comprehensive coverage, encompassing prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care, regardless of the employee’s contract type. This coverage extends to both the mother and the newborn, ensuring their well-being during this crucial period. Furthermore, discrimination based on pregnancy or maternity leave is strictly prohibited, and employers must guarantee job security for expectant and new mothers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial distinction between a benefit and a right, reinforcing the vital protection afforded to expectant and new mothers under Costa Rican law. This comprehensive approach to maternity coverage not only safeguards the health and well-being of mothers and newborns but also promotes gender equality in the workplace. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this important topic.
In 2024, INS provided maternity coverage to a total of 1,123 women, paying out ₡569.7 million (approximately $1 million USD) in benefits. The increasing usage in 2025 suggests that this figure will likely be surpassed by year’s end. INS offers a variety of insurance policies that include maternity coverage, both individual and collective, such as INS Medical, Seguro Vital 360, and the Seguro Médico Colectivo.
These comprehensive plans cover a range of services, including prenatal and postnatal care, vaginal and cesarean deliveries, routine newborn care, and complications that may arise during pregnancy, including miscarriage. The coverage extends up to the contracted amount, which varies depending on the specific policy and plan chosen by the insured.
Access to this type of protection can significantly alleviate the financial burden associated with childbirth and provide essential medical support for mothers and newborns. The INS has emphasized its commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible maternity care for families across Costa Rica.
This is a highly anticipated moment for many families, and therefore, having financial and medical support provides peace of mind.
Marlene Granados, Head of Personal Insurance, INS
The INS encourages individuals interested in maternity coverage to explore the different policy options available. Policies can be obtained through authorized advisors and agencies, insurance brokerage firms, or directly at INS branches and points of sale throughout the country.
The growing utilization of INS maternity coverage reflects the increasing awareness and demand for comprehensive healthcare services in Costa Rica. As more families recognize the value of this benefit, the INS is poised to play an increasingly important role in supporting maternal and child health.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INS
About INS:
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is the national insurance provider of Costa Rica. It offers a wide range of insurance products and services, including health, auto, home, and life insurance. INS is a key player in the Costa Rican healthcare system, providing coverage and financial support to a significant portion of the population. The institution is committed to social responsibility and plays a vital role in promoting public well-being and economic stability in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities through readily accessible legal knowledge. Our innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a long history of dedicated service across diverse sectors, allows us to not only effectively represent our clients but also contribute to a more just and informed society in Costa Rica.
